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installing a sub w/o preamp outputs

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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 10:08 PM
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installing a sub w/o preamp outputs

I want to install a sub in my trucks using the factory head unit. Neither one, 05 F350 and 04 ranger, have preamp outputs. Is it possible to hook up a sub? Or do i need to get a new head unit?

Thanks for the help.

-Kevin
 
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 10:20 PM
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It's possible by splicing into the wiring to your speakers. There's two ways to do this, you can get an amp with speaker lead inputs, or you can splice into wiring using an adapter that converts the signal to RCA outputs. I don't believe any factory head units have preamp outputs, I may be wrong though. But for the best sound you'll want a new head unit.
 
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Old Aug 29, 2005 | 02:42 AM
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Are you installing just the sub, or an amp as well?
 
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Old Aug 29, 2005 | 03:33 AM
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Well I wrote that up if there is an amp, and if you're not considering an amp, don't hook up a sub. You'll fry the HU's internal amp.
 
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Old Aug 29, 2005 | 09:42 AM
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you can add an amp, but it must have high imputs... these are basically the speaker wires that you hook up to the amp...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=398953

Matt
 
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Old Aug 29, 2005 | 10:38 AM
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you don't have to have an amp that "must have high inputs" to run an amp off a stock head unit. As romerb2 stated, there are a couple of routes to go.
 
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Old Aug 29, 2005 | 12:58 PM
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yea, planning on amping the sub. Thanks for the help.
 
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Old Aug 29, 2005 | 01:18 PM
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For just adding some low end fill, with a stock system, getting the RCA converter is the best way. The high-range inputs won't give you the bass, and you'll get a bunch of high end thumps coming from the subs, and it'll be more annoying than anything.
 
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