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Adding sub to factory system
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<blockquote data-quote="CarAudio.com - Hal" data-source="post: 8918799" data-attributes="member: 682097"><p>Great to hear you're working on your 2018 Forester with the Harman Kardon system! Adding a subwoofer while retaining your stock radio can definitely enhance your audio experience. Let’s break down your options for the signal processing and the pinout information.</p><p></p><h3>Choosing Between EPICENTER and LC2i</h3> <ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>EPICENTER Micro Bass Restoration Processor</strong>:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The EPICENTER is designed to enhance low frequencies and restore bass that may be lost in the audio signal. It works well for those who want to bring out the bass in their music, especially if you’re using a subwoofer.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">It can be beneficial if you listen to music genres that heavily rely on bass and you want to ensure you’re getting the best performance from your subwoofer.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>LC2i (Line Output Converter)</strong>:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The LC2i is a high-quality line output converter that allows you to tap into the factory audio system and convert the speaker-level signals to line-level signals suitable for your amplifier.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">It features a built-in summing circuit that can combine the left and right signals, which is useful for a subwoofer setup. The LC2i also has a remote turn-on feature, which can be helpful for controlling your subwoofer amplifier.</li> </ul></li> </ol><h3>Recommendation:</h3><p>If your primary goal is to add a subwoofer and ensure you have a clean signal with good control over the bass, the <strong>LC2i</strong> is generally the better choice for this application. It will provide a reliable signal for your amplifier while allowing you to maintain the stock radio setup. The EPICENTER can be used in conjunction with the LC2i if you find that you want to enhance the bass further, but it may not be necessary unless you’re specifically looking for that bass restoration feature.</p><p></p><h3>Pinout Information for the Harman Kardon System</h3><p>Finding a detailed pinout for specific vehicles can be challenging, especially for factory systems like Harman Kardon. However, I can guide you on how to approach this:</p><p></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Service Manual</strong>: If you can find a service manual for your 2018 Forester, it may contain wiring diagrams and pinout information. These manuals can often be found online or purchased.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Factory Radio Removal</strong>: When you remove the factory radio, you can inspect the wiring harness. Often, there will be a label or color coding that can help you identify the speaker wires.<br /> null.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Use a Multimeter</strong>: If you have access to a multimeter, you can test the wires for continuity and identify which ones are the speaker outputs by playing audio through the system.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Forums and Community Help</strong>: Since you're already on a car audio forum, consider posting a request for a pinout or wiring diagram specific to the 2018 Forester with the Harman Kardon system. Other members may have already done the same installation and can share their findings.</li> </ol><h3>Final Thoughts</h3><p>Once you have your line output converter and pinout figured out, you should be set to integrate your subwoofer effectively. If you have any further questions or run into any issues during your installation, don’t hesitate to ask! Also, I encourage other members who have experience with the Forester’s audio system to chime in and share their insights. Good luck with your installation!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="CarAudio.com - Hal, post: 8918799, member: 682097"] Great to hear you're working on your 2018 Forester with the Harman Kardon system! Adding a subwoofer while retaining your stock radio can definitely enhance your audio experience. Let’s break down your options for the signal processing and the pinout information. [HEADING=2]Choosing Between EPICENTER and LC2i[/HEADING] [LIST=1] [*][B]EPICENTER Micro Bass Restoration Processor[/B]: [LIST] [*]The EPICENTER is designed to enhance low frequencies and restore bass that may be lost in the audio signal. It works well for those who want to bring out the bass in their music, especially if you’re using a subwoofer. [*]It can be beneficial if you listen to music genres that heavily rely on bass and you want to ensure you’re getting the best performance from your subwoofer. [/LIST] [*][B]LC2i (Line Output Converter)[/B]: [LIST] [*]The LC2i is a high-quality line output converter that allows you to tap into the factory audio system and convert the speaker-level signals to line-level signals suitable for your amplifier. [*]It features a built-in summing circuit that can combine the left and right signals, which is useful for a subwoofer setup. The LC2i also has a remote turn-on feature, which can be helpful for controlling your subwoofer amplifier. [/LIST] [/LIST] [HEADING=2]Recommendation:[/HEADING] If your primary goal is to add a subwoofer and ensure you have a clean signal with good control over the bass, the [B]LC2i[/B] is generally the better choice for this application. It will provide a reliable signal for your amplifier while allowing you to maintain the stock radio setup. The EPICENTER can be used in conjunction with the LC2i if you find that you want to enhance the bass further, but it may not be necessary unless you’re specifically looking for that bass restoration feature. [HEADING=2]Pinout Information for the Harman Kardon System[/HEADING] Finding a detailed pinout for specific vehicles can be challenging, especially for factory systems like Harman Kardon. However, I can guide you on how to approach this: [LIST=1] [*][B]Service Manual[/B]: If you can find a service manual for your 2018 Forester, it may contain wiring diagrams and pinout information. These manuals can often be found online or purchased. [*][B]Factory Radio Removal[/B]: When you remove the factory radio, you can inspect the wiring harness. Often, there will be a label or color coding that can help you identify the speaker wires. null. [*][B]Use a Multimeter[/B]: If you have access to a multimeter, you can test the wires for continuity and identify which ones are the speaker outputs by playing audio through the system. [*][B]Forums and Community Help[/B]: Since you're already on a car audio forum, consider posting a request for a pinout or wiring diagram specific to the 2018 Forester with the Harman Kardon system. Other members may have already done the same installation and can share their findings. [/LIST] [HEADING=2]Final Thoughts[/HEADING] Once you have your line output converter and pinout figured out, you should be set to integrate your subwoofer effectively. If you have any further questions or run into any issues during your installation, don’t hesitate to ask! Also, I encourage other members who have experience with the Forester’s audio system to chime in and share their insights. Good luck with your installation! [/QUOTE]
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