What to do, with only two preouts???

[speedy300Dturbo]

On a headunit with only two preouts, what is the BEST way to go about hooking up a 4 channel amp and a subwoofer amp? I realize I have two options:

1. Use Y cables to split front signal into two signals, and use the rear output for subwoofer

2. Run front and rear outputs to an external crossover with a built in low frequency splitter and Sub-output.

Thanks for any input.

[bjcsc]

Speedy:
First, by two preouts I assume you mean four (two stereo). If so, I would run them to the amp for front and rear and then use an adaptor like the ones at the link below to drop two speaker outs to line level for the sub. I have used many products from this company and they are top quality.


Speaker Level to Line Level Adaptors

I'm assuming same as bjcsc... I would (A) check the radio's rear preouts for full-signal output(should be), then hit this up to a 3-way crossover("X"). Run the front/highs from the X to one channel on the amp for front speakers, run rears from the X to other channel on amp for rear speakers, then sub out to sub amp for the sub; -or- (B) pick up an EQ with seperate outs for front, rears, and sub. I'd go with (B), personally, but your mileage may vary.

[speedy300Dturbo]

I found myself a nice 1/2 DIN equalizer with three pre-outs (sub is non fader). Now, the only problem is WHERE to put this thing so it will be easily adjustable!

Yeah, that's the thing. If it'll fit in the ashtray, put it there or in the glove compartment.

Or, you could run your two sets of pre's out to the amp for front & rear speakers, buy a Bazooka sub tube and tap off the rear speaker lines. http://www.bazooka.com/productAutoAmplifiedBTs.asp The amplified Bazookas come with a built-in x-over, hence why you can tap off your rear speaker line from the radio. This won't hurt the head unit, your rear speakers, or the Bazooka tube. I actually ran this setup for years and loved it. My current Alpine has front, rear, and sub outs. I'll pro'lly run the front and rear speakers off the Alpine and take the sub pre out to an amp in the trunk and run a sub off that. The only thing that limits us sometimes is the space, as you've seen with the EQ.