How to Hook Up an Amp to a Subwoofer

Installing an amplifier into a car's stereo system can greatly increase the quality and volume of the speakers. But to really increase the quality of a custom car stereo system, adding a subwoofer into the system is important. These giant speakers reproduce low-frequency tones commonly associated with audible bass. Correctly connecting the subwoofers to a car's amplifier is very important, though. Incorrectly connecting a subwoofer can not only degrade the sound quality but also damage the equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Car stereo amplifier (already installed)
• Subwoofers (already installed)
• Speaker wire

Instructions

1. Connect the positive side of the speaker wire (usually marked with a red line running the length of the wire) to the positive speaker output on the amplifier.

2. Connect the negative side of the speaker wire (usually marked with a white stripe running the length of the wire) to the negative speaker output on the amplifier.

3. Run both the negative and positive sides of the speaker wire from the amplifier to the subwoofer.

4. Connect the positive side of the speaker wire to the positive terminal on the subwoofer enclosure, which is marked in red.

5. Connect the negative side of the speaker wire to the negative terminal on the subwoofer enclosure, which is located next to the positive terminal and is marked in black.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to use the correct gauge speaker wire to ensure good audio quality and reduce the risk of equipment damage or fire from overheating.