Rear Speaker Tapping?
 

Hello,
I have heard of some people tapping into the rear speakers so you can add a subwoofer without changing the stock headunit. How is this done? Do you disconnect the rear speakers from the harness and just splice the wires together? Or should I just get a new headunit and use RCA cables instead?

Ge the integral audio adapter, cost $100 but gives you RCA connectors. The rear speakers are NOT for subs, they actually are notch filtered around 150HZ so you won't get enough bass.

I also agree on getting the adapter.. Makes adding a amp much easier.. not to mention you then have RCA connections!

I am going to be using a powered sub rated to only 100 watts. I've seen others do similar with 130 watts, should I still get an adapter?

The rear speakers don't have all the lows, you
Can use them but you'll be missing sounds
Around 150hz. You could do the speaker swap
Written about but up to you.
I installed a 200 watt bazooka and its more
Than I need , got it dialed down to 50% .

Also remember you need power and should
Use the battery . There is alot already posted
In the forums about this. I ran a 8G to the
Battery.

If the power sub you have has "high level in".. then I would say just hook it up and go with it. if it doesn't sound well enough to your liking do the channel swap like others have suggested.. Good luck!:)

That is only true for the 2nd generation MINI. This is the 1st gen forum. OP has a 2004.

I'll only be using the signal input. I will still run the power wire straight to the battery, but this idea sounded nice so that I wouldn't even have to touch the stereo. Thanks for the replies!

Somebody please give some input. I saw a thread awhile ago about how some guy did this without changing the stock headunit but he didn't really elaborate.

What part do you need help on? If you are keeping the stock head unit and just taping into the rear speakers theres not a lot to tell. Its fairly easy if you have done installs before.

Intergal Audio has a good step by step on how to install. Not everything will pertain to you. But Im sure it will help you out on your install.. Just go to there wed page select your vehicle and year then there is a file that states install.. check it out! Good luck.

I haven't done installs before. Does anybody know which wire on the harness is this input wire? I'm guessing it's the one that's not red or brown?

I disagree here. That adapter is 100$. Took me zero dollars and about 10 minutes to just splice into the factory connector. (I'm talking 2nd gen here.. I assume they make the same for 1st gen?)

Factory connector? Please explain.

Meaning the original connector that was installed at the factory (at the back of the speaker).

First we need to know if you have HK Audio or not, and if you have speaker level inputs on your aftermaket subwoofer.

I agree with you Dan.. If you are installing a powered sub only like a bazooka tube powered sub that adapter wouldn't be needed. If you are doing a complete speaker over haul with amps and speakers its an ideal option. But the OP at that time hadn't stated what he was doing at that point. Not to mention I think he has a 1st gen MINI..

+1

I have the base audio, no h&k. Also, I'm using a powered sub, the kicker 11ph12. I'm keeping the rear speakers. My mini is an r50.

On the Gen 2 cars there is an easy to access audio connection in the drivers kick panel to all 4 channels.

The box has speaker level inputs. Just follow the subwoofer instruction manual and tap the signal from the rear speakers.

Can I splice into just one rear speaker?

You only get 50% of the bass. It'll probably be fine musically as bass is usually the same to both speakers. However if it's a stereo sub with dual voice coil driver and has L&R audio inputs you should use both for maximum volume.

Yes you have to use the signal from both left and right rear speakers. If your are going through the trouble of all of this. Do it right.. Follow the install instructions that came with the powered sub. Also make sure you keep the polarity correct from each channel. Good luck

Why would I only get 1/2 the bass if I'm only tapping into the signal?