Can I run low power subs directly off my Head Unit RCA output?

Question

I have a 2001 Hyundai Accent with a Boss Audio BA360 head unit.

Answer 1

No you cannot run the subwoofer with the rca output as the rca output will not give you any power only signal. You could technically hook it up to a speaker output but all the frequencies would play through the sub, not just the bass notes. Also the most a power I've ever seen a head unit put out is 22 watts rms which will not move even the most sensitive subwoofers enough to produce audible sound.

Answer 2

Does your computer woofers have RCA inputs? How are you going to power the computer subs? If they are 110V and your vehicle is a 12V system, you will need a 12V power converter to power the subs and the RCA input from the vehicle radio will give them a signal. Due to them coming from a computer setup, they already have either active or passive crossovers built in, in which when you provide them a power source you will activate the powered crossover and if they have a 30W built in amp, it will also power the subs. If the crossovers are passive, then the power that is delivered to the subs will loose some power before reaching the sub itself. It doesn't matter what ohm load the sub's are. Any ohm load can be played within a vehicle. We used to run series just to increase ohm loads so we could bridge them to one power amp to get a 4 or 2 ohm load.



As for the converter, you can buy one around $30 at a local Walmart. It plugs directly into your cigarette lighter and will allow you to plug in 2 110v items to simulate a 12v setup. If you only have one RCA, you will need to buy a splitter which will then give you 2 and then an RCA extension cable will allow you to put the sub's in the rear.



Now, if you really want to run a small system. You can buy a high to low converter and hook it up to either one of your existing speakers. This will give you 2 RCA setups. Then you will need to purchase a small amp, either active (powered) or passive (non-powered) crossover (recommend active) Run your RCA to the crossover. Then your amp. Make sure everything is fused. You will need to run a main power cable from the positive of the car to where you want the amp installed. This will also power the crossover. Ground both to a solid metal ground to a non-painted surface, possibly the chasis of the car. Then you will need to run a turn on lead wire. This can be done many ways, usually from the fuse box that the fuse activates when the ignition key is turned on. Once the crossover and amp are secure, run the wires, hook up the RCA's and connect the sub's to the amp and your good to go. Now this is just a basic setup for a simple system. There are many, many different ways to setup an audio system within any particular vehicle.

Answer 3

No head unit puts out enough power to really enjoy a sub-woofer. Yes you can hook it up if it is 4-ohms... but you will be VERY disappointed at how quiet it is.