I have the mach460 system in my 03 GT

i want more bass!

it would seem to be hard to add subs to this set up though.....as any1 done it? how hard was it? how much it cost?

 

Do yourself a big favor and just buy a new amp and subs

 

It is very EASY to add subs to your current mach460 system.

You will need a Line Out Converter. This converts the audio signal from your speakers to signal for RCAs to send to your amp.

Or you need an amp with a High Level input. This does the same thing as the line out but is just built into your amp. This is the better way to go since the amp is the one doing all the work therefore a cleaner sound will be heard.

HERE IS THE PROBLEM.

Because you have a mach460 the signal to the speakers is of higher voltage than that of stock. This makes the lineout converter perform not to specs but still works.

What am I saying?

I have installed many subs into aftermarket factory radio systems: BOSE, Mach460, Infinity, Infinity Gold, etc... and the sound is not that great.

Example. You have a friend that has a 400 watt amp pushing two 12s. He is running a aftermarket radio. You think it sounds great...so great you go out and buy the same thing. Have it installed into your Mach460 and it sounds like crap.

Reason is because the signal and voltage is different between aftermarket and Mach460s....even between stock and mach460s. A stock radio will make subs sound better than Mach460.

So what do you do????????

Make sure you get an amplifier that has awsome filtering and crossover capabilities. A good amp is Rockford Fosgate, Alpine, and JL Audio.

Also you need to get more power than you think. Your friend has a 400 watt and it THUMPS. But in order for you to hear that THUMP in your car... you might need a 600-800watt.

This allows cleaner sound from your Mach system.

What do I recommend?

Subs: Get whatever you want because the amp does all the work. Just make sure RMS matches with amps....don't pay attention to Peak power...this number is worthless.

Amp: Get Rockford fosgate 5002, 6002, or 8002. I have installed a 5002 in a BOSE system and it sounds a lot better than the 4002 or 3001(3002).

Now what do I mean about macthing RMS?

The rockford fosgate 8002 advertises 2400watts but that is peak. That is the WLS number...."When Lightning Strikes". Meaning you will never see that. But it does say 200x2 at 4 ohms or 400x2 at 2 ohms RMS. This means go get two 2 ohms speakers so that you have more RMS power rating of 400 watts. Or get two 8 ohms speakers that are rated for the same thing.

Why this? and not 200 watts since they are 8 ohms?

You can always wire subs so they drop resistance. 2 8 ohm subs wires in parallel will that is bridged to the amp will see 2 ohms. Leaving them getting 400 watts RMS.

SO all in all you can add amps and subs without changing your factory radio.

This process will be around 160-200 for the parts and installation...minus the amps and subs.

If you do not want your Mach460...keep in mind you cant just add an aftermarket...you have to changer everything: deck, speakers, and have the Mach460 factory amp bypassed. This will cost about 250 for install and parts.

Any more Q's just ask.