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Adding a powered sub to the Stelvio - Video

9203 Views 22 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  mackdhagen
So, I’ll be honest . . . with the new platform I’m not sure how updates come across, so I’m just posting a how-to video in a new discussion. A couple of notes:
1.). This video is for adding an additional powered sub to your Stelvio.
2.). I think the “proper” way to do this would be to tap into the rear speakers in the 2 rear doors. I opted NOT to do that because I know how prone I am to breaking stuff. The interior is not my specialty and I’m paranoid about breaking off tabs, etc., so I tapped into the current sub.
3.). The Sound Ordnance sub has provisions for RCA plugs as well as standard speaker wire. I purchased an LOC, but opted to retain the standard speaker wires (hint: LOC just sitting around if you need one).
4.). I am NOT an electrical genius. I’m sure many of you are much better at doing these things than I am. Constructive criticism is welcomed, but not looking for the destructive kind :).

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Scott; great video. It was very helpful to get me into that quarter panel. One additional comment: When I removed mine (2019 Ti Sport), there was one additional fastener that had to be removed in order to completely remove the 'felt' quarter panel that covers the sub woofer assembly. It is located behind the seat bolster on the driver's side rear seat. The bolster must be removed to remove the last push-type fastener. This sounds a little daunting but the seat bolster can be removed pretty easily. Simply grab the bottom of the rear seat bolster and pull it forward to release the retainer clips. The seat belt prevents the bolster from being completely removed from the vehicle but you'll have plenty enough clearance to access and remove the fastener.
Hope this helps those who view this outstanding video.
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You know what? Now that you point that out, I believe the first time I did this, that’s what I had to do. I should check if maybe I didn’t put that one back in? I never did (for the video) get that panel off completely. However I know I had it off completely when I did my wiring initially. Thanks for that catch!!!
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Hello scott. Thanks for the video. Anytime you are in orlando and want to help me add the same setup to my Ti sport without the hk, will supply a cold beer and dinner. Mark
Hello scott. Thanks for the video. Anytime you are in orlando and want to help me add the same setup to my Ti sport without the hk, will supply a cold beer and dinner. Mark
I’d be down for that! Just need to find a reason to travel down there . . . High of 35 deg today. That might qualify!
It’s cold today in orlando. About 61 but low 50. No snow.
is anybody know if the cables for the orginal sub are present also whitout the sub?
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is anybody know if the cables for the orginal sub are present also whitout the sub?
Are you asking if the Stelvio without the sub has speaker wire for that sub (missing)? If so, the answer would be no.
I am still waiting for scott Larson to come to sunny and warm central Florida to help me with my sub install.
I am still waiting for scott Larson to come to sunny and warm central Florida to help me with my sub install.
I’m still waiting for Lawyerboy to buy my ticket ?‍♂
so.. you have the two sub working in the same time?
Any sound delay?
What is the brand and model of the sub?
Any video.. with sound check?

THank you.
Great mod!!!
So, I’ll be honest . . . with the new platform I’m not sure how updates come across, so I’m just posting a how-to video in a new discussion. A couple of notes:
1.). This video is for adding an additional powered sub to your Stelvio.
2.). I think the “proper” way to do this would be to tap into the rear speakers in the 2 rear doors. I opted NOT to do that because I know how prone I am to breaking stuff. The interior is not my specialty and I’m paranoid about breaking off tabs, etc., so I tapped into the current sub.
3.). The Sound Ordnance sub has provisions for RCA plugs as well as standard speaker wire. I purchased an LOC, but opted to retain the standard speaker wires (hint: LOC just sitting around if you need one).
4.). I am NOT an electrical genius. I’m sure many of you are much better at doing these things than I am. Constructive criticism is welcomed, but not looking for the destructive kind :).

I installed an 8" Kicker sub a few weeks ago after seeing your video....very happy with it. Thx for the inspiration!
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So glad! That’s exactly why I made the video. Hope your Stelvio is exactly how you want it now!
So glad! That’s exactly why I made the video. Hope your Stelvio is exactly how you want it now!
It's very close. It's interesting how the new found lower frequencies really opens up the sound stage. It definitely now gets loud enough to hurt my ears! Proper tuning of the sub, and the quality of the audio source (or song) really makes a big difference in the sound. Some tracks sound amazing, while others not so much. Regardless, I'm very happy with it and I still have all of my cargo space! I just hauled 20 bags of mulch the other day without having to remove a sub box! I'm ready for my next road trip!
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So, I’ll be honest . . . with the new platform I’m not sure how updates come across, so I’m just posting a how-to video in a new discussion. A couple of notes:
1.). This video is for adding an additional powered sub to your Stelvio.
2.). I think the “proper” way to do this would be to tap into the rear speakers in the 2 rear doors. I opted NOT to do that because I know how prone I am to breaking stuff. The interior is not my specialty and I’m paranoid about breaking off tabs, etc., so I tapped into the current sub.
3.). The Sound Ordnance sub has provisions for RCA plugs as well as standard speaker wire. I purchased an LOC, but opted to retain the standard speaker wires (hint: LOC just sitting around if you need one).
4.). I am NOT an electrical genius. I’m sure many of you are much better at doing these things than I am. Constructive criticism is welcomed, but not looking for the destructive kind :).

Scott - why did you choose the Sound Ordnance over other possible options? Did adding this sub cause a speaker code to appear?

Thanks!
ProTips:
You want a fuse on the + lead as close to the battery as possible. I didn't see one and didn't hear Scott mention it. I do hope his is fused somewhere prior to entering the amp. If the + lead ever wiggles out and touches anything metal on the amp or car, power will continue to flow indefinitely until your car burns down. (Especially the way Scott has the positive wire strands are loose in the breeze in the last min of the video. As an electrical engineer, that triggers my Spidey Sense. I get it, it doesn't all fit in the Amp's terminal but either trim off the access or buy the proper gauge adapter pin for $6 and save yourself any potential headaches)

For the - lead, its not a huge deal, but you generally want to scuff the area the terminal will touch so that you get a better ground. Sandpaper or wire brush the area around your screw hole for better contact if it isn't bare metal already.
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Came here from the other thread. Holy fire hazard batman.
@seawolf_il is 10000% correct here for anyone thinking of DIY here.

Also: What happened to the blue wire? It dissapeared? You showed the blue wire and then it's black and red in the sub? You connected the blue wires with the red and black somewhere?
Also: What happened to the blue wire? It disappeared? You showed the blue wire and then it's black and red in the sub? You connected the blue wires with the red and black somewhere?

I think Scott sold his Stelvio a few months back, I'm not sure he's around here much anymore. But in general yes, the amp came with a connector that fit into the amp chassis with speaker + / speaker - pigtails (a ~0.5 meter length of wires that are bare at the ends) that he would have tied the blue wires to. The blue wire is probably something he had lying around to reach the HK sub harness since the wires off the amp are pretty short. He would have twisted both reds to the green lead of the HK sub (using one of his blue wires), and blacks to the black lead (the other blue wire) from the sub.

You can kinda see at 7:55 where the transition would have been, in the corner of the foam he cut out.
@seawolf_il Is there no speaker i can replace the current sub with?

I really REALLY don't want a fire in my car, when i was 18 i started a fire in my old car while installing an amp.
It wasn't really any problem with the installation, but a bare + wire that touched the chassi suddenly. Should have unplugged the battery :)

I can hand it in to a professional to install but everything is stupid expensive to get done where i live.
I was quoted 600 USD to install the sub.
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