Powered Subwoofer install

[juandagis]

I have a new to me 2018 Ford Mustang Gt with the 9 speaker system without a subwoofer. The system is adequate, But I want to add more bass. Can I just buy a powered subwoofer, hook it up to rear speakers and call it a day? I keep reading all this stuff about Forscan and LC2i, Do I really need any of that?

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[Matti777]

If the sub amp takes a high level input you don't need the LC2i but you still need to run power obviously. The system is 'eq'd" meaning bass is cut at a certain volume level so you need Forscan to disable that. Perhaps you can find someone to do it for you. I just removed my LC2i and sub amp as adding a sub didn't get me there. The sound system was still unsatisfactory. Now I am replacing everything except the head unit and speaker wiring.

 

[mikes2017gt]

Three years ago I was in the same situation as you; have the 9-speaker Shaker system but there was no shake.

Here's my old thread from when I installed my subwoofer and amp. I've since flipped 180-degrees and installed a full system, but that's not the focus here. You will either need a Line Output Converter (LOC) of some kind or an amp that takes high-level (speaker level) signals. You'll tap into one of the rear deck speakers and you're good.

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/th...at-install-long-post-heavy-pic-warning.78694/

Since then I've learned that it's actually better and easier to run the power wire behind the battery box, like this. I have a monster-sized fuse holder, so had to put it in this location b/c it wouldn't fit anywhere else safe. There are easier placement options for a smaller fuseholder.

 

[Matti777]

...
Since then I've learned that it's actually better and easier to run the power wire behind the battery box, like this. I have a monster-sized fuse holder, so had to put it in this location b/c it wouldn't fit anywhere else safe. There are easier placement options for a smaller fuseholder...

I see you like those strain relief bushings too I ran my power cable the other route but didn't know about those bushings then. Maybe I could use one still where it comes through the inner fender

 

[mikes2017gt]

Those Fastronix bushings are simply the best thing out there IMO.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0841QYB7T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They are stout, well-made and have a rubber sleeve inside that clamps completely around the wire. Very pleased with them. A regular, thin rubber grommet can easily pull out of the hole when you're pulling the cable through, but this thing doesn't budge once you tighten the retaining nut a couple of turns.

 

[DetroitMustang]

I have a new to me 2018 Ford Mustang Gt with the 9 speaker system without a subwoofer. The system is adequate, But I want to add more bass. Can I just buy a powered subwoofer, hook it up to rear speakers and call it a day? I keep reading all this stuff about Forscan and LC2i, Do I really need any of that?

I have a 2018 GT and the 9 speakers.
I added a 12" powered sub (I would suggest at least a 10") . The sub had high level inputs so I tapped the rear speakers.
I changed the back speakers with PowerBass OE652-FDs because they are made for Fords with the same plug.
The front speakers are decent, but the rears are junk.

I would also suggest getting rid of the center speaker in the dash, IMO it sounds awful.
I played around with forscan, I changed it to disable the EQ, but ended changing it back because it seemed to make the sub over power the fronts. And with the new speakers in the rear I don't seem to get any roll off. I play the radio at 15-20 level and it sounds good.

It took a little time adjusting the sub to my liking, but I think it sounds 100x better now.

Is it the best system?....NO , but it sure beats what I had .
Total cost $ 320.......$200 for sub, $100 for rears, $20 install kit.

I did the install myself, local shop would have charged $100 to install.

 

[juandagis]

I have a 2018 GT and the 9 speakers.
I added a 12" powered sub (I would suggest at least a 10") . The sub had high level inputs so I tapped the rear speakers.
I changed the back speakers with PowerBass OE652-FDs because they are made for Fords with the same plug.
The front speakers are decent, but the rears are terrible.

I would also suggest getting rid of the center speaker in the dash, IMO it sounds awful.
I played around with forscan, I changed it to disable the EQ, but ended changing it back because it seemed to make the sub over power the fronts. And with the new speakers in the rear I don't seem to get any roll off. I play the radio at 15-20 level and it sounds good.

It took a little time adjusting the sub to my liking, but I think it sounds 100x better now.

Is it the best system?....NO , but it sure beats what I had .
Total cost $ 320.......$200 for sub, $100 for rears, $20 install kit.

What powered sub did you use?

 

[DetroitMustang]

I got this JBL...

It was on sale , it's usually $ 299.

 

[FreePenguin]

I had 9 speaker car

tossed in an amp from12 speaker car and an acm from it too (enabled hd radio) and then I ran wires from oem amplifier under kick panel to my JL audio 500 under seat

used forescan to disable factory eq and made flat, low level.

bam. Got me a subwoofer using oem signal no lc2i etc

tossed 2ohm 6.5’s in all the6.5 spots too

my car came wit’s 4om

the 6.5’s in shaker pro are 2ohm since I took the amp I upgraded the speakers too. Doubled the sound output from them

 

[djcodeman]

I had 9 speaker car

tossed in an amp from12 speaker car and an acm from it too (enabled hd radio) and then I ran wires from oem amplifier under kick panel to my JL audio 500 under seat

used forescan to disable factory eq and made flat, low level.

bam. Got me a subwoofer using oem signal no lc2i etc

tossed 2ohm 6.5’s in all the6.5 spots too

my car came wit’s 4om

the 6.5’s in shaker pro are 2ohm since I took the amp I upgraded the speakers too. Doubled the sound output from them

Let me get this right... you got a shaker pro amplifier like this one -->

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144232549420?hash=item2194ee0c2c:g:XG8AAOSwzDBhWz8l

Replaced the amp with it, then wired a JL Audio 500 amp in series with it to power the sub?

What sub did you use?

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