Do-it-yourself step-by-step connection of the amplifier to the radio tape recorder. How to connect a car amplifier with your own hands Connecting a supra amplifier

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How to connect a supra subwoofer

How to connect a supra subwoofer, many are wondering. After all, performing such a process on your own, you can save a lot of money, which will be invested in the car in the future.
Why pay someone to do something that you can do yourself? But let's take everything in order. Connecting a subwoofer supra srd t30a is carried out according to the instructions.

Why do you need a subwoofer

A sub is a very important element of any. Of course, the acoustics sounds good even without it, but with it the sound improves several times.
With its help, the sound of low frequencies is transferred to another level. The use of such a device is relevant for those who like big bass.
But it is not recommended to install an unsuitable buffer in the machine, as this can lead to different consequences. For example, due to constant rattling, windows will become less resistant to external influences.

Frequency differences

As you know, there are three types of bass: low, medium and high. Combining them in one dynamic is simply impossible.
Therefore, if the presence of all of them is necessary, then various details are used for this. For HF, special tweeters are used that can even reproduce ultrasound. But the bass and midrange sound good only when using speakers with monolithic bass.
Installing speakers for tweeter and midrange reproduction is no problem. In the process of work, a minimum of questions may arise, so anyone can cope with this task. But installing a subwoofer is a simple matter.

The main difficulty in the installation is its placement. After all, usually the speakers for low frequencies are quite large, so it is difficult to find a suitable place for it. Problems may also appear during the sound adjustment process.

Types of subwoofers

There are two types of woofers on sale:

  • Passive, which is most often placed in a wooden case. Due to this, the sound quality of musical compositions is significantly improved. Under no circumstances should such a device be connected directly to the speaker system.
    For this, a special fuse must be used. Otherwise, a short circuit may occur in the system, as a result of which all its elements will burn out. Also, the speaker is not equipped with a built-in amplifier. Therefore, you should mount an additional one, otherwise the sound power will be minimal.

Note: Some radios have a built-in amplifier for a subwoofer. Only in such cases can a passive subwoofer be connected directly to the unit. This process is quite complex, so to implement it, you should understand the instructions.

  • The advantage is that it already has a built-in amplifier for sound. As a result, there is no need to buy an additional device (although if necessary, this can be done, since it will not interfere in any way).
    Its installation is very simple. After all, it can be immediately connected to the head unit of the car. In this case, setting up a sub will include just a few simple manipulations. It's difficult to talk about the cost. Since some models are more expensive, others have a lower price.

Installation process

As noted above, installing subwoofers (both active and passive) is not an easy process.
Be sure to stock up on the following materials:

  • Knife. It may be needed when working with cables;
  • Screwdriver for dismantling the radio;
  • Adjustable wrench.

The process consists of several stages, each of which is very important:

  • Remove the negative battery terminal. Otherwise, the wiring may close, and this can lead to the combustion of not only the battery, but also all devices in the car;
  • The power cable must be carefully pulled from the engine compartment through the passenger compartment to the trunk, where the buffer is installed.

Note: If the hole cannot be found, it may have been masked with a rubber plug. It is used to prevent foreign particles in the form of dust and dirt from entering the passenger compartment.

  • Carry out, making sure that he does not cling to anything anywhere. Otherwise, while driving, it may be slightly deformed;
  • If it has already been stretched, then the next stage is its fixation. For this purpose, it is recommended to use special elastic harnesses that will securely hold the wire;
  • Remove the head unit. If it is not standard, then it is not necessary to remove it. Indeed, factory models usually have built-in amplifiers, but purchased ones do not. Therefore, dismantling the car radio is a waste of time;
  • If, nevertheless, it was decided to remove the radio tape recorder, then in this case it is recommended to look at all the connectors that are on it. Pay particular attention to the subwoofer outputs;
  • Connect the cable through this connector. In addition, the SRC lead can be connected to the unit. It is less thick and longer. Its main task is to turn the amplifier on and off without extraneous manipulation. If this cable is not passed, then the amplifier (see) will not work;
  • Lead the negative wire. Any black cable can be used for this purpose. Its connection should be carried out close to the subwoofer, and then it should be connected to the speaker;
  • Connect all the wires, install the radio tape recorder in the regular hole;
  • Install the fuse. Its importance in acoustics is very great. It protects the system from short circuits;
  • Cover the floor of the cabin;
  • Check if everything works fine. If any element of the speaker system does not function, you will have to disassemble it and recheck everything again.

