Maybe this can go in the FAQ since I don't see a good answer to this.

I'm trying to figure out a list of all the parts I should buy to add a good 12" sub and an amp to the stock Bose system.

I figure:

sub
box
wiring
cap (necessary?)
fuse(s)
amp
some sort of equalizer (unless you plan to just use the stock "Bass" and "Trebel" Bose adjusters.)

Anything else?

 

No pulleys = no cap needed.

Oh, assumed amp is rated 500w rms or less

 

I don't have any bells or whistles other than crossovers. But I do utilize underdrive pulleys, should I be looking at supplementing my system?? What else should I be using?? My lights don't dim, atleast yet. I am running a 1x500w JL amp and a 760W pioneer amp (running 2x125w) and a 6x45w pioneer brain.

 

Dear Mr Jrock,

I would also consider some kind of crossover or inline filters ( I forget what they're called...Capacitors?) that will only allow stuff below...say...80Hz. You will also need a line-convertor and tap that into the speaker wires near the amp.

 

Get a good wiring kit (see my signature). I have had no problems with my set-up and a cap is not necessary. I bought a 4 gauge Scosche wiring kit off Ebay and got a great deal on price.

I would advise you get an amp with a bass adjuster knob for the dash. I love being able to adjust the bass from the seat.

Search out the A/V section and you will be able to get more info and see pictures. Mine is there somewhere.

Other advice is to try to get a set-up where you can mount the amp to the box. Save on space and also save a ton on install. Mine had to be custom mounted on the left side of the trunk (when you are looking in), has the bass adjuster knob on the dash and an on/off toggle hidden behind the hood release tab.

 

I have an extra 4 gauge Scosche wiring kit brand new in the box, got it from ebay as well. Selling it for $50. exactly what I paid. Let me know if you're interested

 

I'm such a n00b I don't even know what a wiring kit is or what it contains.


How much am I looking at spending to add a nice sub and sub amp to my stock system?

 

Well you will need a wiring kit from somewhere for the amp to get power and rca connections from the HU. But the main driving factor is what amp and sub that you end up choosing. You can find something for most price ranges. Just depends on what you want. If you don't want to spend too much and want to conserve space, many other members have said good things about the bose basslink. Look on ebay for a new one.

 

I am not an audio-nut like some here, but this is what I found out...

Most install 8 gauge wiring, but 4 gauge is better.. The wiring kit contains everything you need for an install as far as wring/fuse etc. I bought my own and bought the Scosche as I new that it was a good make. You could leave it to the shop that does your install, but chances are, they will put in their standard wiring and charge you same if not more....

$50 on the wiring kit sounds right, as long as it is a 4 gauge...

IMO

 

I would definitely add a crossover to the list. Send the low-pass filtered signal to the subwoofer and the high-pass filtered signal to the stock amplifier & speakers.

Without eliminating the bass frequencies from the stock amplifier/speakers then you are not benefiting from adding the subwoofer - unless all you want is "boom, boom".