I have searched for awhile to no avail, I understadn how to replace the standard factory speakers and feel confident in doing so.

My main question is how do you wire in RCA's to run a amplified sub like a bazooka tube. I dont need a competition stereo system, just want a little bass to compliment the crapiest factory stereo I have heard.

BTW I'm prepaired to be flamed for asking the dumb question of the day

 

Do you have the Boost systme or the HIFI. If you have the HIFI you can retrofit the 2010 HK spakers and get pretty good results just from swapping the door speakers out. Although more difficult, you ca also switch the rear 6X9's and gain even more bass. There is a thread in this section regarding retrofitting the HK speakers.

 

I have the Boost, I understand how to re-wire in new door speakers.

What I don't is how everybody is wiring in Sub's. I'm not an audio tech, my experiance in the past has been you replace the headunit, and run power to battery, amp/on to something that keys on and run RCA's to the headunit.

I would really like to keep it simple with just a base tube for now, seeing how I already have it.

 

Does your bass tube use high level inputs, low, or both? You will want to tap into the x9331 connector near the front of your car to get the high level signals. There is a good post here with tons of info on getting to that connector:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nnel-swap.html

And if you have the Boost stereo, the channel swap from the post sounds worthwhile while you are in there.

The signal coming from the x9331 connector will be a high level signal, so if you need to use a low level (non-amplified) signal, then you will need some line level converters to switch to the signal down to low level RCAs.

Good luck!

 

There are no RCA/line level signals output from the head unit (even with HIFI or HK amps), the head unit always outputs speaker level signals. As Maurtis said you will have to have an amp with speaker level inputs or get a converter to RCA signals.

 

So how are you tapping in ?

When you say that, I would assume splice the headunit side of the harness on the proper wires and piggy back of of them. Will this cause issue's ? I have done pretty extensive light harnes's before but that was on Jeeps that don't have near the diagnostics and sensors to trip.



The bazooka tube already has an AMP so I would think my best option would be a converter correct ?

 

Right, you tap into the wiring harness at the X9331 connector (a convenient location, you do not have to tear apart your dash to get to it).

You can use you method of choice to splice in, some people build a new harness to fit in the middle of the existing male and female X9331 ends, but that ends up being around $70 for the parts. I have not done it yet, but will probably use some 3M vampire taps: http://www.shop3m.com/80610089726.ht...Tap-Disconnect

Splicing into the speaker wires should not cause an issue as long as you do not compromise the speaker wire itself.

I know that some Bazooka bass tubes can accept both high level and low level inputs. If yours can take high level inputs, it seems that using those would be easier. Otherwise, looks like you would need line level converters to drop the high level inputs down to low level RCAs.

Or if you want to get fancy, you can use something like the MTX re-Q: http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...e-Q+-REQ-.html

 

Hey guys,

OP not to jack your thread, but I'm actually in the process of doing a sub install in my sister's 07' MINI. I'm not sure what kind of OEM system she has, but I know it isn't the Harmon Kardon system (she doesn't know either). Instead of starting a new thread, I thought I'd post in here and get some direct advice from you MINI gurus. BTW, I drive an 04' VW GTI.

I'm planning on transferring my JL 500/1 amp along with my JL W3v3 sub into my sister's MINI. The install in my car was easy because I had an aftermarket head unit with pre-amp RCA outputs.

My sister is adamant about keeping her stock head unit so I searched these forums for a while and decided to go with a sound processor in order to retain sound quality. I bought a re-Q 5 sound processor and before I proceed with the install, I wanted to make sure I don't screw it up.

So based on what is said in this thread, would I tap into the X9331 module/connector? I have a handful of tap splices left over from my boost gauge install, and figured I'd use them to piggyback off the speaker wires. I know that these have a good amount of resistance so will using these present any problems? Will drawing current from these speaker wires affect the sound quality and/or level of the speakers?

Looking at the input connector that came with the re-Q 5, I can see that there are wires for all of the speakers (green, white, brown, purple, and grey) as well as the blue (remote out), red (remote in), black (ground), and yellow (12V) wires. Will all of these wires be available at the X9331 connector? Or will I have to run extra wires from a different source? I noticed that the brown wire is for the subs? As far as I know, the MINI doesn't come with subs, so would I just leave this unconnected? If so, I'll probably wrap it in electrical tape and zip-tie it the the other wires.

I apologize for the long post, but I want to make this install a one-trip-to-lowes install, instead of making multiple ones throughout.

Thanks in advance! Your help is truly appreciated.