The power output on your headunit refers to the "post amp-ed" connections,
ie. connections that have already been throught the internal amp in the head
unit...

The output you will use for your active sub / sub & amp will be an RCA (or
Phono if you're used to home hi-fi).. this is a "pre-amp" output, ie. an
output that is taken BEFORE the signal gets to the internal amp in your head
unit...

Another possible option to consider (to save running too many cables) is to
find an active sub that will accept a "high level" input.. (splice a
connection into the feed for the rear speakers)

AKAIR the VIBE active subs do cater for a high level input..

Using one of these means that you will only have to worry about running
power and possibly a remote on (trigger to turn amp on, is normally power
antennae feed) back to the boot...

HTH,

Wil



"James" wrote in message
...
Ok, I think I understand. I like the look of the Pioneer TS-WX10LPA. I
think
it's an active sub, so I guess all I do is buy one, buy cables to wire it
in
and bingo! what I don't understand is the power rating of the sub. the
pioneer says its gtot a "Built in 100W max Monaural power amplifier", but
the manual for my head unit says nothing about the max output of the sub
sockets. it says the speaker output is 52W x 4, do I take it this is the
same for the sub? also, how do I get power to the sub? where do I run a
power lead to and from?

thanks,
James.

"matt" wrote in message
...
"James" wrote in message
...
hi!
I've got a sony CDX-M730 in my (old style) 3 door Corsa and wanna
install
a
sub. I've never done it before and don't really understand. do I
*need*
an
amp? I don't really wanna have to install one if I can help it. is
there
an
easy way to just buy a sub, connect it to the two mono connectors on
the
back of the stereo, run a wire to the boot and just leave it there?
hope
I've not rambled too much, but I don't really know what I'm asking
about
/
doing when it comes to subs.

You will need an amp of some sort, yes. You can, however, buy "active"
subs
which come with the amp built in.
If you bought an active sub you'd need to run RCAs to the boot (tyo
carry
the signal from the back of the headunit) and a power feed. You'll most
likely also have to run a "remote on" cable, which makes the amp turn on
when the h/u is turned on. Best source for all these things is an "amp
wiring kit" as sold by all car audio shops, maplin, etc.