amp and sub w/stock radio

kornbred01 · #1 03-10-2009, 10:53 PM

i know it can be done with chevys... but i dont know how different dodge radios are. havent had time to check it out. have any of yall done something like this?

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raminator08 · #2 03-10-2009, 10:58 PM

i thought about doing something like that and found out that you need like a $20 cable to convert the radio into adding an extra jack but the stock radio doesnt really have enough power to have a sub sound good. you would be better off getting a new HU.
sorry but i cannot find that cable. i think someone else here knows though

BigHorn Inferno · #3 03-11-2009, 12:32 AM

So, i did this in my 05' Durango, and will be doing it soon here in my 08' 1500 QC with the infiniti system and it is really easy. I went to my local car audio shop (Car Toys) and they were able to install a line output converter right behind that radio that created the RCA jacks that you need for the amp. The part (line output converter) is only about $35. The install is about $65.

If you do it also ask them to drop the blue accessory wire for the amp and have them tie it to the ignition.

That should be all you need for sound signal. Then just run your power, ground, RCA's, and accessory wire back to that amp and you will have your bass....

When i get my finally done i will put up pics.

Ben D. · #4 03-11-2009, 12:53 AM

you can do it yes, will it sound good... no.. but that depends on what you think good sound is.. I'm an audiophile so not much less than perfect will satisfy me. but that's up to you.

BigHorn Inferno · #5 03-11-2009, 01:18 AM

Mine wast to bad, not the best i have ever heard but the clarity and quality of the bass obviously depends on the amp, sub, and box the sub is in. I tested the signal strength from the line output converter and also from the eclipse head unit in my other car and they were pretty close. Also the signal isn't really going to affect a bass sound if it has the power and the amplifier filters it well. Obviously if you are using a stock stereo your speakers are probably going to struggle to keep up with the sub, at least mine did in the Durango.

The hardest part about getting a great sound is that you have next to no control over tone and levels like you would using an aftermarket head unit. But the bright side is if you are using a good amp you can control most of that on the amp...

raminator08 · #6 03-11-2009, 01:49 AM

someone should make a DIY on this if not already done

truckin151 · #7 03-11-2009, 11:08 AM

I did it to my 05', it doesn't sound bad, but it doesn't sound perfect either and there are certain functions that I would like to have that the stock cd player doesn't have to tune it a little more. but just looking in the window you cant tell I have anything in the truck at all and I like that.

Joel_MD · #8 03-11-2009, 04:48 PM

If you really want your factory head unit to sound good with aftermarket amps and subs you should consider one of those JL Audio CleanSweep boxes. The problem with factory head units is they engineer a certain amount of equalization into it to overcome the crappy speakers and lack of amplification, so when you add good amps and speakers it doesn't sound good.

raminator08 · #9 03-11-2009, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckin151

I did it to my 05', it doesn't sound bad, but it doesn't sound perfect either and there are certain functions that I would like to have that the stock cd player doesn't have to tune it a little more. but just looking in the window you cant tell I have anything in the truck at all and I like that.

yeah, that was why i was kind of hesitant to buy a new HU. its going to attract thieves more than if i were to have my stock stereo there. i wish they made a stock looking radio with all the functions and capabilities the aftermarket ones have

SinfulDragon · #10 03-11-2009, 09:17 PM

take the face of the radio off. While they can buy new to get it working again, that would be work and they are looking for the easy fix.

I tried one of these on my system. It worked better than I had expected but i only used it to buy enough time to cut up the factory ford radio to take out the radio part but leave the automatic climate control... talk about a pain in the ass!!!
anyway, i'd use it again if/when needed. You can find them at walmart for around $20 and tap into the rear speakers at any location you'd like.