How easy is it to connect a sub and amp to a stocko 380 stereo?
I dont know much about this but I've been told conflicting information.
Have been told that I will need two amps because of the stereo.
And have been told that its near impossible to connect it to the head deck.

Help please! :)

How easy is it to connect a sub and amp to a stocko 380 stereo?
I dont know much about this but I've been told conflicting information.
Have been told that I will need two amps because of the stereo.
And have been told that its near impossible to connect it to the head deck.

Help please! :)

I may be wrong but from what I've read there is no RCA line out from either single or stacker Head Units. You could try either getting an amp that will accept 'high level' inputs and re-route your speaker outputs from the HU to the amp. Or you can purchase high level to low level converters that will accept the speaker output from the HU and convert it to an RCA output allowing you to then run RCA signal cables to where ever you decide to mount the amp. The converters are normally small enough to mount behind the HU inside the dash somewhere. I believe a good quality signal converter should give you a better signal than running the speaker outputs to the amp. In NZ you can buy a 2 channel converter (left/right) for $20-$50, not sure of the price in Aus. Maybe check with somewhere like Jaycar.

How many amps you need will depend on what you are intending to amplify.
If it is just a sub in the boot then you could try taking a signal off the back speaker wires by stripping the insulation and soldering your existing factory wires and new signal-to-amp wires together and running into the high level inputs on your amp. I am not sure how well this would work as I think it will be the lower freq that will suffer the most...NOT good for a sub!!!
Or you could get a 2 channel converter, put it in behind the dash and run RCAs to your amp.

Either way you will not have direct sub control from the HU. I would reccomend running the signal from the rear speaker cables as this will enable you to lower the sub volume by fading to the fronts on the HU. If you feed off the front speaker cables then to lower the sub volume you would need to fade to the rear speakers which would really suck for the front passenger/driver.

Hope this helps.

I got a small device that hooks up the the back speaker wire that pretty much changes the frequency down another line to some rca plugs, it is only 15 bucks and it is only the size of a phone so it can fit in a nice spot in the boot.

It was something simple and easy and it saves pulling out and working on the deck.


Or you can purchase high level to low level converters that will accept the speaker output from the HU and convert it to an RCA output allowing you to then run RCA signal cables to where ever you decide to mount the amp.
:yeahthat:

To do this properly, you need to buy an OEM integration unit, such as the BitTen and BitOne from Audison. Quite a few brands make similar devices.

These devices will take the high level input, convert them to low level as well as remove any equalisation that is being done.

I've got a JL Audio mono block and Kicker amp with 2 12" subs in the boot straight off the stock head unit, got it professionally installed and watched him do it, I don't recall him having any "issues" with it. Seemed pretty straight forward. It's not impossible, the person that told you that sounds like a tool that shouldn't be taken seriously IMO

a friend of mine uses 2 amps off the stock headunit to power all his speakers and two subs.
but he does use a signal converter to change the highs into lows.

he has no problems with it at all, although all of this is in a VY Comformadore, im sure the same principals SHOULD apply

Thanks guys. Will see how I go

Knotched has done this, and replaced all the speaker (no sub) off High level converters, and it works very well, despite the tuner adding too much gain and excessive noise coming through, that was easily remedied though.
You just need to run a signal ( amp turn wire) to the amp.

Running a hilevel converter off the rears is perfect for running a sub, just coz you can't hear the lows, doesn't mean they aren't there, its just the speakers aren't good to play those signals loud or low enough.

Oh and perhaps your friend meant it is near inmpossible to connect an amp directly to the OEM head unit, is which case, he would be dead right. That would have given the best results.
But if you want just a sub, only one amp is required.
One four channel amp for two fronts and a sub is also do-able, and two amps, or one 5-channel if you want all 5 cranking.
But generally fronts and subs give the best result for the driver..

mind posting what subs your getting they need a individual amp....

i ask because if your going to spend money on decent subs / amp then you can afford a 100 dollar headunit with the proper outputs and cheaper subs amps you will have no trouble running of the stock unit with the above mentioned adaptor

i agree sounds like the tool is taking you for a ride

mind posting what subs your getting they need a individual amp....

i ask because if your going to spend money on decent subs / amp then you can afford a 100 dollar headunit with the proper outputs and cheaper subs amps you will have no trouble running of the stock unit with the above mentioned adaptor

i agree sounds like the tool is taking you for a ride

This is to go into a 380 vrx, so replacing the headunit raises issues (com error/new fascia required etc) the hi/lo convertor is the much simpler solution in this case.

This is to go into a 380 vrx, so replacing the headunit raises issues (com error/new fascia required etc) the hi/lo convertor is the much simpler solution in this case.

ok

http://fascias.com.au/product_info.php?products_id=173?osCsid=edac61bd1b 7e5300ff5ab1dd5256eb45

these can be found cheaper if you look around, just was just a quick link

converters are nice and i will agree cheaper, however if you want a decent system or plan to later on these facias are the better option

havnt come across any comm errors and just txted the boss and neither has he installing aftermarket headunits into 380's

ok

http://fascias.com.au/product_info.php?products_id=173?osCsid=edac61bd1b 7e5300ff5ab1dd5256eb45

these can be found cheaper if you look around, just was just a quick link

converters are nice and i will agree cheaper, however if you want a decent system or plan to later on these facias are the better option

havnt come across any comm errors and just txted the boss and neither has he installing aftermarket headunits into 380's

a quick look in the 380 subforum (where this thread is located) will tell you all you need to know about com error issue. i suspect you've never done a non base model 380 install if you've never encountered it?

this thread is in car audio budd, unless forum mods copied instead of moving


i assumed the error would be a common issue, forum search on amc, mea, google search pulled sfa, but after going thru the 380 forum the 4th page mentioned a light showing

awww gawdd nooo

quick everyone install factory headunits to overcome a light coming on on the odd occasion, cause a light is so much more important to piss off then dodgey sound quality