How to Install a Car Subwoofer in a Home Stereo

Car subwoofers are compatible with home audio, given the right precautions

Although it is always best to couple speakers and subwoofers specifically designed for home audio with your home stereo, it is possible to install a car subwoofer in a home stereo. There are a number of precautions to take in order to deal with the subwoofer's original purpose for car audio use, however. Here are the necessary steps to complete the installation process.

Things You'll Need

• Car subwoofer
• Subwoofer speaker box
• Home stereo
• Stereo amplifier
• 12 gauge speaker wiring
• Wire cutters

Instructions

Preparing Your Stereo

1. 

   Your car audio subwoofer is not made for home audio, for it is necessary to be cautious

   Connect your amplifier to your home stereo. Car audio equipment often requires a significant amount more voltage than home audio equipment, particularly for subwoofers. So it is best to install an amplifier to add extra wattage to your stereo. If you don't you could risk blowing a fuse in your stereo.

2. 

   Subwoofer speaker boxes are well suited for home audio preparation

   Install the subwoofers into the subwoofer speaker box. Many car subwoofers are designed to be installed in insulated, carpeted boxes. Using one of these for your home audio system should translate well from the car to the home. Although every speaker box is unique, the installation process usually involves drilling the speaker into the box's provided speaker ports.

3. 

   Thick speaker wire is necessary for subwoofers

   Wire the negative side of one subwoofer with your 12 gauge speaker wire to a negative port of your amplifier, and the positive side of the subwoofer to a corresponding positive port of your amplifier. Do this for however many speakers you are installing.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure that you have enough wattage from your amplifier and stereo to power the subwoofer, or you could blow a fuse.

References

• Crutchfield: More on Subwoofer Installation
• The 12 Volt: More on Subwoofer Enclosures
• Crutchfield: More on Installing Subwoofer Enclosures

Resources

• Crutchfield: Wiring Diagrams for Subwoofers