Do you dream of bumping your favorite tunes with amazing bass and crystal-clear sound in your car, but your factory stereo just won’t cooperate? You’ve probably noticed that adding an aftermarket amplifier often seems impossible with that stock head unit. It’s a common roadblock for car audio enthusiasts everywhere! Many factory stereos lack the RCA pre-outs that amps need to connect properly, leaving you stuck with weak sound or complicated, unreliable workarounds.
Choosing the right Line Output Converter (LOC) feels like navigating a maze. Which one handles your car’s tricky signal? Will it introduce unwanted noise? Understanding this essential piece of gear is the key to unlocking serious audio power from your existing setup. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what an LOC does, how to pick the perfect model for your vehicle, and ensure your new speakers and subs get the clean signal they deserve.
Keep reading to master the art of signal conversion, eliminate buzzing sounds, and finally build the high-performance car stereo system you’ve always wanted. Let’s dive into the world of Line Output Converters and transform your listening experience!
Top Line Output Converter Car Audio Recommendations
- Add an amplifier to nearly any radio with the KISLOC2 Stereo Line-Out Converter. Experience true sonic accuracy at any volume level, with all the sparkling highs and thunderous lows of your original audio.
- Using nothing more than your factory speaker wires, the innovative KISLOC2 automatically converts the speaker signal into both an RCA signal and a powerful 100 milli-amp, 12-volt remote wire using DC offset.
- Accepts up to 55 watts (16 volts) of input signal
- Unmatched Versatility - Compatible with a wide range of car audio systems, this high to low audio converter offers flexible installation options, making it a go-to solution for converting speaker level signals to RCA line level signals for optimal sound
- Seamless Integration - Effortlessly integrate your factory stereo with an aftermarket amplifier using this line level converter, ensuring no loss of sound quality; ideal for boosting your car’s audio performance without complex rewiring
- Enhanced Audio Experience - Transform your car audio system with the Scosche LOC2SL line output converter, delivering crisp and clear sound quality for your subwoofer; perfect for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound
- Compact and Durable Design - Engineered by Scosche, the LOC2SL line output converter is compact and built to last, fitting easily into tight spaces while maintaining durability; a reliable upgrade for any car audio enthusiast
- Optimal Signal Quality - Ensure maximum audio performance with this OEM quality RCA converter for car audio, designed to minimize signal interference and deliver clean, powerful sound; the perfect addition to your custom car audio setup
- Convert speaker-level signals (up to 400W per channel) from factory-installed source units or amplifiers into high-quality pre-amp signals that can be directed to aftermarket processors or amplifiers
- Two channels of active speaker-level inputs accept up to 400W signals per channel
- Fixed and variable outputs with discrete level controls
- Correct bass roll-off at higher volumes with AccuBASS processing
- Optional remote sublevel control input (ACR-1 dash knob sold separately)
- Compatible with OEM radios that have short circuit protection, these units take as much as 55 watts of input and deliver up to 8 volts of output.
- This sonically neutral converter delivers outstanding sound quality in an incredibly small footprint.
- KISLOC 2-ch speaker-to-RCA converter, LOC
- Active 2-channel line driver/output converter, designed to work with aftermarket and factory systems
- Speaker-level inputs handle up to 40V (400 watts RMS)
- Provides up to 9.5 Vrms output
- Auto turn-on via DC offset or audio detect
- Level control and maximized LED indicator
- Car audio speaker level converter wiring adapter allows to add 2 channel or mono amplifier or subwoofer to existing factory or aftermarket car stereo kit
- Convert car stereo speaker wire output to RCA Cable outputs: In order to improve the sound quality, the function of RCA output can convert high to low; The high voltage signal output of the amplifier/speaker converts to low-voltage signal
- Convenient to use: There is the level gain adjustment to adjust the bass down without having to pull over and manually adjust the amplifier
- Easy to install: Use this adapter when adding an amplifier to a factory radio that convert the radio's speaker level output to the lower amplifier RCA level input; Tap into a speaker wire and it senses the signal, and turns on a relay to send power to the amp
- Reasonable and neat power plug, it has the prefect bonding and contact stability; Provide clean and excellent sound
- Seamless Integration - The V2HL.V2 is designed to connect directly to your factory head unit, preserving essential features like climate control, lighting, and GPS
- Signal Sensing Technology - With instant activation upon detecting a signal, this converter seamlessly harnesses and converts signals for your aftermarket amplifier
- Speaker Emulator Excellence - The V2HL.V2's standout feature enables signal output from select OEM amplifiers, eliminating the need for resistors and ensuring both your amplifier and OEM head unit remain fully functional
- Versatile Connectivity - Featuring 2CH Smart Line-Output Converter, 2CH High-Level Input, and 2CH RCA Output, this device is a perfect marriage of cutting-edge technology and intuitive design
- Built to Last - The FR4 Double Sides PCB guarantees durability and reliability, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tunes for years to come. Upgrade your car's audio system without compromising on your vehicle's built-in functionality with the V2HL.V2
Choosing the Right Line Output Converter: Your Buying Guide
Want to add a cool new amplifier to your car’s stereo system, but your factory radio doesn’t have the right plugs? That’s where a Line Output Converter (LOC) comes in handy! This little gadget takes the speaker-level signal from your old radio and turns it into a clean, low-level signal that your new amp can understand. Picking the right one makes sure your music sounds amazing. Here is what you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for an LOC, these features really matter for getting the best sound and easiest installation:
- Built-in Amplifier Turn-On Signal (Remote Turn-On): A great feature is an automatic turn-on wire. This wire senses when your radio is playing music and tells your amplifier to switch on. This saves you from running an extra wire from the fuse box.
