Subwoofer amp hookup question

gozfast · 09-21-2010, 02:01 PM

I have what is probably a really stupid question. My headunit has a single subwoofer mono output jack for the sub and the amp has the dual left/right channel inputs. Should I just plug the single channel into either the left or right amp input and leave the other open or should I use a splitter to plug into both channels. The amp's a Kicker zx550 three channel by the way.

bigaudiofanat · 09-21-2010, 02:08 PM

You can plug it into left or right or you can buy a Y splitter from radioshack and plug the one into both. Does not matter really.

What head unit do you own?

Unclemeaty · 09-21-2010, 02:17 PM

I say get a splitter. Theres a chance that your amp needs both L and R hooked up to get full signal for both amp channels; even if you end up bridging the channels. Even if its a monoblock amplifier. If the amp has dual inputs you should use both.

What headunit only comes with one subwoofer out?

gozfast · 09-21-2010, 02:43 PM

[QUOTE=What headunit only comes with one subwoofer out?[/QUOTE]

The HU is a Sony XAV-60. It has a internal crossover with selectable frequency cutoffs and gain control for the preamp outputs. I thought a mono sub out wouldn't be that unusual. I'll be powering 2 JBL 8" subs wired in parallel in a custom box that I built.

90 ST · 09-21-2010, 10:42 PM

Yeah for the couple bucks do the spliter.

Also JVC and Dual also have only a mono sub out.

Juleous · 09-21-2010, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 90 ST

Yeah for the couple bucks do the spliter.

Also JVC and Dual also have only a mono sub out.

Yup some amps need both.

09-21-2010, 02:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
gozfast Base Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Earth Posts: 67 Drives: 370Z Sport Rep Power: 15	Subwoofer amp hookup question I have what is probably a really stupid question. My headunit has a single subwoofer mono output jack for the sub and the amp has the dual left/right channel inputs. Should I just plug the single channel into either the left or right amp input and leave the other open or should I use a splitter to plug into both channels. The amp's a Kicker zx550 three channel by the way.

09-21-2010, 02:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	You can plug it into left or right or you can buy a Y splitter from radioshack and plug the one into both. Does not matter really. What head unit do you own? __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

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09-21-2010, 02:17 PM	#3 (permalink)
Unclemeaty Base Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Atlanta Posts: 203 Drives: 150cc Scooter Rep Power: 15	I say get a splitter. Theres a chance that your amp needs both L and R hooked up to get full signal for both amp channels; even if you end up bridging the channels. Even if its a monoblock amplifier. If the amp has dual inputs you should use both. What headunit only comes with one subwoofer out?

09-21-2010, 02:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
gozfast Base Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Earth Posts: 67 Drives: 370Z Sport Rep Power: 15	[QUOTE=What headunit only comes with one subwoofer out?[/QUOTE] The HU is a Sony XAV-60. It has a internal crossover with selectable frequency cutoffs and gain control for the preamp outputs. I thought a mono sub out wouldn't be that unusual. I'll be powering 2 JBL 8" subs wired in parallel in a custom box that I built.

09-21-2010, 10:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
90 ST A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,861 Drives: 90 and 15 GMC Sierra Rep Power: 421	Yeah for the couple bucks do the spliter. Also JVC and Dual also have only a mono sub out.