How To Add Powered Sub To Stock '90 Legacy stereo???

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Brunt
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How To Add Powered Sub To Stock '90 Legacy stereo???

Post by Brunt »

I've got a 1990 Subaru Legacy L Wagon with a stock stereo. I don't want to bother with getting a new head unit because I just use my iPod with the built in Line-In jack. Plus, I like the stock look of the car.

Anyways, I was hoping to add a Boss Bass 600 powered sub under the drivers seat (nothing fancy, I just want a bit more low-end to balance out the sound), but don't know if the stock stereo has the necessary outs for a sub.

Pictures: http://www.sonicelectronix.com/pictures.php?id=9755

----Will I have to do any non-standard wiring to make this work?

----Anybody have a wiring diagram of the stock stereo?


I did find this thread http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?t=26205 regarding the exact same vehicle, but its old and the link to the wiring diagram is broken :/


edit: here is a direct link to the wiring diagram, thanks for the fix Legacy777
http://www.surrealmirage.com/vrg3/bcstereo/
Last edited by Brunt on Fri Aug 21, 2009 8:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1990 Subaru Legacy L Wagon - first subaru
1992 Subaru Legacy LE Touring Wagon - daily driver
1994 Subaru Legacy LS Wagon - parts car
RJ93SS
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Post by RJ93SS »

ur gonna have to wait for 777 to fix that for ya
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Legacy777
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Post by Legacy777 »

Fixed link.

The stock stereo does not have any outputs for a sub. You'd have to use the rear speaker high level outputs
Josh

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magicmike
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Post by magicmike »

Legacy777 wrote:You'd have to use the rear speaker high level outputs
I'll add to this.

You're not going to get much of an input voltage on that sub if you use the rear outputs from the radio and leave the rear speakers connected. You can try but chances are it will sound like ass. By the looks of that sub thing, chances are it will sound like ass regardless of the input.
-Mike

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Brunt
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Post by Brunt »

installed the sub a while back. thanks for fixing the link to that wiring diagram, it was really helpful.

the sub came with two options of connection, one using RCA, the other using the rear level highs, so it was designed to work that way too.

no, it does not sound like ass.

it made a huge improvement in the overall sound of the stereo and was exactly what i was looking for. its actually more powerful that what i was expecting, and the sound is really clear. i was a little worried about it being a really cheap crappy unit, but its a solid package.

if anybody else is looking to add a small sub to their car's stereo, i'd definitely recommend this one. its inexpensive, small enough to fit/hide right under either of the front seats, adds plenty of bass, the amp is built in, and it comes with a remote volume control.
1990 Subaru Legacy L Wagon - first subaru
1992 Subaru Legacy LE Touring Wagon - daily driver
1994 Subaru Legacy LS Wagon - parts car
ericem
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Post by ericem »

Nice, did it fit under the seat just fine?
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speedmaxx
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Post by speedmaxx »

How much did the whole package run you if you don't mind me asking?

I'm lookin for that little extra kick in my sound system
93 legacy l
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Brunt
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Post by Brunt »

yeah, fits under the seat just fine. if you drive with your seat really far forward, it'll stick out from behind the seat a little bit. also keep in mind that it will block the backseat heater/AC vents since they're located under the driver and passenger seats, be sure to leave at least a little space between the two. i haven't got to it yet, but i might bend/reroute those vents up and over or around the sub when it come time to using the heater.

looks like you can get the powered sub, plus an wiring installation kit from amazon.com for $120 + shipping right now.
http://www.amazon.com/Boss-BASS600-Low- ... gy_e_img_b

the installation kit isn't really necessary. you could put your own together with a trip to the hardware store for cheaper. the kit is just more convenient, and comes with an extra fuse for the power line.
1990 Subaru Legacy L Wagon - first subaru
1992 Subaru Legacy LE Touring Wagon - daily driver
1994 Subaru Legacy LS Wagon - parts car
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