I hope this doesn't sound like a stupid question but...

I am going to put a sub in my trunk to round out my system. The mids I have in the doors and rear deck are running straight from my head unit. Can I use one pre-amp output to run the sub/amp and still use the normal speaker leads for what is already hooked up?

I was thinking you can do this, but I'd like to know for sure before I buy my stuff.

The head unit I'll be using is a Pioneer DEH-4400 if that helps any.

Thanks,
Jamie

 

Yes, you can run the RCA's (pre-amp out) to power your amp, just as long you don't run the speaker-to-line level outputs at the same time. This will definitely burn up the head unit! In other words, power your mids and rear to the headunit amp speaker inputs, and power your amp thru the RCA (low-level pre amp out).

 

By "speaker-to-line" outputs, do you mean the normal, non-amplified speaker outputs? The ones you normally use?

Quote:

This will definitely burn up the head unit! In other words, power your mids and rear to the headunit amp speaker inputs, and power your amp thru the RCA (low-level pre amp out).

"headunit amp speaker inputs"? Do you mean outputs?

Maybe this will make my question more clear:

Can I just connect my amp to the RCA pre-outs without changing anything on the car now?

 

Yes, you can run the system without changing/interfering your current setup. What I meant by the speaker-line level outputs was from the amp hookup to the headunit. Hook up your amp to the RCA's coming out of your headunit. Most amps have a speaker-line level output also, if a headunit is not equipped with RCA's. This type of hookup is also referred to as a "high level" input (from the amp's side). The "low level" input is the RCA's. Only one input from the amp can be run at a time. Hooking up the speaker-line level and RCA input will definetly burn up the amp, and possibly cause damage to anything else in your system (speakers, etc.) RCA's are highly recommended for "cleaner" sound and less noise entering your system. Sorry, if I have confused you earlier.

 

OK, thanks. That makes perfect sense.

Jamie