Audio Newb question

[azguath]

Just received an MTX Audio THUNDER8000 12in sub in a closed box.

What I would like to know is How can I get it connected into the Stock system. I plan on locating a small 500w Amp to tie in.

Fun part is the Amp and Sub will need to be on quick disconnects so that I can pack the Dogs and the Wife's Wheelchair into the car.

[Neen]

I would suggest using the Mopar amp/sub if you are planning on running the stock head unit. If you are wanting the added bass of the 12" you should seriously consider upgrading the reciever...you can get a new unit for about $100.

What type of music do you primarily listen to?

[azguath]

Mostly I listen to 80's and Old School Rap, Will change to Country frequently and then to current rock like Disturbed and Avenged Sevenfold, Then may switch to some Muddy Waters or BB King.

[rcktpwrd]

You can get a life level converter, that will take the speaker lines and change them to rca for the amp.

But I would recommend the Mopar sub that goes in the drivers side rear. It doesn't take up any space and connects directly to the factory radio. Look on ebay for Cass Daniels...

[azguath]

Another Question Anyone ever used BassBox 6 Pro ?

Looking for the Acoustic Properties of the PT in stock Trim

[xwing777]

I agree on the mopar sub. For less than $100 shipped it plugs right into the factory radio and fills in the missing lows nicely.

With that said, if your wanting to proceed with aftermarket.....

From the looks of your avatar you have a 2nd. Gen?

If so, you dont have any switched outputs as the canbus (car computer system) is different than the older models.

Theres 3 ways to add an amp.

1) tap into your cig lighter power wire to provide a remote turn on for the amp.

2) Wire a switch to battery that you can turn off/on as needed (dont forget to fuse it close to battery)

3) Use this product Pac-Audio.com Product Details | iPod Integration for your car and More by Pac-Audio - Connecting you to the future

All methods require a wire directly to battery for main power to map though.

Then for audio input, you can use a line level convertor IF your amp doesnt have high level inputs. Tap into the rear speakers and run to amp input either way.

Now for quick disconnect you can use something like this: Dual Power Connectors

OR while they are pricey, i like the alpine PDX amps. Very small size, huge ouput and everything plugs in:



BTW. IF your going to adding other things in the future, check out my add an auxilary fuse block here: How to: Get power to radio and add circuits for power

[Neen]

Don't waste your money on bassbox 6 pro...just use one of these websites if you are really wanting to build your own sub.

Speaker Box Enclosure Designer / Calculator

All you need is your selected driver's TS parameters...then you can find the perfect interior volume for the type of enclosure you are after.

If you aren't going to rock a whole bunch of heavy bass all the time (old school rap exclusively would sound better with a larger sub than the Mopar sub) and are looking for the best all around sound then stick with the Mopar sub. If you have decided to upgrade the stock head unit then this opens the doors for a lot of alternatives.

Unless you have an unwaring love for the Chrapsler head unit and want to keep your sub I would upgrade your head unit. Then using your amp/sub is as simple as wiring your main power, negative, remote and RCA for the sub. All of it will connect directly to your aftermarket head unit.

[azguath]

Only reason I am using the MTX Thunder Sub is I already have it. It was Given to me as payment for some work I had done.

[rcktpwrd]

I recently installed an Alpine 5 channel amp in my Cruiser. It fits perfectly under the drivers seat. I connected it with the speaker inputs and it sounds great. I have the factory stereo, but changed all the speakers except for the one in the Mopar sub box. It makes for a nice clean install that looks stock but sounds much better!