iv been serching around and can you install the RCA wires to the stock headunit or no? would i have to get a new HU in order to install them, i wanted to save and get a good dubble din cuz i go a really good deal on 2 12's and the amp for 50$ from a good friend

 

bose? non bose?

 

there's a small box that you can use to do this. I can't remember what it's called. But you basically tie into the wires from a speaker, then the box converts them to RCA outs on the other side for an amp. It works pretty well, but I can't remember what it's called. I wired up a system in a cobalt this way, i'll look later and post back what it is.

 

The small box you are referring to is called a line out converter. You can go to any local stereo shop to get one. It will cost you around $30-$40 pending on where you go. In all honesty, if you are going to add an external amp with subs, replace your stock head unit. You will sacrifice so much sound quality if you stick with the factory headunit.

 

^^ Good points.

If it’s the stock H/U, and not a Bose upgrade, the head unit doesn’t support a SubW.

If it’s the Bose upgrade, it only supports the cheap OEM Bose SubW. Either way with an OEM H/U, you really don’t have a good option for a decent SubW.

As you said, it’s best to replace the Z’s OEM H/U if you add an external amp and SubW.

--Spike

 

I ran a sub on the factory H/U for a while.

There are several keys to getting decent (and its decent at best) sound quality from the sub. First and foremost your upper frequencies will be drowned out completely, I don't recommend running it for too long (in process of finishing my upgrades now), and secondly, you will have to be very careful to keep the bass level at 0 or less on the stock headunit to avoid distortion that can blow the sub and sound like garbage.

I have an amp with high level inputs (speaker power signal) that I had wired to my rear speakers initially (have a H/U now). I was able to turn the input sensitivity up and keep the EQ way down, which kept the signal somewhat clean.

Short term just get the converter or buy an amp with high level inputs, long term get a good head unit or head unit and sound processor.

Good luck mounting dual 12's btw.

 

yes thank you. Thats what it is, just slipped my mind @ the time. I agree 100% on getting a new headunit. I just replaced my stock headunit in my 08Z with a nice Alpine and it made a world of difference in the sound quality of the factory speakers. I plan to eventually do a full component and subwoofer setup with everything amped, but for now the headunit made a killer difference

 

Good point, I wasn't thinking about an amp with speaker level inputs. Do you know if the amp you are buying has them? Also just like you said there are so many things you have to be careful about because you could possibly end up screwing something up in your car. As for the short term and long term, I couldn't agree more. Also I too wish you the best of luck in mounting dual 12's.

 

if your using the rca box that you splice into the rear speaker wires.... itll sound like ****. get a new head unit....

 

My amp has high level in that I am not using anymore. And I have a single 10" Mmats P3.0 (have had it for almost 2 years now).

 

Yes, going the cheap route on audio will always leave you wanting more. Do what the guys above me said: plan out your system, and upgrade the HU first. The sub can come later on.