im keeping the stock headunit and installing an amp and sub...ive got an 03 mcs...basic headunit from factory....where can i get a signal for the amp?

 

Good question. I asked this too. Nobody seems to know.

 

somone has to know because ive seen other post on other threads of people saying they just snagged a line at ground level..im just wondering what that means..im no audio tech..performance is more my thing...

 

I used a line output converter and then simply ran patch cables to the amp. I got my converter from Navone Engineering. http://www.davidnavone.com/
I was recommended them by a local audio shop.

You could also use a JL Audio Cleansweep to accomplish roughly the same thing yet provide better sound and then some. As it is, even with a the best standard line output converter around, If you turn the gain up on the amp there is some fuzziness that is hardly audible. The JL unit would clean the signal as well as convert it - making it and your stock head unit behave as one aftermarket head unit.

http://www.google.com/products/catal...CAcQ8wIwADgA#p

The thing is like $200 though.

 

The only signals available from the OEM headunit are the speaker outputs. If you choose an amp with speaker level inputs (many amps have them), you can just hook it up directly. Otherwise use a line level converter that converts from speaker level to line level.

 

im familiar using a line out coverter..but what wires do i use to get the signal? do i splice the rear speaker wires (for instance)
edit: im using a mono amp,not a 4 channel...if that makes a difference

 

I thought you meant where you'd get a signal to turn the amp on...like a remote turn-on lead. As far as I know, the Boost doesn't have one, meaning the amp would have to be wired to be on at all times, as long as the ignition is on... (something I, personally, would rather avoid).

As far as using a mono amp to power your main speakers...I'm sorry, you lost me. If you meant you're using a 2-channel amp, I would use the front speaker wires to go to the amp--then to the front speakers, and leave the rear wiring as is to the rear speakers, to be used as "fill". This way you also retain proper fader function at the radio.

To put it in terms that you might be more familiar with, the front and rear speaker relationship in a car, is kind of like the car's brakes. The fronts are relied upon to do most of the work, and the rears are mostly there just to keep things stable and even. So, using the meager power of the stock radio to power the rear speakers should not be a problem, as your upgrade in power to the fronts is what you'll actually be noticing the most.

 

If you're using a mono amp, I assume you're only adding a sub and its amp. Tap into the rear speaker wires wherever it is convenient for you. If you want to avoid cutting into wires, pick up the signal at the rear speaker terminals.

 

^yes just adding a sub and using the amp to power the sub only....

ellcapitan: i plan on using the rear cigarette lighter for the remote wire....

is there an advantage to connecting to the front speakers rather the the rear? ohm,hz, and frequency wise?

im running a 4 ohm sub...

 

[quote=zachsa;3093765is there an advantage to connecting to the front speakers rather the the rear? ohm,hz, and frequency wise?

im running a 4 ohm sub...[/quote]

No, not for a sub.

 

You'll be fine connecting to rear speakers. The front vs. rear issue is only with 2nd gen MINI.

 

^cool thanks for all the help everyone...when the audio store opens tomarrow ill get my line out converter....and get this sub put in...ill post pics...probably