Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Dedicated Sub Output?

Ok, here's my plan. I'm looking an buying an MP3 HU, a sub, and using the stock speakers (for now).

My question is would it be better to get a HU with a dedicated sub-out or would any set of preamp outputs work fine?

one with a sub out is always helpful..I would get one with it..also any higher end deck (such as an MP3 HU) should come with one..

Any pre-out should work just fine.

A dedicated sub out usually just adds some tweaking features like a low-pass filter, non-fading ability, sub volume control, etc...

In the long run (nobody can predict the future and you may want to upgrade your system), I think it is always better to get an HU with a dedicated sub output. Sure you can hook up a sub with any old preamp output, but your options are limited when you have one or even two set of preamp outputs with a subwoofer. With a dedicated output, you are left with numerous future expansion possibilities in respect to your other speakers. As mentioned above, in addition to the expansion argument, you have more control with features such as LPF, sub output control, and non-fading ability. If you are going to keep the stock speakers, I would recommend looking for an HU that also has a high pass filter. The HPF makes a big difference when a system is set up with a subwoofer(s). Hope this helps..

One thing I missed, usually a receiver with a dedicated sub output has 4 volt preamp outputs instead of 2 volt for example. Your sub amp will love you for this. And, the crossover slope for a dedicated output is usually -18 db to -24 db instead of the normal -12 db with a regular preamp output with a crossover. This also makes a big difference in respect to subwoofers. Sorry so long :rolleyes:

My Kenwood deck that just died had two sets of outputs. One that was switchable between being a sub output and a normal output, and one that was always a normal output. On the switchable one, it had variable low pass crossover and level control when you had it in sub mode. When it was in normal mode, it had a variable high pass filter. I left the switchable one in sub mode, and then just split each channel of the normal mode so that all channels on the main amp had signal. Lost fade control, whatever.

My new Alpine, that I finally got via UPS today, has three sets of outputs. I'll keep the current setup until I feel like running another set of RCAs, but obviously plug the sub RCA into the sub output on the Alpine.