How to Convert a Passive Subwoofer Into a Powered Subwoofer

Passive sub woofers need an amplifier to become powered.

Subwoofers provide the bass and low frequency sounds for audio. A subwoofer, like all speakers, must be connected to an amplifier in order to produce a quality sound. Many car audio subs come with a built in amp, called "active" subwoofers, and can be directly connected to the CD player in your car. The rest of the subs are "passive" because they must be connected to an amplifier in order to produce a quality sound. The easiest way to get all of the accessories you need is to buy an amplifier installation kit, which includes RCA audio cables, power wires, ring terminals and speaker wire.

Things You'll Need

• Subwoofer
• Amplifier
• RCA audio cables
• Wire cutters/strippers
• Wire crimp tool
• Screwdriver
• 2 power wires (preferably different colors)
• 2 power ring terminals
• Speaker wire, 5 feet

Instructions

1. 

   Red and white audio cables

   Connect the RCA (red/white) cables from the back of the CD player to the corresponding inputs on the amplifier.

2. Connect the subwoofers to the amplifier using the speaker wires. Pull apart each wire into two strands about 3 inches on each side.

3. Strip all four ends of the speaker wire about 1/2 inch, then twist each one so it can fit into a slot.

4. Insert the positive wire in the the red slot and the negative wire in the black slot on the back of the subwoofer box, by holding down the grooved end then inserting each wire. (Note: On most kinds of wire, the positive will have writing on it and the negative will not.)

5. Connect the other end of the speaker wire to the amplifier slots. The slots should be marked with (+) where the positive wire goes and (-) where the negative wire goes. (You will probably have to unscrew a bolt on the amp, insert the wire, then screw the bolt back in and make sure the wire is secure.)

6. Connect the power wires between the amplifier and the battery. To be on the safe side, first connect the power wires to the amplifier then run them up to the battery. Remember which wire is positive and which is negative. (This is why using different color wires is recommended.)

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you always know which wire is positive and which wire is negative. Mixing these up can result in blowing your amplifier and possibly your subwoofer, which means they will not work.

References

• Car Audio Book: Car Audio Amp Installation
• Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity: The Benefits of an Active Speaker Lifestyle