Amp and subs off of factory head unit??

[BrandonT]

I have recently traded up for an 01 supercrew. It has the 6 disc cd changer and cassette. I'd like to be able to keep the factory headunit, but is it strong enough to run an amp and subs off of? Is there even a way to run an amp off of the factory stuff? Thanks, BT

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[Mikiedoo]

You need a line level converter that taps into one of your speaker wires and creates a set of rca plugs for you to power your amp. Its really quite simple. You can pick one up at walmart or radio shack for under $20 usually.

[worland]

The easiest way to add a sub and/or an amp to the factory HU is to buy an amp with "speaker level" inputs. Basically, you just splice into the speaker wires for the input for the amp. No need for any expensive gadgets or line converters. Most manufacturers offer both amps and powered sub-woofers with speaker level inputs. The technology is at the point where it's kind of hard to tell the difference between a speaker level input amp and one running of off direct inputs.

[sean_somer]

you can do that, rockford fosgate just made a oem that plugs into your oem headunit & has rca outs & a aux in. theyre very nice

[dragonman]

I'm running a JL 300/4 and a JL 250/1 straight off my stock MP3 6CD HU.
The JL's will take speaker level inputs without an LOC. They sound damn good to me :-)

I do notice a very faint hiss as soon as the CD starts playing something-- probably has to do with running speaker level outs. That's only when the engine is off, I'm sitting in the garage, and it's dead quiet inside. Otherwise, there's no background noise that can be heard while driving.

[Norm]

Not a problem at all!