Car Audio noob, please help

[smms25]

Hey guys, new to the forum and beginner at car audio
I am looking to put a subwoofer in my 2008 Mazda3 sedan. I have the stock headunit (mp3 capable). I want to keep the headunit stock (money reasons). I have a 12" MTX audio sub ( T4512-04), I will be ordering the recommended MTX amp either a TA3202 or TA3404 ... I am looking for a box, enclosed and ported...
my question is "what all do I need from here to have all the parts when I take it to a shop" (as I would probably get ripped if I didn't)
thanks for your time

 

[que]

Hey guys, new to the forum and beginner at car audio
I am looking to put a subwoofer in my 2008 Mazda3 sedan. I have the stock headunit (mp3 capable). I want to keep the headunit stock (money reasons). I have a 12" MTX audio sub ( T4512-04), I will be ordering the recommended MTX amp either a TA3202 or TA3404 ... I am looking for a box, enclosed and ported...
my question is "what all do I need from here to have all the parts when I take it to a shop" (as I would probably get ripped if I didn't)
thanks for your time

Do a search, look around the forums. This has been answered more than I can think. You know what you need it seems, the 2 you forgot would be LOC to keep your factory HU, or a MTX RE-Q, or even a JL Cleansweep. If your not planning to go all out with your system, then just stick with a simple LOC. & of course your Amp install kit.

 

[smms25]

thanks for the help, now can you explain what an LOC is, and what exactly it does?

 

[bgibb68]

Line Out Converter.....the amp usually needs rca preout levels for sound, some do allow speaker level inputs.....

the loc connects to the rear speaker wires and then gives you the needed rca out puts at pre amp level

 

[smms25]

Okay, so I read through a lot of stuff in the forum. From my understanding I will also need a "line driver" which will boost the voltage from my stereo to amp. I understand I must power the amp from my battery, tap into the rear speakers with my LOC to run RCAs to my Amp, of course wire my sub to my amp.

I am not completely sure what to do with the line driver?? Where is that used in the system?

Will I have problems without it?

 

[bgibb68]

if you get a loc, it taps the rear speaker line and you have no need for the other.

yes you run a power line back to the amp directly from the bat, like the other guy said just goto wally world and get the amp hook up kit, it has everything for that

i've never messed with a loc, but somewhere you also have to hook up a remote, all aftermarket HU's have 'em and the loc might but IDK personaly. this is a small voltage line that runs to the amp to tell it to turn on basically and when you turn your car off, it tell it to turn off to keep you bat from draining