Ok, now that I've established that I don't have the bose system.
How should I run my RCA's off the deck to power my 6X5's, and 6X9's to the amp that I will put in my trunk.

1. Use 2 line level conveters

2. Run the speaker wire directly into the amp, without the converter.

3. Heard of this : Splice the RCA's right into the speaker wire.

What do you think is the best way ?

Thanks

 

Due to the way the stock system setup,
___line level_____speaker level
HU ======> amp =========> speakers
I vote for splicing RCA cables into Head unit outputs.

1. Line converters = pointless. Line level to speaker level then to line level again? Think of all the noises got introduced into your music.

2. No one would guarantee the outputs signals from stock amp is clean (maybe not even Bose). Would you want to feed those signals to your aftermarket amplifier to have the noise amplified as well?

3. Best choice available. However, splicing the RCA cables into the head unit outputs, NOT speaker wires.

 

not all Line Output Converters are created equal, and therefore not all Line Output Converters are pointless! With the Bose system, certain LOC's do induce additional noise (including alt noise) into the system since they require a +12v input and a ground input (in addition to the L/R feeds) - plus they are looking to put out more vrms downline than the factory H/U, so you are effectively amplifying the dirty signal. However, a "passive" LOC does not do anything to the output signal except provide a means to convert from line level leads to RCA jacks, which allow you to use RCA inputs to aftermarket amps/EQ's. And, with the one I am using, there is an adjustable pot (obviously) which allows you to increase/decrease the output from the factory H/U to better match up with your amps. 'Course, this may have no bearing on your non-Bose H/U, so may be nothing more than unnecessary verbage.

 

So you are using an aftermarket deck already?

 

You kinda lost me bud!

What kind of car do you have?

What kind of head unit do you have?

 

Silverknight or anyone else who can help... I posted a topic in first gen on this, but I need the +/- for the two rear speakers to hook up a LOC. I have non-blose, 99 2.3. The pics on all the archived posts no longer come up.

Oh, and to keep on topic, the major disadvantage I see to splicing RCA's directly to the speaker outputs is lack of level control for individual speakers. It might be worth a try, and if it doesn't work, THEN buy the LOC's. I just bought a DEI one for $25 - we'll see how well it works (provided someone hooks me up with the wiring diagram).

Thanks in advance.

 

Got it already, thanks to dustbuster. I'll be back in half an hour and let you guys know how the Directed LOC works out. I've been keeping my fingers crossed for no noise since yesterday.

 

I think you guys are confused. What we have been saying is splicing RCA cables to the head unit outputs, not at the speaker wires.

 

Right, but the non-bose systems have internal amplification in the HU, so it comes out speaker level no matter where you tap it.

Anyhoo, the Directed LOC is the best I have ever used. Not that LOC's are ideal, but they serve their purpose. I would recommend it to anyone looking to add a sub to the stock HU. Can't comment on full spectrum reproduction though.

 

If that is the case, then you would definately need the LOCs.