you can keep your existing stock radio. If you'd like to add an aftermarket amplifier/subwoofer, then at a minimum you would need a Line Output Converter (LOC, Hi-Lo). This device ($30) converters a high level signal fed by your stock cd player's amplifier (if not the [if equipped] monsoon premium amplifier] and converts it to a low level [read: your RCA jacks]signal - one better suited to an aftermarket amplifier. Some aftermarket amplifiers even have this LOC built in (though, in my experiences, junky compared to a stand alone LOC).

you will NOT find RCA style jacks on the back of your stock radio.


Up until a short time ago, my job WAS installing car electronics devices (for 9 years)... so if youd like some more advice, lmk

-john

 

do not buy junk. (sound storm, kole audio, legacy.... and in my opinion, audiobahn) if you are only looking to upgrade your 'low end' by purchasing a subwoofer/amplifier combo, then you would only need a 1 or 2 channel amplifier.

 

If you are going to keep the stock speakers and head unit, then a separate amp for the speakers isn't necessary. But if you just want to add some more bass, then the self-contained Basslinks would probably be your best bet. And I believe they only make up to a 10" Basslink. I will admit that a 12" subwoofer does pack a deeper, cleaner kick, but the Basslinks do pack quite a punch behind them. Not to mention that you could always take your Basslink with you and install it into the new car when you get it, and still use your trunk as a trunk instead of one giant bass box.

Back when I was in high school, I used to rock a powerful, 12" AudioArt subwoofer and would just crank the hell out of it. Back then, since I had a slow car, I compensated that with a very powerful sound system, and for some reason, I thought it was cool shaking the mirrors on the car 4 spaces in front of me. Little did I know that I was acting like the biggest douche in the world and lost close to 10% of my hearing from it.

So now, I'm into the quality of the sound, not sphincter-shattering bass. So adding a little bit of punch to an already good sounding system should do alright for you. You could just go out and get a 10 or 12" sub with a separate amp too, but that usually takes up 1/3 to half of your trunk.

 

So if I get a Basslink, would I still need the LOC? I found this one http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Hoa5BKu...aspx?i=142SLC4 it's a scosche.

No worries, I planned on getting Inifinity, Rockford Fosgate, Pioneer or Kenwood anyhow, I'm not one to get cheap stuff. (I say as I have a 200 dollar budget hah). No really, I don't mind spending the money on something, but what I want now is not a complete system, just a little extra bass.

 

^^ Whether or not you need a LOC all depends on your stock head unit. I'm not too familiar with stock Monsoon setups, so I wouldn't know. Odds are, you would. And the Infinity Basslinks are pretty premium units if you are into getting some extra, good sounding bass, plus keeping your trunk free of humongous boxes.

I think the Basslinks go for right around $300 bucks for the Basslink I.......which I've used before and sound amazing. Crutchfield has some very good information and videos showing how to add a sub to an exisiting system here.........

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...k&i=108BASSLIN

Click on the picture and you can view the videos.

 

Sorry for all these questions, but one more. If I get the Basslink, how will I control the level of output? I mean as it is now, I like being able to just twist a **** and change the bass level simple and easy. Will that still work like that when I hook this up? I'd like to be able to turn it up high when I listen to R&B, and turn it to mid power when I listen to Country/Rock

 

It comes with a separate **** unit you can mount up front to adjust the bass level with..........

 

Awesome, you guys are great, I know I could count on you. I'm beginning to like this forum better than my other one

 

Hey even if you do have to replace the headunit, they make dash kits that you can usually find with the unit. It will cover up the emptyness. Do you drive a vw right now?

 

Hey CF, what year is your maro again?

I would recommend installing the MTX Thunderform CF10A-T45. This will keep a very clean look in your trunk and will not harm your t-top storage space. The "bump" that this 10inch provides is very enjoyable. When installing this into my bothers camaro we actually were so satisfied that we stopped using the 2 stock smaller subs behind the drivers seat and passengers seat.

They sell on ebay for with-in your price range.

http://cgi.ebay.com/MTX-CF10-Thunder...QQcmdZViewItem