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I have a base 2008 A6 that I replaced the OEM head unit with a Kenwood DMS906S and the Bose 3.5 and 5.25 speakers with Infinity Reference speakers of the same size. I am thinking about getting an Infinity Basslink Mini powered subwoofer. Not sure of placement at this point. I'm 73 and not looking for window rattling base, I just want to hear a little more of the base.
The subwoofer has the option of input by connecting to the +/- of the left and right speaker wires to the designated wires of the subwoofer main connector. It also has RCA inputs for the RCA outputs of the head unit.
1. Which of these two methods is the best way to go as far as the best sound?
2. If the speaker wire method is selected, is it OK to make the connection at the Bose amplifier, if not, where?
Probably the best way to go. I thought tapping into the speaker wires would be an easier way to do it, before the amplifier. Then I looked at the wiring diagram and the head unit speaker outputs are for LF, RF, LR and RR, not for the subwoofer. There are some shenanigans going on in the Bose amp to take those four inputs and scramble them up to go to 7 speakers. Initially I planned on tapping into the subwoofer wiring to also go to the powered subwoofer, but that signal is already amplified. My hypothesis is that you wouldn't want to take an already amplified signal and send it to a powered subwoofer to be amplified again.
Thanks for your input. Did you go through the firewall to get 12 volts for the subwoofer?
Easiest just to come off the Kenwoods Sub output RCA connections on the back of the deck then running the RCA cord to the sub amp inputs. There'll probably something you have to turn on in the Kenwoods settings to turn on the sub outputs. As far as running power for the sub, ideally you want to ground the sub amp as close to the amp as you can, then I personally ran the positive power through the firewall and connected it to the battery + connection which comes directly off the battery on the underhood fuse box. Just don't forget to add a fuse on the power line close to the battery connection, and run the proper gauge wire for both the + and - wires per the sub amp manufacturers specs.
I did the same in a different way. I added a terminal block to screw other devices on like cameras, wide band etc. It was easy going through the firewall with other wires behind the battery.
Probably the best way to go. I thought tapping into the speaker wires would be an easier way to do it, before the amplifier. Then I looked at the wiring diagram and the head unit speaker outputs are for LF, RF, LR and RR, not for the subwoofer. There are some shenanigans going on in the Bose amp to take those four inputs and scramble them up to go to 7 speakers. Initially I planned on tapping into the subwoofer wiring to also go to the powered subwoofer, but that signal is already amplified. My hypothesis is that you wouldn't want to take an already amplified signal and send it to a powered subwoofer to be amplified again.
Thanks for your input. Did you go through the firewall to get 12 volts for the subwoofer?
If your sub can take an amplified speaker level signal as an input, it shouldn't be an issue. If you do end up going this route, I suggest taking the speaker outputs directly from your head unit (either LF/RF or LR/RR). While this may be something done in the Bose amp, I believe the rear speaker outputs are a mono signal, and may not contain all (any?) of the bass component of the signal.
I agree with others here and would suggest that you use the SUB RCA outputs from your Kenwood head unit for the best possible signal.
I’m going to use the sub RCA outputs coming off of my Alpine receiver. I’m going to mount it in the rear (easy access to the battery) so it can easily be unplugged and removed if I need more space and for auto cross and track days.
I’m going to use the sub RCA outputs coming off of my Alpine receiver. I’m going to mount it in the rear (easy access to the battery) so it can easily be unplugged and removed if I need more space and for auto cross and track days.
I remember back in the day, the Bazooka subs where pretty impressive, but it's been years since I've heard one. I kinda considered one myself for my Vette, but I have a vert and figured the sound would get muffled with the top down, so I designed and built one for my Vette that mounts behind the seats that sounds real good with the top up, or down. You'll have to let us know how the Bazooka sounds when you get it installed.
IMHO while you have it all torn up I would put some sound deadening material. In there. I was amazed at the difference it made in my car, just getting rid of road noise for one thing.
Powered subwoofer questions
