khtm

I wasn't able to find a DIY for installing a subwoofer. I did all the audio work on my old '86 accord but that was a no brainer as I had an after-market deck and wasn't afraid of ripping up some carpeting and pulling out the rear seat.

I don't want to mess anything up in my 8, so I was hoping somebody could post pics/instructions of how they tapped into the auxiliary rear power, how they tapped into the rear speakers to get the amp feed (or if they used the rear amp to get the signal).

Anyways, any help would be appreciated. I just got 4080s custom box and am dying to put it in!! :D It looks amazing.

MrMethane

I read this one yesterday, its about a quick upgrade to the bose system but the first thing he does is hook up an amp in the trunk and power a 10" sub off it. Should show you how to run a power wire all the way back to the trunk. Then he taps into the rear 6X9s.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-quick-dirty-upgrade-bose-system-30579/

Hope this helps, I'm no audiophile so I'm not sure exactly what your trying to do and if this is it, but it appears to be the same thing.

Rotary Rasp

iTrader: (2)

Here is what I did, they don't explain in too much detail, but they do have a lot of pictures and ideas.

Subs:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/new-sub-install-46086/
Sound deadening:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/dynamat-alternative-47750/
Bose Cap:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/cap-installed-bose-amps-47420/
Rear speakers:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/replacing-rear-6x9-speakers-47561/

khtm

Hey thanks a lot MrMethane! That definitely helps, although I think I'll still try to get power from the console auxiliary outlet.

khtm

Thanks also, Rotary Rasp!

One thing I'm a bit fuzzy on is what I need to do to get the speaker-level input. I've only ever used RCA inputs on amps. In the other thread, rilot talks about "scotchlock" and you used a "line converter". What's the benefit of each? I guess I could pick these things up at any car audio store...?

khtm

Another question: has anyone replaced the 9" woofers in the doors? Would this be a good thing to do or would replacing the 6x9s in the rear be a better move?

G8rboy

Here's my DIY thread from a year ago... lots of tips and pictures of where I tapped into:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ght=custom+box

khtm

Damn - those pics are just what I was looking for, G8rboy! :D

What type of "connector" did you use to tap into the preamp inputs? I guess it's something that goes from wires to RCA...just never seen it. Is there a name for it?

G8rboy

KHTM-
I don't know what those things are called, but they're essentially wire "taps" that allow you to tap into an existing wire without breaking it... perfect for the wires coming into the amp. I cut the ends off an RCA cable so I had loose wires to tap into, allowing me to bring the pre-amp audio from the head unit into my subwoofer amp's line-level RCA inputs. It's definitely not a show-car "pretty" solution, but it works fine and my system sounds great... it's been over a year now and no problems. You should be able to find those at Radio Shack or any car audio shop I'd imagine... I've used 'em for years for various 12V things.

Rotary Rasp

iTrader: (2)

I started out with a line converter, it was pretty bad. A few weeks later I switched it out for the Soundgate LOCB.2 which was much better. The soundgate unit will only work with the Bose system.

Here is the line converter:
https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...chmentid=35209

LOCB.2:
http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/sounlocbosli.html


Do you have the Bose setup or not?

Rotary Rasp

iTrader: (2)

Only use that for a remote trigger for the amp. Do not try to power the amp from there.

khtm

Yep, sure do. I'll take a look at the LOCB.2 - thanks for the links.

I've heard that people get power from there...G8rboy got his from there. What's the reason not to? I'll put an in-line fuse...

G8rboy

Well, as a disclaimer, just because I did doesn't make it a good idea... I've had no problems whatsoever, but I'm not pulling a ton of power either. I think it helps that I have a class 'D' digital mono amp, so it doesn't require much to make it thump. I have had a wiring kit in my garage ready to run a source up to the battery, but I haven't found the motivation yet

khtm

Ok, cool - so I guess it's probably a better idea to go straight to the battery. No problem!

Thanks for all your input, guys! :D