Tools and Accessories
RCA Cables
Ground Wire
Speaker Wires
Remote Turn-On Wire
Amplifier
Subwoofer
Speakers
Connector Plugs For Head Unit
Phillips Screwdriver / Screws
Wire Stripper
Electrical Tap
Needle Nose Pliers

Adding a subwoofer and amplifier to a sound system is the primary way do add range and depth to your music. High quality speakers can’t reach their full potential without the necessary amount of power.

An amplifier moderates the sound’s frequency signal and voltage coming from the car’s head unit and battery before replicated by the speakers.

Despite the intricacies of electronic circuitry, wiring the system elements together is relatively simple. As long as installation is followed to the letter with safety precautions in place

Most amplifiers come with a wiring kit and clear instructions. The following are some beginner guidelines for connecting a subwoofer to an amplifier.

1. Lay the Power Cables

After you collect all the components you’ll need, now it’s time to put everything together. First off, you need to run the power wire from the battery, through the firewall, to the amp. This wire is usually the longest in the amp kit, typically ranging from 10 gauge to 0 and is often red in color. But do not connect the power cable to your car battery or amp just yet.

2. Find a Good Metal Ground

How To: Properly Ground a Car Amplifier

To maintain a ground connection, find a spot within 3 feet of the amplifier. Some cars come with a factory ground point, usually a stud, the wire can be attached to and secured with a bolt. Another method includes pulling up the carpeting and scraping the metal until the paint comes off and grounding in that spot. If your amp is in the trunk, the car’s suspension bolts can be found and used.

The grounding wire should not be loose, or it can cause the amp to malfunction.

2. Run Remote Wire to Head Unit

Most aftermarket amplifiers require a remote wire to turn the unit on. This wire connection makes it so the amp is switched on with the stereo.

After grounding, take the remote wire (blue with white stripe) and splice it with the wire running from the dash either along the panel of the door jam or under the carpeting.

3. Wire the Subwoofers to the Amplifier

Professionals recommend using wire no smaller than 16 gauge, made out of copper. This type of metal offers little resistance for facilitating less voltage drops. Run the positive and negative wire from their respective terminals on the speaker to the amplifier.

Wire Gauge Information

5. Connect the Power Cable to Battery

With the car off, connect the power cable to the positive battery terminal with a fuse holder to ensure a stable power flow. Mount this no more than half a meter or 20-inches from the battery. Finally, connect the power line to your amplifier. Clamp the power wire under the hood.

It’s typical to see a spark when the battery is connected to the amplifier. This is the system charging the capacitors – little backup units for extra energy between the battery and external units.

6. Enjoy the newly Amped System

For more tips, tricks and answers visit Sonic Electronix YouTube