do i really need an amp

[AccordCoupe666]

i want to install a simple 200watt sub tube. do i need an amp to go with this? or can i run this alone?

[ude_loose]

hi, you shouldnt install a sub tube without an amp, but actually i have installed an equalizer straight to a sub and didnt sound half bad. but a small amp should be ok if all you want is to move the sub. feel free to ask any questions

[magnifan]

Yeah, you definitely do not have a way to hook it up directly to a radio. In fact you would find yourself stealing from another channel and not even getting enough power to the sub. An amp is going to be really easy for a bass tube. Depending on what you drive and what kind of music you listen to will determine the power you'll be needing.

Power - make sure you fuse it within 12" from the battery
Ground - make it as short and clean as possible to prevent engine noise
RCA - Preferably or either a line level converter if your radio has no rca out
** If the amp you get has line level inputs and a crossover you'll be fine**
Remote - wire from radio to turn amp ON and OFF

Good Luck

[AccordCodger]

Power - make sure you fuse it within 12" from the battery

What difference does the location of the fuse make? If a wire has 10 amps (say) going through it, there's 10 amps everywhere - near the battery or not.

[magnifan]

Lets say you put your fuse in your power wire in a location under the seat. Your wire goes through the fire wall to get to the battery. If it was rubbed and grounded out it would burn all the way back to the battery. You put the fuse close to the battery becuase in case it gets grounded or shorted out, it will pop the fuse. It's highly unlikely that your cable will be damaged or grounded anywhere within those 12". You could just buy an amp kit and read the instructions, it would be in there. I was just listing things out for help.

[5thGenAccord]

your ground wire shouldnt be longer than 3 ft and i agree with mag about your fuse being closer to your batt. not only is it a little more logical, it is a little more accesible

[AccordCodger]

OK magnifan & 5th GenAccord - both good logical reasons. But what's with the magical 12"?