The installation process of the sub is, of course, quite complicated. But it is quite possible to do it yourself.
Moreover, the price of such work in a car service can reach 2-3 thousand rubles. Why spend extra money? Before starting work, you should collect suitable photos for help, watch a thematic video. Our instructions won't hurt either.

Many car owners are not happy with the power and sound quality of their radio. In order to solve these problems, an external amplifier is installed. The external sound amplifier is powered by 12 V, thanks to the built-in voltage converter, it boosts it from 12 to 100 V.

After installing an external amplifier, the radio power increases, the maximum volume and sound quality.

How to choose an amplifier

When choosing an amplifier, you need to pay attention to the following details:

  • The amount of power for each channel. This is one of the main characteristics of an external amplifier. It must match the power of the radio and other equipment.

  • The power of each channel in the amplifier should be less than the power of the subwoofer speaker and rear speakers. If this condition is not met, you can get an unpleasant wheezing in the speakers.
  • The amplifier and speakers must have equal load impedance. It is acceptable if the speakers have this figure slightly higher.
  • The frequency range of the external amplifier should not be less than 20 Hz - 20 KHz.
  • If a subwoofer is installed in the car, then a two-channel amplifier is needed.

Installation and connection steps

Most often, the amplifier is connected using wires directly to the battery. The external amplifier will be located in the trunk or passenger compartment of the car, and the wiring will pass through the openings in the engine compartment. The wires should be well insulated with electrical tape.

The positive wire, which is almost always red, is connected to the positive terminal of the battery and stuck into the corresponding connector in the amplifier. And the negative wire, black, is connected to the body and inserted into the connector marked GND (GROUND). The other two sockets are used to connect the radio and signal cable. Almost all radio tape recorders have outputs for connecting an amplifier and supplying sound to it.

For a four-channel amplifier, you need to use special adapters, and if the receiver does not have line outputs, then the wire is laid directly on the speakers, where special inputs should be provided.

The wiring from the radio to the amplifier is routed inside the car, most often under the door trim. Under no circumstances should the signal cable be laid on the same side as the power cable. This will result in interference and loss of sound quality.

When choosing a place for the amplifier, you need to take into account that it gets very hot during operation, so it is best to install it in an open place, for example, a trunk shelf. If the amplifier is installed in a narrow space, it will require additional cooling. To do this, you can use a couple of coolers from your computer.

Another important factor when choosing the location of the amplifier is the distance from it to the speaker. It is advisable to keep it to a minimum so that the wires are as short as possible. In this case, the likelihood of interference during music playback will be minimized.

With the right choice and installation of an external amplifier, you can significantly improve the sound quality reproduced by the radio, eliminate interference and increase the power of the radio.

Outcomes

To install the amplifier, it is imperative to choose only high-quality wires, they should not have any damage. Be sure to observe safety precautions during work. Before installing the amplifier, you must read the manual for its operation and the instructions for the car radio.

Some motorists are not satisfied with the sound quality of the standard multimedia system. In this case, it is not necessary to change the speakers or audio system in the car. The situation can be improved by installing a power amplifier. Having picked up the device to suit your needs, it remains to install it and correctly connect to the radio tape recorder, following step-by-step actions.

Why do you need an amplifier for a radio tape recorder in a car

Installing an amplifier in addition to the radio will not only increase the overall power of the audio signal, but also improve the sound quality. Plus, you can connect a subwoofer to the amplifier. Using an amplifier allows you to optimize the sound of your car audio system. By connecting the amplifier through a crossover, the sound is perceived better over the entire frequency range. It is important to understand that the voltage of the car's on-board network does not always correspond to 14.4V, which is necessary to ensure the maximum power of the amplifier. In particular, this situation manifests itself when using a subwoofer: the output voltage of the amplifier at a lower supply voltage cannot swing a powerful load in the form of low-frequency (low-frequency) dynamic heads.

The indicated problem is solved by installing high-capacity electrolytic capacitors (1F). This element accumulates the necessary discharge and at peak load does not allow the bass to "sink", that is, the signal is juicy, clear, without any distortion. In order to be able to connect a subwoofer to an amplifier, the devices have a special output for the sub. To improve the sound quality, it is not necessary to replace the head unit and speakers. In this case, you just need to install a four-channel amplifier, which is endowed with compact dimensions and has rather high output power ratings. If you are serious about re-equipping the audio part of the car, then connecting the amplifier will not be difficult.

It is worth noting that many cars are equipped with standard audio systems with mediocre speakers. In order to achieve really high sound quality, you need to think not only about purchasing an amplifier, but also about replacing standard dynamic heads. Each car owner has the opportunity to choose the location of the speakers, as well as additional components. Many are quite satisfied with the installation of speakers in the front of the cabin with tweeters and tweeters. To install such a system, you will need a four-channel power amplifier.