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): This number tells you how clean the sound signal is. Look for a higher number, like 90dB or more. A higher SNR means less annoying background hiss when your music is quiet.
- Adjustable Gain Controls: These knobs let you fine-tune how strong the signal going to your amp is. Proper adjustment prevents distortion (scratchy, fuzzy sound) and maximizes your amplifier’s power.
- Speaker Level Input Handling: Make sure the LOC can handle the power coming from your factory radio’s speaker wires. Most standard radios are fine, but check the wattage rating.
Important Materials Matter
The quality of the parts inside the LOC affects how long it lasts and how well it works. You want durable components.
- High-Quality Circuitry: Look for converters that use good internal chips and resistors. Cheaper converters often use basic parts that can fail sooner or introduce noise into your audio.
- Sturdy Connections: The plastic housing should feel solid, and the wire connectors should grip tightly. Loose connections cause crackling sounds over bumpy roads.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a good LOC great, and what makes one terrible?
What Improves Quality:
- Ground Isolation: The best LOCs have built-in circuits to isolate the ground connection. This stops “ground loop noise,” which sounds like a whining noise that changes pitch when you press the gas pedal.
- DC Offset Sensing: Many newer factory radios send a small DC voltage signal to keep the speakers quiet when the radio is off. A quality LOC detects this and only turns on the amp when real audio is playing.
What Reduces Quality:
- Poor Shielding: If the wires or the box itself are not shielded well, they can pick up interference from other electronics in your car, like the ignition system or the alternator. This creates unwanted noise.
- Inability to Handle High Voltage: If you connect an LOC to a very powerful factory stereo, a low-quality unit might get overloaded and distort the signal right away.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the LOC changes which type you should buy. Most people use them for one main reason: adding an aftermarket subwoofer or amplifier to a car that only has a factory radio.
- Simple Addition (Basic LOC): If you are just adding a small amplifier for rear speakers and you don’t mind running a separate remote wire, a very basic, inexpensive LOC works fine.
- Advanced Sound Upgrade (LOC with Bass Control): If you are installing a powerful subwoofer, look for an LOC that includes a remote bass knob. This lets you easily turn your subwoofer volume up or down from the driver’s seat without touching the amp itself. This feature makes day-to-day listening much easier.
- Integration with Complex Systems: Some modern cars have special factory amplifiers or sound processing built-in. For these cars, you might need an advanced, sometimes branded, LOC that specifically knows how to decode those complex signals so the sound doesn’t drop out or sound weird.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Line Output Converters
Q: What is the main job of a Line Output Converter?
A: Its main job is to take the high-voltage signal meant for speakers from your factory radio and change it into a low-voltage, clean signal (RCA) that an aftermarket amplifier needs to work correctly.
Q: Do I always need an LOC if I buy a new head unit (stereo)?
A: No. If you completely replace your factory radio with an aftermarket one (like a Pioneer or Kenwood), that new radio already has RCA outputs, so you usually do not need an LOC.
Q: Can I use an LOC if I am keeping my factory radio?
A: Yes! This is the most common reason people buy them. If you keep the factory radio but want more power, an LOC is necessary to connect to your new amplifier.
Q: Will using an LOC lower my sound quality?
A: A high-quality LOC will not lower your sound quality noticeably. A cheap, poorly made LOC, however, can introduce hiss or distortion.
Q: What is the difference between a basic LOC and an active LOC?
A: A basic LOC is usually passive, just wiring components inside a box. An active LOC has extra electronic circuits inside to better clean up the signal and often includes features like a built-in remote turn-on.
Q: How do I connect the remote turn-on wire from the LOC?
A: The LOC will have a thin wire labeled “REM” or “Remote.” You connect this wire directly to the remote turn-on terminal (usually blue or blue/white) on your aftermarket amplifier.
Q: What does “Ground Isolation” mean on an LOC?
A: Ground isolation means the converter stops noise from the car’s electrical system from getting into your audio signal. It prevents that annoying engine whine.
Q: What if my LOC has no sound, but the amp turns on?
A: Check your wiring connections first. The speaker wires must connect correctly to the input side of the LOC. Also, check the gain settings on your amplifier; they might be set too low.
Q: Should I buy an LOC with adjustable gain?
A: Yes, almost always. Adjusting the gain properly matches the signal strength between the radio and the amp, which prevents distortion and ensures you get the loudest, cleanest sound possible.
Q: Are LOCs safe to use with modern cars?
A: Yes, modern LOCs are designed to work safely with the complex electronics found in newer vehicles. Always ensure the unit you buy is rated for the power output of your specific factory system.