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To install and connect the power amplifier you don’t have to be a professional or hire a workshop, you can simply do it yourself, according to the motto
In our instructions we explain which tools and material you need and what you should pay attention to during installation.
The required tool
- Slotted screwdriver
- Wrench or ratchet (size depends on the cable, but size 10 is usually used)
You need the tool for both active and passive subwoofers. Only when you install the power amplifier you will see the difference, but more about that later.
Which material is needed?
- Cable set (up to 500 Wrms 25 mm², from 500 Wrms 35 mm², from 700 Wrms 50 mm²)
- Active subwoofer or power amplifier
The cable diameter should in any case be more than 20 mm². The next size for power cables is a 25 mm². Otherwise it can happen that the car headlights start flickering or the battery life is shortened or the power amplifier does not get enough current and thus cannot unleash its full power! When installing the power amplifier it is now important to know whether you have a passive or active subwoofer. If you have an active subwoofer, the power amplifier is already integrated and if you have a passive subwoofer, you have to install the power amplifier separately.
There are only some differences in the installation. Even if you have an active subwoofer, you should read both descriptions, as many of the steps are similar.
Short overview of our subwoofer review:
Installing the power amplifier for a passive subwoofer
The right place for the power amplifier
Here you are only limited by cable lengths! So you can install the power amplifier wherever you want. Typically it is installed in the trunk. Classically at the back of the back seat or with a little more effort underneath a paneling. If you want it to disappear under a fairing, you have to remember that it still has a stable hold, gets enough air to cool down and you need openings for the cables. It is also possible to install it under the rear seat or maybe under the passenger seat, but since you have very little space there, it is much more difficult to install and the result is as good as in the boot.
The cabling
In the wiring diagram you can easily see that the power amplifier needs a remote, RCA and power cable. If you don’t have a powercap, the power comes directly from the car battery. The cables should be routed in such a way that you do not lay the power cables next to the RCA cable, as they can interfere with each other and impair the sound quality. So you should lay the power cable in the driver’s side panel and the RCA and remote cables on the passenger side or vice versa. It may cost you more time and energy, but the result is acoustically better and visually more attractive than leaving the cables lying around in the car!
Since most of the inner linings have a plug-in system, you can pull on them several times and when the work is finished, the lining is simply put back into place. If the panel is screwed in, make sure that the subwoofer cables and all other long running cables are not damaged by the screws. Here you will find some tips for the cabling. After all cables are in their proper place, you can proceed to the next step, connecting the power amplifier.
Connecting the power amplifier
Whether you start with the power supply or with the RCA cable makes no difference. It is only important that you have no voltage on the power cable as long as the power amplifier is not yet installed! Here we start with the cinch and remote cable. Both can be connected to the car radio very easily, because the outputs only match the types of cables and you can’t plug them in the wrong way! Also with the inputs of the power amplifier you only have to read, because all inputs are described exactly. With a simple screwdriver you can attach the cables and make a connection.
It works similarly with the power cable. The inputs are also clearly marked and you only have to connect the positive cable to the positive pole and the negative cable to the negative pole. However, the negative cable does not go back to the battery, but is connected to the bodywork. There are so-called ground points for this. They can be recognized by the fact that there is a screw directly on the body. All grounding points are listed in the vehicle documents for
The outputs are connected to the speaker cables from the subwoofer. You can bridge 2 outputs to get double the power or use only 1 output. It depends on your dimensioning and the impedance. In our review reports we have always described how to connect the subwoofer.
Installing the power amplifier and fastening it correctly
All cables are now connected. All you have to do is install the power amplifier. For this you need the screwdriver and the corresponding screws. Normally they are delivered with the power amplifier. There are small holes at the corners, which are intended for the screws. Simply screw into the base and that’s it! A double-sided adhesive tape is no solution for fixing! It loosens too fast and can damage the car or in case of an accident also injure people!
Finally, all you have to do is install your subwoofer and adjust the power amp to get the most out of both components!
The differences with an active subwoofer
- Since you only have one subwoofer, it is important that you have found a suitable location and can mount it properly!
- With an active subwoofer, all cables are connected directly to the subwoofer. The inputs are very well described and you only have to read which cable belongs to which input.