How the amplifier works

To understand this, it is not necessary to delve into its electrical circuit and find out from which elements it is assembled. It will be enough to consider what happens to the signal when it enters the amplifier from the radio. It is generally accepted that a signal is supplied to an amplifying device with a small amplitude, after which it increases to a certain value. This reasoning is correct, but only partially, since the amplifier creates a new signal that is a copy of the input signal.

The signal is fed to the amplification device from the standard radio, and is increased to a level that ensures the normal operation of the speakers. As a result, the input and output signals differ only in terms of power characteristics. Regardless of the amplifier, the design will have three main components:

  1. Input circuit.
  2. Power supply unit (PSU).
  3. Output stage.

Each sound source has a specific output voltage level. For example, one radio tape recorder outputs a signal at the linear output with a voltage of 1V, the other at 3V. In this case, the amplifier must process signals with different levels. One signal, as a rule, is processed by standard devices and some amplifier models. However, most devices are capable of handling two input signals. If they have a high level, then they are fed directly to the load, with a low level, they first pass through the amplifying device.

It is important to know that the sensitivity of the input node must correspond to the level of the signal supplied from the radio. In the amplification device, the input sensitivity is adjusted, which determines the gain. If the input sensitivity is too high, the output signal may be distorted. In this case, it is controlled by the volume control on the radio. For a better understanding, we can say this: the sensitivity is adjusted in order to exclude a mismatch in the levels of the output signals in the car audio system. The correct sensitivity adjustment can be judged by the absence of distortion in the dynamic heads.

A node such as a power supply unit is designed to convert the voltage from the battery to a higher one. The need for such a voltage arises as a result of insufficient power from the on-board network for the buildup of the speakers. One of the functions of the car amplifier is to increase and control the supply voltage. For this, a transformer is used in the power supply. Since the audio signal is variable, two voltages are required to operate the load (speakers): positive and negative. For their implementation, two voltages with opposite polarity are removed from the transformer. By combining these fluctuations, you can get an alternating signal.

If the power supply unit outputs + 25V, then it must also supply -25V, which is necessary to power the amplifying device. In the example shown, the voltage difference is 50V. Calculating the power according to the formula P = U² / R, where P is the power of the amplifier, U is the voltage, R is the load resistance, with a supply voltage of 50V and speakers of 4 ohms, we get a power of 625 watts. The greater the difference in the supply voltage of the PSU, the more power can be removed from the amplifier.

The output stage provides direct amplification of the input signal, which is then fed to the dynamic heads. The main element of the output node is high-power transistors that operate in the key mode, providing an increased voltage supply from the power supply unit to the output of the amplification device. This is accomplished by converting the voltage from the power supply into the required signal form. The transistors are controlled by the input signal: the voltage from the power supply takes the form of an audio signal, that is, the transistors turn on or off depending on the signal at the input.

Amplifier types

Before you get ready to buy an amplifier, you need to find out what these devices are. Today, a large selection of the considered equipment is offered, but the main difference between them is the number of channels. Amplifiers are available from one to six channels. In addition, devices are classified according to the method of signal amplification: analog (AB) and digital (D). Digital devices are capable of delivering high power with relatively low signal quality. Analog ones, on the other hand, are characterized by low power and high quality.

Amplifier characteristics depending on the number of channels:

  1. Single-channel. They are mainly used for subwoofers. This type of amplifier is designed for a nominal load of up to 2 ohms. For heavier loads, it is recommended to use a two-channel amplifier. A positive feature of such devices is ease of use. Since car radios do not have a low frequency volume level, single-channel amplifiers are equipped with a special volume control, with which you can customize the audio system for yourself.
  2. Two-channel. Designed to connect two dynamic heads with a higher power value than a single-channel amplifier. A single high power speaker can also be used as a load.
  3. Three-channel, although rare, can be found. They were replaced by four-channel devices.
  4. Four channel amplifiers are the most popular. They can be used for four speakers or used in two-channel mode and also connect a subwoofer. It is possible to connect two speakers and two subwoofers.
  5. Five-channel allows you to connect four speakers and one subwoofer.
  6. Six-channel for car audio is rarely used because it mainly uses four speakers and one subwoofer. In addition, such an amplifier is able to quickly discharge the battery.

