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dodgeee-O
Dodge Dakota
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3/25/2002
00:11:03
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 Subject: How would you wire this ?
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I'm going to be re-wiring my system (upgraded and now need new wiring) and was wondering what you guys would use. I'm going to be running about 1500W's (two amps, two subs, and one set of components). What gauge of power wire would U run from the battery to the dist. block then to the two amps ? One amp is 1200W other about 300W. Also, would you guys use cheap speaker wire or go with some 12ga for the amp to the crossover and from the crossover to the tweeter and midbass ? I'm using 12ga for the subs! Thanks, dodgeee-O.
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DaveR
Dodge Dakota
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3/25/2002
00:18:59
| RE: How would you wire this ?
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I don't post here much because there are many who can answer better than me, but i'll make an exception. Going from experience large gauge wire is not needed to go to the tweeters and mids, since they are more efficient. In fact I have heard from several different places that a very good wire to use is CAT-5, you know the stuff for networking? Because of the twisted pairs it has excelent sheilding ability and it sounds good. And then there is the cost issue; 300ft for around $20.
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DodgedogJB
Dodge Dakota
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3/25/2002
04:40:18
| RE: How would you wire this ?
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Do not use Cat-5 wire for your speakers. Your speakers will produce sound using them but not with any decent amount of clarity. The twisted pair effect is more important in the RCA's because of the low voltage level. The actual speaker wires run a much higher energy level and are less susecptable to interference. Many people skimp on wiring...don't...its the lifeblood of your system.
I am guessing the 300W amp is for your components; 14 gage is pretty thick and more expensive but if you are putting in a very high end component set then use it, if not use 16 gauge if you can, 18 at the very very least.
If you are running a 1200watt amp you are gonna need more than 12 gauge power wire. Subs pull crazy amounts of power. A really good power supply from the power wire ensures that your amp has that power to give. The nice thing about a fat power wire is that it can delever that power instantly, while thinner wire can't. You are good to use 12 gauge wire for the subs, exactly what I use.
Here is a site from Crutchfield that shows a suggestion of what power wire to use.
http://www.crutchfield.com/infolib/S-rSjSts0KKmO/carindex.asp?id=cable-length-image
I always go with one size bigger if I can. If you are gonna use a power distribution block put it as close to the sub amp as possible. You need to look at the fuses on your amps and add up their values. Then use the chart to figure out which size. And DON'T forget to upgrade the wire from the negative terminal on your battery to the frame, its just as important. The electricity actually flows from negative to positive you know. Any more questions just email me.
Joel
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DaveR
Dodge Dakota
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3/25/2002
11:08:05
| RE: How would you wire this ?
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Point taken
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fourgivn1
GenIII
3/25/2002
11:11:55
| RE: How would you wire this ?
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I can definitely back that up because I've probably run MILES of the crap over the last 6 years. It does have great shielding capability (depending upon what kind you get) but it's not made for any sort of power applications at all.
Current mods: A MUFFLER. That's it. (For now.)
Future mods: Tonneau cover
Underdrive pulleys
Removal of clutch fan
K&N FIPK
17" rims
And much, much more...
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mike
Dodge Dakota
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3/26/2002
18:39:09
| RE: How would you wire this ?
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I wouldn't go any smaller than 4 guage for the amps from the battery. that's just wiring basics of car audio. If you run multiple amps, you NEED a wire that'll let the current travel. 8 guage is pushing it on the small side. Make sure the Ground is as short as possible. Drill into the floor if need be, and sand the contact point. Typically ground is no longer than 1 foot long. Your system is as good as the weakest connection. If you skimp on your ground, engine noise and clipping will be evident. I have always been of the opinion that I'd rather spend $40 first rather than $30 and replace it down the road with $40 wire. Just figure you saved 30$ by buying the more expensive wire. Speaker wire guage is not really critical, though make sure you use 16awg or thicker. Just make sure it's good quality, and not Wal Mart stuff. You'll notice oxidation in the wire after a while on a cheap set.
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Grady C.
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2002
00:59:16
| RE: How would you wire this ?
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There is also the issue of amp quality as a concern. 1200 watts of ghetto amp is one thing, but 400 watts of high quality power are another. I have a PPI 100X4 amp, the previous amps, not the new crap. I run 4 Ga power to the amp, 12 Ga to the sub, 12 Ga to the xovers, 12 Ga to the Mids and 16 to the tweeters. 10 Ga for subs would be preferable, especially if we were involved in a 2 ohm discussion. Most of these wires can handle several hundred volts so its not really a matter of safety, but rather sound quality. Not to degrade whatever amps you may have purchased, but there is a difference and it is usually reflected in price. PPI PC4100 - $1200.
Take it from there.
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Yaaaabuddy03
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2002
01:11:09
| RE: How would you wire this ?
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I have a smaller system than most,... I have a 200watt Rockford Fosgate and a 200watt (Radio Shack) amp...haha ya i know its funny huh,... anyways,... I'm just wondering if the size of wire actually matters if its only 200 watt... if so what should I get. Thanks a lot for the advise. and hey,.. for a RC truck... thas all I need....haha thanks again.
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dodgeee-O
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2002
01:13:16
| RE: How would you wire this ?
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Thanks for your replies!
I think i'm going to run 1/0 guage welding cable from the battery to the in line fuse then to the fused dist. block. From the dist block i'm going to run 4 gauge to my jbl bp1200.1 amp and 4 gauge welding cable (if it fits, 8 gauge if not) to my alpine flex 5 amp. I'll use 12 gauge speaker wire (i have lot's from previous install) for my subs, mids, crossover, and tweets. If anyone has any other thoughts, please add! dodgeee-O
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DodgedogJB
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2002
19:32:50
| RE: How would you wire this ?
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Welding wire is a little cheaper but dedicated car-audio wire may be a little better because it has better shielding and some have special cores to reduce magnetic fields caused by such large power flow. This is really splitting hairs though...either way sounds like you get the idea.
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Matt
Dodge Dakota
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8/15/2002
12:01:32
| RE: How would you wire this ?
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There is another thing to think about, ya wire is one thing but what about your alternator alot of car and trucks have small alternators like 60 or 70 amp cold but after it gets hot you are looking at only 45 to 50 amps from the small alternators i would go with a 160 amp alternator that way you can realy put the jucie to the wire and then feed the amps all the power they can take.
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