I have 2 10's 1000w per sub and a 1600w amp i also have the LOC and everything else is connected but i just wanted to know if i was able to connect the LOC to the bose factory amp instead of the head unit.. please help

 

no, you cant

but searching would explain why

 

One of the (many) problems with the Bose setup is that it is 'pre-equalized' - the highs go one place, the mid goes another, and the bass signal goes to self contained 'subs' in the doors.

 

stealth TL so would that mean i would still have to connect it to the head unit? i saw a thread 2 days ago and someone connected there LOC to the factory amp... i was just wondering if that was right?

 

whats the best way to install my amp and my subs?

 

Drive it from the head end. The wiring to the bose amp in the back is not going to give you what you need.

 

how would i do that? any pics and instructions???

 

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/speaker-sizes-harnesses-kits-etc-audio-install-reference-74664/ check out this sticky thread. It has all the information you need for your install. good luck

 

I would really, really like to hear your explanation as to why..... If the wiring goes from the head unit in the front to the Bose amp in the back, it also stands to reason that the wiring at the head unit is IDENTICAL to the wiring at the input stages of the amp in the back.

OP, what you do need to do is to connect your LOC at the output stages of the Bose amp in the rear of the vehicle, ideally on the front outputs. This has been covered many times on the forum and a search will indeed bring it up.

 

The BlueKnight has been very helpful when it comes to audio on the 8 on a couple of occasions.

 

Thanks!

 

Thats what i was thinking...i wanna research some more about it? its just the fact of doing extra work if it doesnt need to be done

 

Well he's incorrect on this case. I install for a living and have done several jobs on 8's. Including my own. You can, indeed, tap on the Bose amp's OUTPUTS with a regular ol $30 adjustable LOC and get great results. In fact, when using the cheapy LOCs it is ADVISED that you do so. The signal coming out of the headunit/going into the Bose amp is very weak. Even with the LOC cranked, I was getting a barely modest amount of signal into the aftermarket sub amp. When using the higher-end powered LOCs such as the 3sixty or LC6i, you can tap before the Bose amp and get a solid signal to your aftermarket amps. Also taking advantage of the pre-Bose non-EQed signal.

Tap off the signal going to your front door speakers and you'll have no problems.

 

Thanks that gives me more hope im already struggling taking the head unit out trying to find that secret bolt! lol and tapping what do you mean by that? also do u have any pics or instructions how to do all of this i just wanna make sure im doing it right.

 

I agree with firebird. Unless you're replacing all your speakers, tapping into the output of the Bose amp is the best way to do things.

You need a LOC capable of working with differential signals if you want to tap directly to the head unit, and then you'll need to amplify that signal as well. It's a pain.

 

By "tap" I simply mean splice, cut into, attach, etc.

You have no reason to remove the factory radio. Tap into the Bose amp outputs back at the Bose amp (Next to the rear speakers) to get your signal (via your LOC). You can get your remote turn on lead from any +12 IGNITION source. The most popular choice is from the rear cig lighter in the rear center arm rest. I believe the wire is green. Run power from the battery and ground to chassis in the trunk. Done. View the sticky at the top of this forum for more info. View a few pages into it for even more info, because the original poster has stopped updating the first post.

 

I don't like the cigarette lighter option, there's a switched ignition source in the Bose amp harness itself. I had a nice turn off thump while using the rear cigarette lighter. Using the switched line in the Bose amp harness made everything happy. Audio sticky will tell you what wire it is.

 

As I was typing that reply out, I was thinking about the IGN source in the Bose harness, but I couldn't remember the wire colors of the top of my head. Also I couldn't recall many people using that as a turn-on source. So I worded my response "the most popular choice" .

I think I'm the first one to actual poke around that harness and post up my findings in the sticky you speak of. Towards the bottom of page two.
https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...7&postcount=49

 

ok kool thanks alot!

 

ya i figured it wasnt necessary to take out the head unit of the same wires are in the back amp.. just didnt make any sense to me but now no more confusion lol thanks alot will will try this out!

 

This is the thread i saw....
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-best-route-amp-power-16217/page2/

 

i tapped into my rear speakers using a crimp clamp and installed an RCA output from there to my amp for audio source and ran the power and ground from the battery to my amp, i can post pics tomorrow if u want.

 

please show me ur pics! thanks

 

 

easy does it, that was my install/test pics, now the box sits behind the rear seats facing out and the wires are all wrapped in that black 1/4" split loom and hidden/ zip tied for a clean look.