How to choose an amplifier

Having familiarized yourself with the types of amplifiers, you can decide which device is best suited for your audio system. It remains to give preference to one or another manufacturer. If you really want to get high-quality sound, then it is better to pay attention to the following brands: Infinity, Alpine, DLS, JL Audio, Audison. In addition, it is desirable that the amplifier be equipped with a fan and various signal level controls. It is worth remembering that sound quality is a significant indicator, but not power. The presence of an equalizer will not be a superfluous function, which will allow you to adjust the sound to your liking. At the same time, you need to understand that a greater number of functions leads to an increase in the cost of the device.

How to install

After the amplifier is purchased, you need to choose a place for its installation and perform the correct installation, taking into account possible nuances. You should not install the device in the first place you like: most likely it will not be the best option.

Choosing the right place

Depending on the location of the amplifier, the length of the connecting wires will depend. Please note that when installing in the luggage compartment, you will need wires to connect the radio with an amplifier and a subwoofer. On average, it will take about 5 m of wire for a multimedia system and 3 m for each speaker, which depends on the specific machine. Calculations are made in advance, since the wires will be laid under the sheathing.

When choosing a location, it is important to take into account that the amplifier generates a lot of heat, therefore normal air circulation is welcome. Avoid mounting the device in a lateral position or upside down; it is also necessary to exclude air obstruction, which is possible when covered with a rug or things. One of the options for installation space can be the space under the driver's seat. In this case, it will be possible not only to save on the length of the wires, but also to improve the sound quality, since with a longer length, part of the signal is lost.

In fact, there are a lot of options for mounting the amplifier, so each of them is at least briefly, but worth dwelling on:

  1. The front part of the cabin or the center. This option is optimal (vehicle dependent) as a good coupling to the load can be achieved, resulting in an extended crossover frequency.
  2. In the trunk. If the installation of two amplifiers is supposed, then one is installed in the front, the second in the luggage compartment. Longer wires are required for the connection, but the location of the device will not take up free space.
  3. Rear shelf installation. The option is relevant for a car in a sedan or coupe body, while the shelf must be strong.
  4. Under the passenger or driver's seat. The device will always have free access, which will ensure quick dismantling if necessary.

Mounting wires

One of the important elements in connecting a device is wires. They are required for power supply and interconnection. Additional wires may also be needed. For power supply, the wire is selected according to the power of the amplifier. To this indicator, add another 30% for losses due to low efficiency. If we consider as an example two two-channel amplifiers with a total power of 200 watts, then at maximum volume they will consume 260 watts. Based on the data obtained, you can determine the cross-section of the wire, which depends on the current passing through it. To do this, we turn to Ohm's law: I = P / U, where I is current, P is power, U is voltage. Since the car battery voltage is 12V, after performing the calculation, we get a current of 21.6A. It is recommended to buy wires with a margin, paying attention to the quality of the insulation.

Fuse

Since the power cable runs in close proximity to the body, a fuse is a mandatory element in the amplifier wiring diagram, which in the event of a short circuit will exclude a fire. The amplifier itself has protective elements, therefore it is recommended to install a power cable protection fuse near the battery. The element selects in most cases with a nominal value of 50A. It is forbidden to install a part with a large value.

There are different types of fuses, but the most common are AGU and ANL. The first ones are used by amateurs because they have a low cost. The design is a glass cylinder, on which a metal tip is brought out, and a fusible link is located inside. The design features of such fuses are their disadvantage. The problem is that the part consists of several parts, which are connected by a fusible metal element. During operation, the fuse oxidizes and simply breaks down with constant vibrations. In addition, the contact in such a protective element is very unreliable. As for the ANL fuses, they are free from the listed disadvantages. The part is made of an all-metal plate, it is securely fixed in the retainer with bolts. The probability of failure is minimal.

Interconnect cable

The sound from the radio is fed to the amplifier using an interconnect cable. The quality of the signal that comes from the source directly depends on this element. Do not rely on inexpensive options or those that come with the amplifier: first of all, they are thin, the shielding is poor, and the insulation itself is weak. A high-quality wire must have strong insulation, solid shielding, and a good central core. The RGA connector itself must also be of high quality. When choosing wires, you can pay attention to manufacturers such as Tchernov Cable and Daxx. From the tools for installing the amplifier, you will need a set of screwdrivers and a wire stripper.

How to connect with your own hands

With a standard connection, the power wires are connected directly to the battery. Plus is connected to the positive terminal of the battery, minus to the car body. Power is supplied to the amplifier and connected to the corresponding inputs: the positive wire (red) is connected to the amplifier socket, on which the supply voltage is indicated. Negative (black) is connected to the GND connector. The signal wire is connected to the Remote jacks from the signal source, i.e. from the radio. In some circuits, a capacitor may be used, but, as a rule, it is installed in a set with powerful amplifiers.

