Confirm - factory amp inputs, are they preamp?

[Breadfan]

Well, after installing my Basslink last weekend and splicing into the rear speaker lines and using a high-level converter, I come to find reading another thread that low frequency to the rear speakers is choked. It's there, but at a low level...makes sense, my Basslink hits pretty good, but only when totally cranked. (I previously had this in another car, so I'm comparing it to what I recall from that car.)

Anyway, I'm going to run a line from the factory amp harness to my Basslink. (Factory amp/sub combo is removed.)

Reading posts about this subject (after searching) I'm under the impression it's preamp, not a high level input. So, I'm going to just run lines to my basslink, and splice onto it an RCA cable and plug right into another low-level preamp input channel on my Basslink to see if it makes a difference. I'd hate to do this if it's really a high level input though!

Can someone just confirm to make me happy?

Anyway, I plan to run this line tonight, I will report and update my Basslink install thread if there is a major difference.

Thanks!

[Black Terror]

After viewing wiring diagram and other info I have recieved, the inputs to subwoofer are low level.

[HwyCruiser]

Yes, the OEM head unit puts out a pre-amp level input to the OEM amp. I replaced my OEM amp and woofer with a Rockford Fosgate setup last year and actually spliced off the rear speakers because the RF unit didn't have a pre-amp input. It has its own filters and gain adjustments so the quality isn't too bad once I tweaked it some.

Here's a link to the factory amp wiring harness for reference:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8102

The factory head unit turns on the OEM amp via a low voltage signal. You can get one of these low voltage triggers (http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/PERLVT2) or similar if you need a 12V switched input to turn on the Basslink.

I assume you have run a bigger gauge wire for the Basslink from the battery. The OEM wiring isn't rated for much juice.

[Breadfan]

Thanks!

Well, the remote line, even a 7.4v was enough to act as a remote for the Basslink. It turns on and off like a charm.

Here's a link to my install thread with pictures: http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=21049

I did run a dedicated power line with inline fuse. Plenty of thickness for the basslink.

The line converter I used has gain adjustments that did pump up the sound, but, the real low stuff still seems to be missing. When I adjsut the basslinks crossover (which is now up nearly all the way) the bass drops of substantially. Personally I really want it for the real low stuff than mid-bass...

So anyway, I should do this tonight, if there is a big difference I will definitely post to let everyone know!

Thanks for the confirmation on those lines!

[Breadfan]

WOW, what a difference! It's a night and day difference adding the preamp to the sub...and that is with gain already added to the rear speaker lines by my line converter...