Infinity BassLink install using rear speaker wires without losing rear speakers

[Ethan5150]

Hi folks, I'm sure someone has already answered this (probably multiple times) but I can't seem to find a solid answer. I'm looking at buying a car that I know does NOT have RCA outputs on the stock head unit. I don't want to replace the unit but I do want to install an Infinity BassLink (powered subwoofer). I've seen multiple people suggest just "stealing" the wires going to the rear speakers and running them into the BassLink. So I really have two questions: First, is there a way to do this without losing the two rear speakers? Can I "split" the signal so I have the rear speakers AND the sub working? And second, is there a BETTER way to do this (keeping the rear speakers while gaining the sub) that I should be aware like using the AudioControl LC2i that I saw someone else suggest (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GH3B3PW/?tag=caraudiocom-20

Any help or suggestions would be most appreciated!

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[Jimi77 Premium Member]

You just tap into the rear speakers for the audio signal. You can leave the rear speaker working. No need for the lc2i.

 

[Ethan5150]

Thanks Jimi77 - so you're saying I can literally just tap into the rear wires and split off into the amp/sub while leaving the rear speakers hooked up too? I thought that would cause impedance issues or something...?

 

[Jimi77 Premium Member]

Thanks Jimi77 - so you're saying I can literally just tap into the rear wires and split off into the amp/sub while leaving the rear speakers hooked up too? I thought that would cause impedance issues or something...?

That's exactly what I'm saying. It won't cause an impedance issue because the input impedance of the basslink is probably around 10k ohm.

 

[Ethan5150]

Last question: is there any benefit to using a low level converter to run RCAs into the sub/amp instead of using the speaker wires?

 

[Jimi77 Premium Member]

Last question: is there any benefit to using a low level converter to run RCAs into the sub/amp instead of using the speaker wires?

Not really. The basslink already has a hi-low converter built into it.

 

[gpbell]

I have the same amp as the OP, but wondering if I need to splice into left and right rear speaker wires, or is just one side ok?

 

[Old_Slapper]

I have the same amp as the OP, but wondering if I need to splice into left and right rear speaker wires, or is just one side ok?

99% of the songs will play the bass equally on both sides, so, you only need one side. However, it's best to do both sides in case there is a song that alternates bass from one side to another, which is very rare.

 

[Deiimos]

I have the same amp as the OP, but wondering if I need to splice into left and right rear speaker wires, or is just one side ok?

Yeah 99% of music is mono bass, it’s normal practice in music for low frequencies to be in mono, genre doesn’t really matter. But, there is a possibility you don’t get bass playing if you do play a track with hard panned bass in the channel you did not hookup, although somewhat rare, especially in music of the last few decades. That said, I wired at least one vehicle LOC to the left side since it was too much work accessing the right door in an SUV and running speaker wire through the vehicle, and there were no problems.

In a sedan with a trunk, it’s much easier to access both rear speakers, no reason not to just run it stereo in that situation.

Proper way is to feed the amp left and right though.

 

[1aespinoza Premium Member]

I have the same amp as the OP, but wondering if I need to splice into left and right rear speaker wires, or is just one side ok?

In my experience I seem to get double the input volume when using both channels.

 

[Deiimos]

In my experience I seem to get double the input volume when using both channels.

I was going to add that too. I wired the left rear speaker wire to both inputs on the LOC / high level. Using one input on an amp can definitely give lower output.