Tapping into speaker wire for sub

[EddieinD]

I have the '06 Scion HU (but I guess this applies to factory HU also) and I want to add an amp and sub. The Amp has speaker-level inputs. I have seen on several forums that I can 'tap' into the rear speakers and connect to the amp's speaker-level input for the sub. Is this right? I just 'split' the speaker wires? Wouldn't this mess up the connection to the speakers?

Thanks

 

[greasefingers]

Split the wire no ...but tap the wire either by soldering or a crimp-type connector as shown in this link. http://www.crowbarelectricalparts.com/Scotchloks.htm

 

[EddieinD]

Thanks. I wasn't clear what 'tapping into' meant.

 

[4rundan]

Don't you need a remote wire converter for this?? I installed an amp to my fiance's Corolla, and she had the factory head unit. I tapped into the rear speaker for the remote wire to the amp. But I had to use a DEI remote converter.

 

[EddieinD]

Remote converter? Is that the same as a line output converter? I didn't think I needed one because my amp accepts speaker-level inputs.

 

[4rundan]

I believe those are just in place of the "pre-outs" for RCA's. You still need a Remote On/Off source, for that you will need the converter. I could be wrong, please let me know if you find out that I am.............................................................................................................................it would probably explain a few of my own problems:jester:

 

[viper4evr2001]

from my personal experience i wouldnt use line level (aka direct from the speaker to the amp) i would get a line converter that takes the line from high (speaker level) to low (rca level) sounds much better and you can adjust the level imput. second yes you need whats called a REM wire which turns the amp on. it can be as simple as finding the wire that goes to the factory amp that turns it on or take it from the acc or find the wire on the back of the radio that turns the radio on.

 

[EddieinD]

Looks like maybe I will have to invest in a LOC. I'll still have to tap into speaker wires though.

 

[GYoter]

I used a line output converter and have had no problems, it was easy. As for the remote amp turn on you just need to tap a line into the acc wire of the harness.

Gray=ACC Power
Blue/Yellow=Constant Power
Brown=Ground
Pink=Front Left +
Purple=Front Left -
Lt Green=Front Right +
Blue=Front Right -
Black=Rear Left +
Yellow=Rear Left -
Red=Rear Right +
White=Rear Right -

You can also get amp output adapters that are made for the scion that would allow you to skip the converters altogether. Usually you can find them on ebay, but i dont see any on there right now.

 

[EddieinD]

I used a line output converter and have had no problems, it was easy. As for the remote amp turn on you just need to tap a line into the acc wire of the harness.

Gray=ACC Power
Blue/Yellow=Constant Power
Brown=Ground
Pink=Front Left +
Purple=Front Left -
Lt Green=Front Right +
Blue=Front Right -
Black=Rear Left +
Yellow=Rear Left -
Red=Rear Right +
White=Rear Right -

You can also get amp output adapters that are made for the scion that would allow you to skip the converters altogether. Usually you can find them on ebay, but i dont see any on there right now.

Thanks for the info. Are you getting a 'pop' when you turn on the radio from the turn-on being connected to the ACC wire? Did you connect the line output converter near the HU?
I was wondering about that Scion adapter/harness - I've read on the Scion forums about subs/amps that plug into the Scion head unit. That would make life really easy.

 

[GYoter]

I dont have any pop when i turn it on. I hooked the output converters to the wires just behind the HU. There was more than enough room for them behind the stereo.

For $50 or so the scion adapter is the way to go, for ease and for a cleaner signal. I would have gotten one if i had known about them back when i installed my amp.

 

[V-bOnE]

Anyone know where/how to get one of those "Scion Adapters" from? I've got the '06 Scion HU and would love to add some bass but want to do it as cleanly and professionally as possible. Do you have a part number perhaps?

 

[ovrrdrive]

Do yourself a favor and don't use the crimp on wire taps for anything ever... They almost always end up cutting the wire in half eventually.

Just cut the wires and use either a crimp on butt splice or crimp on wire nut. If you want to get fancy solder and heat shrink the connections. That is the absolute best.

And for the record, I used a line level converter in ours and it's working great. I just cut the speaker wires about 3 inches from the back of the radio and used crimp on butt splices and tapped into the speaker wires. Then I cut a switched 12v lead and hooked the remote wire to it.

Easy as pie...

 

[EddieinD]

Info on Scion sub adapter harness

I found two types of adapters for sale on Ebay - one just for adding a sub and one for running all of the speakers through a seperate amp. I bought the sub one, but here is the one with two sets of RCA's:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SCIO...ryZ38636QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
It come with an amp kit in this auction.

I'm sure they will have more sub ones for sale.

There is more information at http://www.norcalscion.com/

The Ebay seller is euro_werks.

 

[EddieinD]

Finished hooking everything up last night. The Scion RCA output adapter that I got on Ebay works great. I just added a Kicker 8" dual coil 4 ohm sub (so the amp is putting out 350 watts @ 2ohms - little bit worried about the speaker handling that) and a used Alpine mono amp. More than enough bass for me. I built a sealed box using Kicker's dimensions - not too hard, but took longer than I anticipated.
The adapter even has a turn-on wire to connect to. Made connecting the HU very easy. I like knowing that I can easily unplug everything and return my 4Runner to stock. Of course now I'm thinking I need to add a 4 channel amp and new door speakers. Once you start, it's hard to quit.