DIY-Adding a Sub/Amp to a BA system via RCA splicing

[jordan 572]

so what adapted do i tap into x1 or x3? maybe you should say a reason instead of opinions

[Eski7399]

I've spliced into the low lvl wires not the sub wires and it sounded like absolute crap. Soon as I tapped into the sub wires my sub came alive. Do what you want, what he posted gives the best sound between the two options.

[jordan 572]

so x1 or x3?

[pleigh]

Originally Posted by jordan 572

so x1 or x3?

x3

Wires From Adapter-------------Wires Going Into BA Amp

Black------------------------Dark Blue
Black w/ Stripe---------Tan
White-----------------------Brown w/ White Stripe
White w/ Black Stripe--------Brown

Remote turn on--------------White

Here's the link to the thread including the wiring diagram:
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...wiring+diagram

[jordan 572]

Originally Posted by pleigh

x3

Wires From Adapter-------------Wires Going Into BA Amp

Black------------------------Dark Blue
Black w/ Stripe---------Tan
White-----------------------Brown w/ White Stripe
White w/ Black Stripe--------Brown

Remote turn on--------------White

Here's the link to the thread including the wiring diagram:
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...wiring+diagram

that is what i thought just making sure. this means no loc just snip the end of a rca and splice away? thanks

[4xchamp]

Ivan , I connected the amp and sub today using your instructions . Took me no time and the sub is working . I am however having a problem when both inputs are connected to the Hiphonic amp the rear factory speakers distort , if I use only one input problem goes away . I'm going to mess with it again tomorrow and let you know what happens . Again , sub is pumping , I can feel it !
On a different note , I noticed road sand in the qtr / truck area and a little moisture , ( darn winter ) it seems the body hole plug is just sitting trapped between the bumper and not really popped in correctly from factory . There is no way to push it in without at least partially disconnecting the rear bumper . I then also removed the right qtr trim and found sand and moisture there also . Note in my photo the qtr vent baffle is also wet . I'm going to get into this further and get it figured out .
Has any one else seen this ?

[pleigh]

Originally Posted by jordan 572

that is what i thought just making sure. this means no loc just snip the end of a rca and splice away? thanks

You got it, I used this adapter from Crutchfield that you can find almost anywhere:

JL Audio XB-CLRAIC2-SW 2-channel Speaker Wire to RCA Adapter



I removed the carpet, unscrewed the plastic cover at rear of trunk/vehicle, pulled the tabs holding the fabric on the driver side trunk wall, and unplugged all the harnesses coming into the BA amp located in the trunk and identified the x3 connector. I then cut the above-mentioned wires and stripped back about a 1/4 inch on them and the adapter. Twisted them according to the above color coding and soldered them and put on heatshrink. You can also buy wire taps at Radio Shack or from folks like Sub Thump. I prefer solder as I've had taps fail on me before.

It really isn't that difficult. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed and my little setup went in like a charm:



To extend the RCAs like I did you need a pair of female to female RCA couplers also from Radio Shack and just plug an RCA cable into that and your Amp

[Ivan @ Southwest Speed]

Ivan , I connected the amp and sub today using your instructions . Took me no time and the sub is working . I am however having a problem when both inputs are connected to the Hiphonic amp the rear factory speakers distort , if I use only one input problem goes away . I'm going to mess with it again tomorrow and let you know what happens . Again , sub is pumping , I can feel it !
On a different note , I noticed road sand in the qtr / truck area and a little moisture , ( darn winter ) it seems the body hole plug is just sitting trapped between the bumper and not really popped in correctly from factory . There is no way to push it in without at least partially disconnecting the rear bumper . I then also removed the right qtr trim and found sand and moisture there also . Note in my photo the qtr vent baffle is also wet . I'm going to get into this further and get it figured out .
Has any one else seen this ?

Did you go with the first (incorrect) diagram which showed connecting to the actual OUTPUTS off the X3 Amp Connection? If so, then you most definietly will be getting confliciting signals at high draw and also take away power from your rear speakers.

I updated the diagram (somewhat) this morning before I went into work and need to take a good picture to detail the correct wiring diagram that shows connecting to the low level outputs.

On a sidenote, yes, it is interesting that you found stuff in your trunk well. I found what appeared to be a tiny stick or limb off a little branch. I thought nothing of it until you said something now. I just vaccuumed (sp?) out the junk and rolled.

Let me know what wires you tapped into. That more than likely is the issue.

..and post up some pics! Threads with pics RULE!

Thaks,
Ivan

[jordan 572]

like these
http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CC8Q8gIwBg#

im sure they have them at rs but cant find them on there site. so buy the jl cord that is already spliced and use that to splice into the amp then plug the couplers into the red and white end of the jl rca then buy a normal rca cable and plug it into the amp and couplers? what advantage does the jl cord have over just cutting and splicing your own?

[pleigh]

Originally Posted by jordan 572

like these
http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CC8Q8gIwBg#

im sure they have them at rs but cant find them on there site. so buy the jl cord that is already spliced and use that to splice into the amp then plug the couplers into the red and white end of the jl rca then buy a normal rca cable and plug it into the amp and couplers? what advantage does the jl cord have over just cutting and splicing your own?

That's the coupler, and of course RS was more expensive and didn't provide them as a dual. The only driving factor for me buying the adapter is that I'm lazy.. at least from a splicing stand point. Other's on here have done exactly as you describe.

[jordan 572]

Originally Posted by pleigh

That's the coupler, and of course RS was more expensive and didn't provide them as a dual. The only driving factor for me buying the adapter is that I'm lazy.. at least from a splicing stand point. Other's on here have done exactly as you describe.

lol your were to lazy to cut the end off of a cord and pull the wires apart? dont blame you

[4xchamp]

Originally Posted by pleigh

You got it, I used this adapter from Crutchfield that you can find almost anywhere:

JL Audio XB-CLRAIC2-SW 2-channel Speaker Wire to RCA Adapter



I removed the carpet, unscrewed the plastic cover at rear of trunk/vehicle, pulled the tabs holding the fabric on the driver side trunk wall, and unplugged all the harnesses coming into the BA amp located in the trunk and identified the x3 connector. I then cut the above-mentioned wires and stripped back about a 1/4 inch on them and the adapter. Twisted them according to the above color coding and soldered them and put on heatshrink. You can also buy wire taps at Radio Shack or from folks like Sub Thump. I prefer solder as I've had taps fail on me before.

It really isn't that difficult. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed and my little setup went in like a charm:



To extend the RCAs like I did you need a pair of female to female RCA couplers also from Radio Shack and just plug an RCA cable into that and your Amp

What color coding did you use ? Please elaborate .

[Ivan @ Southwest Speed]

Originally Posted by jordan 572

lol your were to lazy to cut the end off of a cord and pull the wires apart? dont blame you

It's really simple to be honest....I hate paying for things that can be done myself.

I have like a 12" spare (cut from my original RCA) that you can have if you want it. You can practice on that or use it if you plan on mounting your amp close to your tap...or run long jumper wires to the RCA spice. PM me if you want it.

What color coding did you use ? Please elaborate .

If you do use the JL piece this is the diagram:

Wires From Adapter-------------Wires Going Into BA Amp

Black------------------------Dark Blue
Black w/ Stripe---------Tan
White-----------------------Brown w/ White Stripe
White w/ Black Stripe--------Brown

Remote turn on--------------White

Here's the link to the thread including the wiring diagram:
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...wiring+diagram
__________________


-Ivan

[pleigh]

Originally Posted by jordan 572

lol your were to lazy to cut the end off of a cord and pull the wires apart? dont blame you

Yah.. pretty sad huh??