Alright so I recently Installed a 4 channel amp and some new components up front. I already have two sets of RCA cables running back to the 4 channel. Now that I've gotten the itch I've decided to keep going and install another amp and sub. My question is if I can run the RCA's for the new amp from the output on my 4 channel or would it be best to run it from the headunit. I'm just thinking of saving myself time and a headache.

 

Should work fine, you'll just lose the sub channel level control if your head unit has it.

And fading will affect it, the HU sub out is a non fading output.

 

Yea you could install a pair of Y splitters back there and connect the other amp. You may be lucky have already have RCA outputs on your 4 channel then you can just connect these to the new sub amp. Just be sure to adjust the high pass and low pass crossovers on the amp properly for best sound quality.

 

the 4 channel does have rca outs so i won't have to connect a splitter. And the amps im looking at have a remote subwoofer control so i wasn't too worried about losing the hu control there.

 

Personally, I'd run a new set of RCAs from the HU to the amp mainly because all your full-pass settings like your EQ, balance, fader, and other options that are brand specific will affect the sound of your subwoofer system when adjusted. For me, the feeling of complete control is worth the extra few minutes of running new RCA wiring, but that's just me.

 

Take 1 set of rca and run them to the amp, and use splitters on the other for your 4 channel. Make sure you keep your L/R channels correct when you do that.

 

Why would he do that, especially when he already has two sets run? He would lose fader and balance that way.

 

Those two sets are AP, so if he used "Y" cables or even came off the 4-channel pass-thru, he would be changing the sound of his subs when he's adjusting his "loudness" setting, bass EQ, midrange, and HPF on his headunit.

To the OP, I would seriously consider running new RCA wires from your headunit to the subwoofer amplifier (if your HU has a subwoofer pre-out), for the main purpose that if you engage your high pass filter on hte headunit, you will lose bass to your subs. I believe you can set your HU to AP, 4-channel to HP, then your sub amp to LP, but you would have no control through your headunit. I would heavily advise spending the extra few minutes to do it the way it's meant to be done.

 

thanks for all the advice guys. I decided I'm just going to run another set of rca's. Figure if my deck has 3 outputs might as well put them to use and gain full control of my amp. I just bought my amp and sub. Have to save a little more till I get the box for it. What are your guys feelings on the bass remote ****? I've never used one on an amp before but it looks like it could be of use and I've seen where some have installed them next to the cig lighter. How was the mounting done for that?

 

Thats what im sayin. Theres no point to run 2 amps of one RCA...if anything thats the last/worst option.

 

Remote ***** are not healthy for your amplifier, but I use mine because sometimes I listen to my music, I get into it a bit, then I gotta turn up my radio, crank the bass remote, and get crazy! Bwahahaha!! But, if you're going to install yours, I would make a couple of suggestions: 1) put it somewhere easily accessible. I say this because if you're like me, you'll be using it at any random moment. You don't want to have to reach for yours in an inconvenient location when you want it. And 2) if you do put it beside your cigarette lighter, make sure you remove any harnesses behind the panel you decide to drill through. Also, you will need to dremel through plastic that will impede your mounting, so have a very steady hand with it.

People will tell you about clipping. It's bad for your amp and will eventually cause damage. But for me, it's my amp, my subs, my sounds, and I'm a loud and vibrant individual. I want obnoxiously loud music when I want it, and clipping won't get in my way (I am very familiar with clipping and my amp is tuned with max volume in mind so it doesn't clip horrible when I crank the bass ****, at least not audibly).

 

Exactly.