Just got a camo sub on e-bay and was curious about wiring to the stock system. The stock system that my truck came with has the in dash cassette that controls the 6 disc changer. I have some line level converters but the internal amp on the sub allows for speaker level connection. Should I use the converter for the sub or since I have to splice into the speaker wire any way to connect to the sub should I just connect the spliced line straight to the amp. Also I'm assuming that I have to splice into the stock speaker wire to get some kind of signal to work with, does any one have suggestions? Can I use those tricky scotch lok's or is something else better? I have done several head unit and speaker jobs before but always with a new head unit that had RCA's and enough speakers wire that I didn't have to do any creative splicing to make it work. Thanks.

 

The more black boxes you stick in the signal path, the more noise and distortion you introduce. If the amp says it can handle speaker (hi) level inputs, then use its amp direct from the headunit if you can. If you want to "y" it in parallel with the speakers, you should probably be OK. Your sound won't be any better though. Keep it simple.

Scotch-lok??? NO! Even duct tape wrapped around twisted pairs is better than scotch-loks.

Ok, ok... I'm a bit of a snob about this stuff, but if it's worth doing - it's worth doing RIGHT. Use high quality crimp-on connectors attached with high quality crimper pliers - Radio Shack's best AT THE VERY LEAST. Some people prefer to solder, which is great if done correctly. If done wrong (eg solder wicks deep into conductor) it can actually weaken a connector.

Your sound system will only be as good as its weakest link. The connectors are really cheap compared to everything else. A truck is a very hostile environment for electrical components. Wire it like you are going into battle.

My US$0.02.

 

All right! I just love this electronic place. Thanks for the information. I always was a little skeptical about those scotch loks. I usually solder all of my connections and then use shrink-wrap to finish it off. If I do a Y inline then I think that I might try some of that liquid tape stuff. My electrician friend says he has some industrial stuff he uses on his house jobs. Thanks again. Any more suggestions?

 

kamanakai ,

If it's not too late, here ya go. First of all, I too installed the Camo unit into my Screw, sounds great, not a marvel but adds some nice clean kick.

Anyway, it does have speaker level inputs, and they work fine, that's how I connected mine. I cut my speaker wires in the dash and crimped on "spade" connectors (male on one side and female on the other side). On the Female side (side which goes to speakers), I crimped on both the speaker wire and the wire going to Camo subwoofer onto the spade connector. This way it is a nice clean connection, AND, I can easily disconnect if ever needed (like if I ever have to pulll out, change, repair, replace...) the head unit for whatever reason.

Hope this helps!!