anyone running sub/amp off the stock HU?

[silentRAGE]

i am just wondering anyone here running subs? off their stock head unit? i want to add some bass but then i kinda don't want to go through the hassle of changing the factory head unit..

[aris]

I got 1 10" sub and amp running off my factory deck

[baymoe]

Yep, a 5-channel from a LOC. I've noticed that the sound isn't fully balanced left to right using the Navone unit. If you're planning to run a similar unit, it's probably a good idea to measure the output regardless of the potentiometer setting.

[Aitch]

I am doing this as well. I used an MTX crossover before the amp, which has speaker-level inputs, RCA outputs, and sub level control, and then a 4-channel amp (2 for front speakers, 2 bridged for a 12" sub).

[cwp_sedan]

+1 on the sub off of the stock deck. I'm using a cheap LOC and a volume control add-on unit. It does the job. I'm running JBL 6x8 components in the front and JBL 6.5 coax in the rear right off of the deck without an amp and I am happy with the sound for now.

[mazdas3sporte]

the sound cant be that good, just get a deck and put it where ur lighter is, its the best place and u still maintain the stock look,

[cwp_sedan]

the sound cant be that good, just get a deck and put it where ur lighter is, its the best place and u still maintain the stock look,

What does adding a sub/amp have ANYTHING to do with what you just wrote? NOTHING. Personally I think that looks like ass with a deck there. You would also have to reroute your heated seat buttons, cig lighter and airbag light would be gone. Also it's too close to the shifter if you have an auto.

LOC or speaker-level inputs are the way to go if you only want to add an amp/sub.

[Nick]

got a cheap LOC as well from canadian tire. runnin a 2 channel JBL amp with 2 12's.

[mazdas3sporte]

what I said was just my suggestion lol take it easy ....
but u cant possibly push out enought power to run a decent sub, even if ur sub has only 300W rms i dont think u can get enought power with stock, maybe I dont know how ur running this, can you tell me how I will be able to do what you did, the only way I can see to power a sub without ruining stock look is the cig lighter area for me, i have no heated seats or auto tranny so it seemd a good idea.
Edit: iam guessing LOC stands for line out convertor, is there any do it ur self guides to this or any one can give tips to how to do this,

[Noisy Crow]

i am just wondering anyone here running subs? off their stock head unit? i want to add some bass but then i kinda don't want to go through the hassle of changing the factory head unit..

Agree! Simplest solution: LOC plus a powered sub, or a powered sub that has high-level inputs. (thb-200A does have HL inputs)

Check out this thread:
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=28019

[Nick]

i used a how-to on this forum to install the loc, it's pretty simple, i can't find it right now. my amp is 300rms and same for each sub, they bang pretty well! it's just the stock door speakers that can't keep up with the quality.

[S.F.W.]

what I said was just my suggestion lol take it easy ....
but u cant possibly push out enought power to run a decent sub, even if ur sub has only 300W rms i dont think u can get enought power with stock, maybe I dont know how ur running this, can you tell me how I will be able to do what you did, the only way I can see to power a sub without ruining stock look is the cig lighter area for me, i have no heated seats or auto tranny so it seemd a good idea.
Edit: iam guessing LOC stands for line out convertor, is there any do it ur self guides to this or any one can give tips to how to do this,

You can push plenty of power for a sub with the stock deck, it's all depends on the amp you pair it with.

[aris]

You can push plenty of power for a sub with the stock deck, it's all depends on the amp you pair it with.

x2

[Aitch]

but u cant possibly push out enought power to run a decent sub, even if ur sub has only 300W rms i dont think u can get enought power with stock, maybe I dont know how ur running this, can you tell me how I will be able to do what you did,

I think what you're missing is that a sub won't run off the power from the deck by itself. The LOC/line out converter, does what the name implies. It takes the speaker line level inputs from the stock deck, and converts them to RCA level outputs. This you run to either an amp and then the sub, or directly to a powered sub. Then there is loads of power for the sub, and a fairly clean signal from the stock deck.

[cwp_sedan]

what I said was just my suggestion lol take it easy ....
but u cant possibly push out enought power to run a decent sub, even if ur sub has only 300W rms i dont think u can get enought power with stock, maybe I dont know how ur running this, can you tell me how I will be able to do what you did, the only way I can see to power a sub without ruining stock look is the cig lighter area for me, i have no heated seats or auto tranny so it seemd a good idea.
Edit: iam guessing LOC stands for line out convertor, is there any do it ur self guides to this or any one can give tips to how to do this,

I don't think you understand how everything works. Like Aitch said you don't power the amp of off the stock deck. All that the stock does is provide the audio signal.

There is a how-to around on it.

[mazdas3sporte]

ok I have a better picture of how this works now, doing this saves allot of time and money!, iam gonna look around too see if I can find a noob tutorial, thanks for all the info

[cwp_sedan]

Check this guys page out. He has all of the details you will most likely need.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/495957

[matt9]

I have sub/amp off HU and it sounds unbelievable.

[Flagrum_3]

You can run a sub/amp off the OEM HU just by using a LOC like others have mentioned and the sound will be decent but if you want aftermarket deck quality sound you'll need something else like the JL Cleansweep or the Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty1 or 2. instead of using just a LOC.

_3

[mdass52]

Or instead of using a LOC, just get an amp with speaker level inputs and instead of removing you're deck to get a signal to the amp, you can tap into the signal from the rear door speakers. If you're going that route, try to get an amp that has a bass remote as well so you can still do some tuning from the driver's seat.

