RCA Connectors

Almost all modern amps have RCA inputs right? Well how the fuck do I tap an existing source line and have it be an RCA output to go to the amp? Do people cut the ends off the RCA and splice it in or is there yet another special connector I need to special order?

My car has a factory amp and sub and based on what I've read on the forums the easiest and best way to get a signal is to tap the source that feeds the factory amp. So how do I turn that into RCA? Any help would be appreciated.

You are eliminating the factory subwoofer?

Find your signal wires and attach RCA cables if the signal is line level. If the signal to the amp is speaker level (unlikely) you need a line output converter.

I secretly have a fascination with oem integration of gear, if nobody online has posted what the signal wires are etc.. I can figure it out if you bring the car to my house.

you need this pete

http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-2-Channel-Adjustable-Lineout-Converter/dp/B00009UHRE

You can get them for like $10 shipped on ebay. That way you don't have to worry about any splicing in or severe signal distortion.

This is actually the same exact thing I did so i can keep a factory look in my dash (and the steering wheel controls, I know lazy right). Took 3 minutes.

Ill go ahead and disagree here, if there is a line level out you should use it.

If your head unit does not have any RCA outs, I've always thought to use the converter. I've just always figured splicing right into speaker wire with RCA wires can't be good.

This is all of he absolutely wants to use RCA's that is, that's what I referring to

A lot of amps still come with speaker level inputs, and this is simply using the plug that comes with and getting a signal from the wires running from the amp to the speakers.

I'm by no means an expert. It works great for me, and he has the same exact problem i did, so I had to throw in the suggestion.

^ Okay I think we are on different pages.

His car has a factory subwoofer amplifier if I am reading the post correctly, and he should have factory signal wires running back to it where he can just splice on RCA's.

If that isn't the case, you are definitely right with the line output converter.

Evan

^gotcha^

I didn't know it was unnecessary for the line out converter if you use the pre-amp signal. Truthfully, I just was unsure on how to splice in an rca cable into a speaker wire, so I bought that thing to make it easier lol

mile_high51 wrote:

^gotcha^

I didn't know it was unnecessary for the line out converter if you use the pre-amp signal. Truthfully, I just was unsure on how to splice in an rca cable into a speaker wire, so I bought that thing to make it easier lol

Nah, in your situation you did it the right way. Nice work not halfassing it.

Yeah I think you got it Evan. I have a factory amp under the driver seat and I wantvto tap into the source line that feeds the factory amp and run a line to an aftermarket amp so that everything stays functional. The amp itself has RCA inputs for the source signal so I am trying to find a way to find an rca jack that has bare wires on the other end I think. Thanks for the feedback Miles, i'm still ot sure that the link you posted isn't exactly what I need because I don't know a lot about this. Evan, I have no idea what a line level signal is but I appreciate the help.

I might have something you can use to do this Pete. I'll send you a PM in a bit about it.

I can locate the signal wires and solder on RCA ends for you, shouldn't be very difficult. Has anyone on any other forums already done the legwork? Send me a PM and we can work out a time for me to help you out with it.

Evan

BTW;

Line level - signal before it hits the power amplifier. An example of a line level signal would be coming out of a docking port on an Ipod or the rca outs of a piece of home audio gear.

Speaker level - Signal after it is amplified by the amplifier and on its way to the speakers.

ok cool, then it's line level, and yeah I have pics and diagrams I will load when I get off this plane. Thabks man

....... hold on hold on......

What is the signal going to the OEM amp.... sub, front?
What is the voltage input ability of the amp? With just tacking on RCAs, the voltage might be too high for the amp.

have to run to work...

Can't say I have ever had trouble integrating with a factory setup via RCA's. They usually use 2v or so for signal. Maybe if peter comes over you can stop by to check things out (I know you can't resist)

^^^ Damn skippy

Just wondering if it is a high level signal being sent to the amp. If it is, I would hope is a bit more than 2v.

Sounds like the legwork is done though, the worst part:) If 240sxguy gets too busy or whatnot I can make you an RCA dealy bop.

What did you end up with for an amp and sub?

Yeah man i'll bring it by when I get back in town later this week.

I got a pair of Memphis 12's and I don't remember the amp other than it was Memphis accoustics too. Hopefully they are at least middle of the road quality.

Yeah, I am a lazy bastard.

On a good note, my interior is almost completely reinstalled in my 240sx! I have had it torn apart for almost a year now. Hoping to get audio functioning in it within the next two weeks.

I would be shocked to see more than 2vrms on the preouts from the factory deck, either way I am confident we can make it work!

Evan

holy shit face peter. two memphis 12's! i thought you were just looking for a bit more kick over factory. i didn't know you were going to go all compton on it!

hahaha...COMPTON on it..lmfao!!

we will have to see who hits harder guy!

overblown wrote:

holy shit face peter. two memphis 12's! i thought you were just looking for a bit more kick over factory. i didn't know you were going to go all compton on it!

Haha yeah dude, I didn't really fully understand what I had done till about five minutes after I had left the place. I went in for oneten so in my mind I kind of thought I was leaving with two eights and then realized how full my hatch suddenly was.

Holy overkill. You know you can always return it and buy my 15"

Ive heard dual memphis 12's in a malibu and they hit hard as fuck. Should be a pretty good competion between you and franks haha.

Tusk, that 15 in a 5 cu/ft box ported in the wagon? lol

Evan

That's good, because it's so heavy I can't race anymore so I need something else to compete in haha