Step-by-step connection process

Having dealt with the connection diagram and having prepared all the necessary tools and materials, you can proceed to the process itself.

  1. We install the amplifier in the place where overheating, obstruction of air exchange and wetting will be excluded.

    2. Let's start laying the wires. First of all, it is necessary to lay the signal and additional wires from the radio to the amplifier. Each car owner must decide for himself how to do it better, since there are no universal recommendations. In any case, you will have to remove the decorative trim of the passenger compartment in order to lay the wires beautifully. It is important to know that the interconnect wire must not come into contact with live wiring in the vehicle.

  2. We extend the power cable to the amplifier from the battery. It is convenient to place it along the standard wiring. The fuse is installed near the battery at a distance of no more than 30 cm.
  3. We connect the signal cable: on the radio tape recorder to the Line-out connector, to the amplifying device to the Line-in connector. We also connect the power cable.
  4. We connect an additional cable to the Remote connector on the amplifier and to B + Ant (blue) on the signal source.
  5. We connect the amplifier to the speakers. If the connection is made using a bridge circuit, then one channel of the amplifier is connected to the "+" terminal of the load, the other to the "-".
  6. We install a capacitor near the amplifier (if necessary). The connection to the amplification device is made with short wires.
  7. We set up the amplifier in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The adjustment depends on both the amplifier and the radio itself, the presence of a subwoofer in the audio system.

Connecting the amplifier to a radio tape recorder without tulips

What if the radio does not have tulips, i.e. line-out? As a rule, such connectors are not available for standard devices. The connection process becomes more complicated, but still the problem can be solved and a matching adapter is used for this. To embed a line-out into the radio tape recorder, perform the following steps:

  1. Purchase a line-out adapter. The device allows you to match the output signal with the input of the amplifier.
  2. Remove the radio tape recorder and attach an adapter to it, which will allow you to connect it to the amplifier. After connecting the input wires of the adapter with the radio tape recorder, set the value of the output signal, which must correspond to the characteristics of the amplifier.
  3. The adjustment must be done carefully, since it depends on how high-quality the sound will be.
  4. The adapter is attached with electrical tape to the wiring harness. To avoid the appearance of knocking of the device case against other structural elements, the adapter is wrapped with foam rubber and secured with electrical tape.
  5. A signal cable is connected to the output connectors of the adapter, the power wires are connected to the amplifier. Line wires are connected in accordance with the marking. After turning on the amplifier, you need to pay attention to the sound of the speakers: each should sound in accordance with its channel and location.
  6. Check the balance ratio: by turning the knob to the right position - the sound should be observed only in the right speakers, to the left - in the left ones. In addition, it is necessary to check the signal level at the output: the volume control is set at about 70% of the maximum value, after which the volume is reduced to a minimum. If during the performed manipulations no distortions were observed in the audio signal, then the connection was made correctly.

How to connect two or more amplifiers

As a rule, two or more amplifiers are connected by those who want to achieve high sound quality and increase the signal strength. However, with this option, some difficulties arise:

  • with power connection;
  • with RCA cable connection for multiple amplifiers;
  • with remote activation of amplifiers.

If the installation of the first amplifier was carried out without a capacitor, then with several devices it still has to be installed. The circuit, in accordance with which the power supply of several amplifiers will be organized, is selected based on their power. You can connect two amplifiers using one capacitor, connecting it in parallel with the battery. As for connecting an RCA cable, you need to proceed from the requirements for a particular amplifier. For example, if two amplifiers are connected, the same frequency band is reproduced. In this case, it is sufficient to use the output connectors on the devices themselves, if any. You can also split input channels using a crossover.

To turn on the amplifier remotely, voltage + 12V is applied to the REM connector of the device, power is taken from the antenna on the radio tape recorder. The problem when connecting multiple amplifiers is that the load on the head unit may be too heavy. In the best case, the amplifiers will not turn on, and in the worst case, the radio tape recorder may fail. The situation can be solved by installing a relay on the remote control circuit. The element is connected quite simply: when the head unit is turned on, the relay is triggered, through it +12 V is supplied to the REM connector of the amplifiers.

Video: how to connect an amplifier with your own hands

Do-it-yourself installation and connection of the amplifier is not a time-consuming procedure. Even if you are faced with this for the first time, it is enough to purchase the necessary elements and familiarize yourself with the step-by-step process. The main thing is to choose the right place for the installation, when connecting, observe the polarity of the power supply, make the connections reliable and check the connection diagram at the end of the work. All that remains is to check the operation of the device.

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