should i do this mono sub install?

[euroadb]

I'm no audiophile by any means, but I'm just looking for some info if someone could fill me in...

that said, i have an opportunity to buy this sub used for $150. The problem is, at the moment I'm not interested in also doing speakers. if i were to do those i figure go big or don't do it at all, and for the kind of money i would like to spend on that i would sooner spend on wheels or a chip for myself.
And there lies my problem, a potentially good buy on the subs, but I'm not willing to go 100% on an audio install. So my question is, could i get away with running that sub with a matched mono amp and speaker level inputs with stock speakers and stock head unit? are speaker level inputs on an amp okay or is that not as good as running from preamp outputs?
Right now my stock head unit will go to say 17/30 of its volume before it refuses to get any louder, unless i lower the bass a little. Would the sub help because it's "handling" some of the bass, or would it not help because the head unit won't be "aware" of the sub's presence because of the speaker level input. Also, which speakers do you take the speaker level input from?

Sorry for all the questions, but I would like to have the sub. And if i could get away with decent bass/sound for around $300 total, why not? thanks

[ASCI_Blue]

if you do that you'll still have to drop the money on a line out converter and the wiring kit. which is fine, however if you were to do a deck upgrade at a later time you'd effectively lose the money spent on the loc.

IMO buy the speakers if you want them then keep them in a safe, warm place. do a deck upgrade and toss the amp/sub in there at that time.

[euroadb]

Originally Posted by ASCI_Blue

if you do that you'll still have to drop the money on a line out converter and the wiring kit. which is fine, however if you were to do a deck upgrade at a later time you'd effectively lose the money spent on the loc.

IMO buy the speakers if you want them then keep them in a safe, warm place. do a deck upgrade and toss the amp/sub in there at that time.

well line out converters aren't supposed to be super expensive anyway. and that's also why i mentioned getting an amp with speaker level inputs, to get around wiring directly to the head unit or using a LOC. are speaker level inputs not as good as a straight connection between an aftermarket head unit and and amp?

[ASCI_Blue]

my experience with speaker level input is on a home stereo sub, imo it sounded like ass compared to using RCAs.

sure it's only 15 - 25 bucks for the loc but still that could be better spent to get a nicer deck. they also don't sound as good imo. even with a speaker level input you'd still have to wire to the head unit.

[euroadb]

Originally Posted by ASCI_Blue

my experience with speaker level input is on a home stereo sub, imo it sounded like ass compared to using RCAs.

sure it's only 15 - 25 bucks for the loc but still that could be better spent to get a nicer deck. they also don't sound as good imo. even with a speaker level input you'd still have to wire to the head unit.

oh really? so i guess what you're saying is just go for an aftermarket head unit anyway right? then basically what it comes down to is what amp and if I'm doing all the speakers or not.. ok thanks that makes sense. Well do you have any suggestions for non-ricer head units for my mkv? lol

[davesee]

I agree that it really is your best bet to just go with an aftermarket head unit right away.

On top of messing with LOCs or the degradation of sound quality you will have no adjustments of the sub itself through the stock headunit. That was enough to make me want a new head unit in my gti when I had it.

Only problem was that I had the stock navi and I didn't want to part with it

[euroadb]

Originally Posted by davesee

I agree that it really is your best bet to just go with an aftermarket head unit right away.

On top of messing with LOCs or the degradation of sound quality you will have no adjustments of the sub itself through the stock headunit. That was enough to make me want a new head unit in my gti when I had it.

Only problem was that I had the stock navi and I didn't want to part with it

i see.. i have the standard head unit... i'm just afraid of parting with the stock look. maybe in a mk4, but my mkv.. uh idk i have to find a really attractive headunit

[ASCI_Blue]

Pioneer DEH-5100 or the equivalent Pioneer Premiere unit. Both = sex. I've got last years DEH 6000 and :heart: it.