Hey Guys,
I have a 2012 Fit Sport and wanted to install a small sub for a little more bass. I like the ease of use with the OEM head unit stereo. I was just wondering if the back of the factory stereo has the needed connections to run a small amp and sub? Or is an aftermarket stereo necessary? Thanks in advance everyone.

 

The stereo only has speaker level outputs, nothing you could just plug an amp into. you would need a sub with speaker level inputs or a line output converter to drop down the amplified signal. That said, Speaker level inputs dropped down to line level are always of lower quality audio and depending on what the crossover point is built into the stereo, the factory head unit just might not put out low low frequencies (because it could potentially damage the factory speakers). If you tap into that, you still will get quality (at best) slightly lower than the stock head unit can produce. An aftermarket Head unit (ranging from less than $100 and going up from there) is your best bet. It will not only improve the bass of any sub you put in, but give you better midrange and highs (plus add additional features like bluetooth and better ipod/usb flash drive control) The stereo in a car is always the lowest common denominator that should be replaced first. Swapping out the Head Unit in my car made a huge change in audio quality all the way around. (The only down side is that it makes me want to upgrade the speakers as they are now the lowest common denominator.

~SB

 

Thanks sb! Totally answered my question. I have one more- with an aftermarket unit, can I still use controls on the steering wheel?

 

D44 there is a module for the volume controls.

Does anyone know if the same module will retain the factory bluetooth?

AC

 

Yes.... with the Right accessories. There is a device called a SWI (steering wheel interface) that allows you to maintain steering wheel controls.

~SB