Converting a Home Subwoofer into a Car Audio Subwoofer is quite easy and can be achieved with a few modifications. You simply need to remove the wiring of the Home subwoofer wires and attach them to the car amplifier. This will change the AC to DC power, and your car will be operational to play the music.
So, if you are looking for a detailed experience on how to convert a subwoofer into a car audio subwoofer, then go through this guide. Here, we are going to highlight the details and how safely you can convert a subwoofer.
In This Article:
Points to Remember
- When you are trying to convert a home subwoofer, you need to open up the home subwoofer so that you can access the wiring system and make any kind of modifications.
- If you expect the same audio quality from your home subwoofer after conversion into a car audio subwoofer, then you might get disappointed, as after conversion, the audio quality changes.
- You can attach a car amplifier with a home subwoofer to get the job done, as most homes have a higher voltage design, so it won’t be able to cope with a low amp of the car.
- You need just basic tools to make the modification and build a connection that would change a home subwoofer into a car.
Tools required for the conversion
- Home subwoofer
- Screwdriver
- Car amplifier
- Speaker wire
- Wire cutter
- Electrical tap
- Small wood screws
- Small hand saw
Step 1: Select an amplifier
Usually, the subwoofers that are used at home have a built-in amplifier, which is used to power the speaker. However, these amplifiers need 120 volts to produce sound, and in comparison, a car battery can only produce 12 volts. So, you need to choose an inverted amplifier as a temporary solution. Otherwise, you can also replace the amplifier with a budget-friendly alternative. While choosing, it should be rated about half of the wattage output of the main car amplifier.
Step 2: Eliminate electronic from the subwoofer
You need to remove the plug adapter assembly by unscrewing it. Also, you need to remove the assembly, cut the wires that are attached to the speaker and discard the rest. You also need to remove the power cord as you do not need it. In case the assembly cannot be removed, then try to cut an opening to bring it out. However, it should be of the same size as the speaker terminal block that you are about to install in the car.
Step 3: Prepare the car for installation
While you are installing a new subwoofer and an amplifier in your car, you need to clean the space. The ideal location for the setup is the backseat of the car. You can also set it up underneath the seat. Also, install the sub and amp in the rear compartment, where you get enough space and room for the home subwoofer. it will also provide better audio. Try to remove all the heavy materials from the car before you start with the installation.
Step 4: Choose the wiring method
You need to verify how many voice coils the speaker has. So, take a look inside the box of the speaker. Usually, woofers have only one voice coil and two wiring terminals. Some even have two voice coils and four tabs where you get to connect the wire. Now, this will help you to understand how you can wire the subwoofer to the amplifier.
Step 5: Join the amplifier to the subwoofer
You need to attach the amplifier to the top of the subwoofer using some wood screws. This is an optional choice, but it will definitely help to create a self-contained unit.
Step 6: Connect the subwoofer to the amplifier
You need to connect the positive wire from the speaker to the positive connection on the terminal of the channel on the amplifier. The process remains similar for the negative wire as well. In case the speaker has two wires only, then the negative terminal will be on the first channel and the positive terminal on the second channel blank.
In case you find that the speaker has 4 wires, then you have to attach the wire in the similar way mentioned above. However, make sure you have connected two wires from the amplifier to the outermost terminal of the speakers. Now, make a jumper wire and create a connection between the two middle terminals.
Step 7: Installation of the subwoofer
Now, you are ready to use the system. Connect the amplifier to the subwoofer channel through the stereo head unit of the car and enjoy your music.
What is the difference between a home subwoofer and a car Subwoofer?
Both, a car subwoofer and a home subwoofer are quite different in design as well as output. A car subwoofer is designed for small spaces, whereas a home subwoofer is meant for larger areas. So, when you are modifying our home subwoofer into a car subwoofer, there might be abnormalities in the audio quality.
Home subwoofers usually have a built-in amplifier and can handle 120 volts, but in other cases, they use a separate amplifier, which requires the car battery to work, which can only put 12 volts. So, during the modifications, you have to change the wiring and use an external amplifier for the setup,
A car subwoofer runs on DC power, but a home subwoofer is powered by AC power, which affects the wiring and also the use of amplifiers.
Can you replace a Home Subwoofer with a Car Subwoofer?
Yes, it is possible to replace the home subwoofer with a car subwoofer technically, but it is not recommended because of the differences in amp and impedance power. A car subwoofer cannot handle the extreme level of power that a home subwoofer can.
Can any type of subwoofer hook to the car?
Yes, it is possible to attach any kind of subwoofer to the car, but if you are using a subwoofer that has been designed for this purpose, then the sound won’t feel distorted or abnormal.
Do you need to install an amplifier for your car subwoofer?
Yes, you need to attach the car subwoofer with an amplifier so that it can work with ease. If your car has a stereo amplifier, then you can also use that to attach to the subwoofer.
