Recomendation for amplifier placement '03 WRX
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Recomendation for amplifier placement '03 WRX
I have a '03 wrx wagon.
Hey, I have an old amp I got from a friend, it is only a 150watt or something like that, but I figured I should put it in my car instead of letting it collect dust. I was wondering where was a good spot, and how to install it.
I assumed under the driver's seat from reading up a bit. I am however confused about how to anchor it securely so it doesn't bounce around. As of now, I got the turbo gauge pack and put a kenwood receiver I had laying around in there. It does have preamp outputs for rear speakers at least. Anyway is there a bracket or something for mounting an amp down there?
P.S. when an amp says "low input" "high input" does that just refer to preamp outs (low) and regular output (high) ?
Thanks,
Scott
Hey, I have an old amp I got from a friend, it is only a 150watt or something like that, but I figured I should put it in my car instead of letting it collect dust. I was wondering where was a good spot, and how to install it.
I assumed under the driver's seat from reading up a bit. I am however confused about how to anchor it securely so it doesn't bounce around. As of now, I got the turbo gauge pack and put a kenwood receiver I had laying around in there. It does have preamp outputs for rear speakers at least. Anyway is there a bracket or something for mounting an amp down there?
P.S. when an amp says "low input" "high input" does that just refer to preamp outs (low) and regular output (high) ?
Thanks,
Scott
yes... kinda...
low level inputs are via RCA jacks and the level in voltage. usually less than 1 volt.
high level is using the speakers level, like the OEM head units in the WRXs.
preferred way is via low level since you are getting clean data where as speaker level, you are getting the data plus any noise from the amplifier too.
low level inputs are via RCA jacks and the level in voltage. usually less than 1 volt.
high level is using the speakers level, like the OEM head units in the WRXs.
preferred way is via low level since you are getting clean data where as speaker level, you are getting the data plus any noise from the amplifier too.
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Thanks for the info, the amp I have has RCA inputs for low input, but the high input are some weird connector that my friend lost before he gave it to me, so I can't use them anyway.
I am thinking about simply unbolting the seat and using on of those bolts to hold the amp down, but it seems it would be quite a pain in the *** to work with that way. A bracket of some type seems better...
I am thinking about simply unbolting the seat and using on of those bolts to hold the amp down, but it seems it would be quite a pain in the *** to work with that way. A bracket of some type seems better...
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Originally Posted by sxotty
Thanks for the info, the amp I have has RCA inputs for low input, but the high input are some weird connector that my friend lost before he gave it to me, so I can't use them anyway.
I am thinking about simply unbolting the seat and using on of those bolts to hold the amp down, but it seems it would be quite a pain in the *** to work with that way. A bracket of some type seems better...
I am thinking about simply unbolting the seat and using on of those bolts to hold the amp down, but it seems it would be quite a pain in the *** to work with that way. A bracket of some type seems better...
What I would do is mount the amp to a piece of plexiglass or vinyl (sheets can be found at Home Depot for like $5). Then I would use Industrial strength Velcro to secure it to the floor carpet.
I don't like drilling holes in my floor especially because of rust and water invasion. But hey, that's just me. I've personally never wanted to install amps under seats because I like to give amps more airspace to cool. I usually mount mine on my sub box or make an amprack and mount it to the back seats on the trunk side.
I don't like drilling holes in my floor especially because of rust and water invasion. But hey, that's just me. I've personally never wanted to install amps under seats because I like to give amps more airspace to cool. I usually mount mine on my sub box or make an amprack and mount it to the back seats on the trunk side.
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Your amp will get better ventilation in the trunk as well. It might not matter in your case since that is a small amp, but there is not a lot of clearance for heat to dissipate under the seats. I recommend mounting the amp on a sheet of mdf or particle board and then attaching it to the back of the rear seats w/ screws or bolts. You also have better access to it in the future if you want to make adjustments or add on to your system.
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Thanks a ton for all the information.
I never thought about velcroing it. And I definitely did not want to drill new holes in the floor. I will look it over this weekend and let youguys know how I proceed.
If I had the sedan I would mount it in the trunk for sure for multiple reasons.
1) People couldn't see it
2) The heat would not make cabin hotter
3) Unlikely to get wires caught on things.
But I have a wagon like I said so I think that under the seat may be a good bet. I already have a sheet of plexiglas here from another project so I can just use that.
I never thought about velcroing it. And I definitely did not want to drill new holes in the floor. I will look it over this weekend and let youguys know how I proceed.
If I had the sedan I would mount it in the trunk for sure for multiple reasons.
1) People couldn't see it
2) The heat would not make cabin hotter
3) Unlikely to get wires caught on things.
But I have a wagon like I said so I think that under the seat may be a good bet. I already have a sheet of plexiglas here from another project so I can just use that.
Originally Posted by bpang1
Make sure to use Industrial Strength Velcro...that **** holds!
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From: portland, or
Car Info: 2004 wrx wagon
I've got a medium-sized amp under my seat in my wagon. Haven't gone through a summer yet, but no heat problems so far. It is pretty invisible, mainly because my seat is usually slid most of the way back. There are big holes cut in the carpet for the floor vents (can help with amp cooling if you place the amp right), so running wires under carpet is doable with some patience and some stiff wire (10 gauge solid copper works well) or someone probably makes a wire snaking tool you could buy. I've got it mounted to a piece of 1/8" sheet metal, that is velcroed to the carpet. Works like a champ.
So I have not had a chance yet to actually do it. I am in no great hurry though, the kenwood I have in there sounds decent anyway.
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 146
From: colorado
Car Info: '04 WRX
mounting amp
Subaru sells an under the seat subwoofer that has a bracket to mount it under the seat. I imagine that with a couple of extra drilled holes to accomodate the amp, that this bracket would be perfect. The actual bracket is attached to one of the seat bolts. Also this won't affect the interior in any way.
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