Hi i got a new car stereo, sony mex-bt5100, which has got preouts on the back including ones for subwoofers.?

Question

Does this mean i can plug a subwoofer straight into my stereo or does it need to go via an amp 1st? Im not very technical with all this stuff.

Thanks

Answer 1

The preouts on the back are to go to an amp first.  

That would be the best way to go.  

Answer 2

they need an amp. if you do not have an amp your subwoofer will make your radio work harder and you could burn it out. plus your sub will not hit at all. the only think you do is take the wire from the speaker terminals and put them to the back speaker terminals. but i recommend you just buy a amp.  

Answer 3

"Pre-out" is short for "Pre-amplified output".  In other words, it's a signal meant to be sent to an amplifier.  To use a sub with this system, you'll need an amp.

A simple way to do it would be to purchase an amplified subwoofer, like the Infinity Basslink.  This simplifies the installation, and the Basslink systems can produce good sound, but if you're looking for a lot of bass you'll want an amplifier and a multiple-subwoofer system.