I have an 06 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab.
I have a fiberglass sub box for a 10" sub to fit under my rear driver side seat, and an amp to run it obviously. The part I can't get a decent answer about is what the best way to get a signal to the amp is.
I know the stock deck doesn't have RCA outputs, and I don't really want to put in an aftermarket deck. One option is to put a low level input converter from the speakers to the amp, but from what I have been told the main volume will change the input to the amp, so not the greatest of ideas. So far the only options I am aware of are to put in an aftermarket deck with RCA's, or do a input converter from the speakers but not get a proper signal.

Are there any other ideas that I am not aware of?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, I have all the equipment to do the install just have to figure out the best way before I can get started!

 

The newer amps have a hi level input with a harness that taps into your rear left and right speakers.

 

problem with using the stock deck (or so I've heard) is that the deck turns down the bass as you turn up the volume to save the speakers, so your sub stays the same volume as your speakers get louder

 

I use a line out converter on my stock deck and have no problems. As I turn the volume up the bass goes up. The stock radio bass control does a great job controlling the bass output.

 

There are line-out converters that have bass restoration and signal processing all built into one. MTX REQ is one at a great price. Th JL Cleansweep is a bit pricey IMO.


The problem with a basic line-out converter is sure you retain the bass output, but it's a crappy signal and produces sloppy not so good sounding bass. It's a poor signal and although you may think it sounds good, until you compare one to the next you would be amazed. Plus, your sub is generating lots of unnecessary heat when it's driven by the OEM signal.

 

Have been into two different car audio shops in town and they gave me two completely different answers, so not sure what to think now.

 

I put in an alpine deck on sale for $100 into my truck, and just with stock speakers it sounds WAAYYY better. Ipod hookup and whatever too.

I know you said you didn't want a new deck, only reason I say this is that I didn't either and I'm glad I let my friend convince me to buy one