[jaimie08mazda3]

what I said was just my suggestion lol take it easy ....
but u cant possibly push out enought power to run a decent sub, even if ur sub has only 300W rms i dont think u can get enought power with stock, maybe I dont know how ur running this, can you tell me how I will be able to do what you did, the only way I can see to power a sub without ruining stock look is the cig lighter area for me, i have no heated seats or auto tranny so it seemd a good idea.
Edit: iam guessing LOC stands for line out convertor, is there any do it ur self guides to this or any one can give tips to how to do this,


you would be surprised how wrong you are about that one. when i had just my 2 10" Clarions and 650 W clarion amp in the trunk running off the high level input that clarion gave me, it was unreal how good it sounded. plus when i went to a bass competition at autosonics i went to go test mine out. it came to 140.1 Decibles. not bad for a stock deck running from the rear speakers. its easy and cheaper then to buy a new deck, (have to get the piece to get it to fit right, plus with a stock deck nobody knows you have subs in the trunk so your less likely to get your car broken into then if you were to have an aftermarket HU. I like it anyhow. the only PITA is when you wire it through the rear speakers.

[Aitch]

you would be surprised how wrong you are about that one. when i had just my 2 10" Clarions and 650 W clarion amp in the trunk running off the high level input that clarion gave me, it was unreal how good it sounded. plus when i went to a bass competition at autosonics i went to go test mine out. it came to 140.1 Decibles. not bad for a stock deck running from the rear speakers. its easy and cheaper then to buy a new deck, (have to get the piece to get it to fit right, plus with a stock deck nobody knows you have subs in the trunk so your less likely to get your car broken into then if you were to have an aftermarket HU. I like it anyhow. the only PITA is when you wire it through the rear speakers.

Great example, but we already cleared up the issue of how to get enough power to the sub from the stock deck (either a LOC or amp with speaker level inputs) for mazdas3sporte :)

[Hives]

I did it, and I was not satisfied. It sounded like bass from a 6x9, so I changed the deck a couple months after and there was a big difference =)

[mdass52]

Great example, but we already cleared up the issue of how to get enough power to the sub from the stock deck (either a LOC or amp with speaker level inputs) for mazdas3sporte :)

+1

[mdass52]

However there is one more thing :chuckle . In addition to getting a LOC, you can get an RCA line driver which allows you to boost the voltage of the RCA signal. A much cheaper alternative to getting a cleaner sound then buying a high priced, high volt rca output deck.

[Noisy Crow]

However there is one more thing :chuckle . In addition to getting a LOC, you can get an RCA line driver which allows you to boost the voltage of the RCA signal. A much cheaper alternative to getting a cleaner sound then buying a high priced, high volt rca output deck.

Umm.... wouldn't another name for that be "amplifier"?

[mdass52]

Umm.... wouldn't another name for that be "amplifier"?

Nope, It's called an RCA line driver. It's boosts the voltage on the pre-amp signal to get cleaner sound from your amplifer. That's why people look for 4 or 5 volt pre outs from their head unit vs. 2 volt or less.

[Gizzmo_jr]

That's why alot of people, including myself, get the Navone LOC. It has 5v outputs.

[skunk2]

i have a navone loc going thru a line driver/eq.....much better quality/cleaner sound.

[mazdas3sporte]

thanks for all the great replys, Does anyone know a reputable place with good pricing I can get this done, I'll rather not do it my self. All I really need is a sub. I thought I would need speakers cause I heard couple people mention that the stock speakers would not be able to handle the bass and the sound would be crap.
, the base on the car is really crap IMO. I would like to get a Sub thats -400W RMS, I think that would give me a huge diffrence.

[Aitch]

It makes a huge difference, but a loud sub will have you cranking your stock speakers, which will highlight their limitations.

[cwp_sedan]

+1 on the stock speakers. You won't realize how bad they are until you change them. Try and find someone who is running upgraded speakers and you'll see what I mean. Night and day. You'll need better, cleaner sound coming from them with the addition of the sub to have the entire package working together.

[Flagrum_3]

+1 on the stock speakers. You won't realize how bad they are until you change them. Try and find someone who is running upgraded speakers and you'll see what I mean. Night and day. You'll need better, cleaner sound coming from them with the addition of the sub to have the entire package working together.

I agree 100%.It would be beneficial to change out the oem speakers if adding a sub/amp combo, even with cheap-ass aftermarkets!....Anything is better then the cardboard oem's :chuckle


_3

[matt9]

+1 on the stock speakers. You won't realize how bad they are until you change them. Try and find someone who is running upgraded speakers and you'll see what I mean. Night and day. You'll need better, cleaner sound coming from them with the addition of the sub to have the entire package working together.

I'm always amazed how good my speakers sound stock. People who come in my car think i've changed them.

Not arguing that expensive aftermarkets would be better...

[cwp_sedan]

I'm always amazed how good my speakers sound stock. People who come in my car think i've changed them.

Not arguing that expensive aftermarkets would be better...

Yeah it all depends on your taste I guess. What are your levels set at for bass/treble/balance?

[mazdas3sporte]

I got mine running at 6/5/ and balance 50/50 the stock speaker bass is Ok for stock speakers but once u crank it up its really crap

[mintegt]

guy's whats the stock speaker size's ?? front and rear

[cwp_sedan]

guy's whats the stock speaker size's ?? front and rear

6x8 for both.

[mdass52]

5 x 7's fit too

[kurse]

im using 2 amps 1 powers my subs and the other my rear speakers, both work great but off an aftermarket deck u wold notice a huge quality diference