If you are planning to upgrade your car’s sound system, adding a subwoofer can significantly improve the quality of bass in your car’s audio system. But before you can enjoy the powerful bass, you need to correctly wire your amplifier to your subwoofer. In this article, we will give you a complete guide on how to wire an amp to a sub and talk about some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the topic.
Understanding Amp to Sub Wiring Diagram
The first step to wiring your amp to your sub is understanding the wiring diagram. The wiring diagram is a visual representation of how to connect your amp to your sub. It helps you understand which wire connects where, and it can vary depending on the type of amplifier and subwoofer you have.
Before you start wiring, ensure that you have the right wiring kit for your sub and amplifier. The kit should include a power cable, speaker wire, ground wire, and RCA cables. The power cable and ground wire should be thick enough to handle the power output of your amplifier.
Once you have the kit, the following are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Disconnect Your Car Battery
Before you start wiring your amplifier, it is crucial to disconnect your car battery. This will prevent any electrical current from flowing through the system, which can cause severe injury or damage to your car’s audio system.
Step 2: Connect the Power Cable
The power cable is responsible for delivering power to your amplifier. Connect the power cable from the positive terminal of your battery to the positive terminal of your amplifier. It is crucial to ensure that the power cable is securely connected to the amplifier.
Step 3: Connect the Ground Wire
The ground wire is responsible for grounding your amplifier. Connect the ground wire from the negative terminal of your battery to the amplifier’s ground terminal. Ensure that the ground wire is securely connected to the amplifier.
Step 4: Connect the Remote Wire
The remote wire is responsible for turning your amplifier on and off. Connect the remote wire from the amplifier to the remote turn-on terminal of your head unit. This will ensure that your amplifier turns on when your head unit turns on.
Step 5: Connect the RCA Cables
The RCA cables are responsible for transmitting the audio signals from your head unit to your amplifier. Connect the RCA cables from the RCA output of your head unit to the RCA input of your amplifier. Ensure that the RCA cables are securely connected to both the head unit and the amplifier.
Step 6: Connect the Speaker Wire
The speaker wire is responsible for transmitting the audio signals from your amplifier to your subwoofer. Connect the speaker wire from the amplifier’s speaker output to the subwoofer’s speaker input.
Amp to Sub Wiring Diagram
The amp to sub wiring diagram can vary depending on the type of subwoofer and amplifier you have. The most common wiring diagram is the single voice coil (SVC) subwoofer, which has only one coil. The following is the wiring diagram for a single voice coil (SVC) subwoofer:
| Sub | Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Positive Terminal | Positive Terminal |
| Negative Terminal | Negative Terminal |
For dual voice coil (DVC) subwoofers, the wiring diagram can be a bit more complicated. The following is the wiring diagram for a dual voice coil (DVC) subwoofer:
| Sub | Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Positive Terminal 1 | Positive Terminal |
| Negative Terminal 1 | Negative Terminal 2 |
| Positive Terminal 2 | Positive Terminal |
| Negative Terminal 2 | Negative Terminal 1 |
The wiring diagram can vary for different types of amplifiers and subwoofers. Ensure that you read the manufacturer’s manual before wiring your amp and sub.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I wire multiple subs to one amp?
Yes, you can wire multiple subs to one amp, but you need to ensure that the amplifier can handle the power output of the subwoofers. Also, ensure that you have the right impedance load, which is the total resistance of the subwoofers. You can achieve the right impedance load by wiring the subs in series or parallel.
Q2. How do I know if my amplifier is compatible with my subwoofer?
You can ensure that your amplifier is compatible with your subwoofer by matching the power output and impedance load of the amplifier and subwoofer. Ensure that the amplifier can handle the power output of your subwoofer and that the impedance load matches the amplifier’s minimum impedance load.
Q3. What happens if I wire my subwoofer incorrectly?
Wiring your subwoofer incorrectly can result in severe damage to your car’s audio system. It can cause the amplifier to overheat, blow fuses, and even damage your subwoofer. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s manual when wiring your amp and sub.
Q4. Can I wire my subwoofer without an amplifier?
Yes, you can wire your subwoofer without an amplifier, but it will not produce the same quality of bass as when connected to an amplifier. If you want to enjoy powerful bass, we recommend that you connect your subwoofer to an amplifier.
Q5. How do I troubleshoot wiring problems?
If you are experiencing wiring problems, ensure that all connections are securely connected, and the wiring diagram is correctly followed. Also, ensure that the power cable and ground wire are thick enough to handle the power output of your amplifier. If you still experience problems, consult a professional.
Conclusion
Wiring an amp to a sub can be daunting, but with the right wiring kit and following the manufacturer’s manual, it can be done easily. Ensure that you disconnect your car battery, follow the wiring diagram, and use the right gauge of wire. Remember to match the power output and impedance load of your amplifier and subwoofer.
