Wire input needed folks.

Sitting here getting ready to wire up my new system I have been picking up here and there. I am running two amps. A Memphis 16-MCD500 (500 X 1 @ 2ohms, but gains will be turned down due to subs being in a .59^3 sealed box each) for the subs…this amp is running two S8L5’s DVC 2Ohm for now. More then likely will be dual 10 L7’s by years end. And a Memphis 16-MCA2004 (50x4 channels) for my Mids and Highs. The Mids and Highs are Alpine SPR-17LP 6-¾"s 2 sets both front doors and rear. Here is the question. I know that everyone runs high powered systems, but really, I am looking at a bit less of power…do I have to run the 1/0 gauge for power to a distroblock that will split down to 4 gauge? Because I tried to get 4 gauge into my amps without shaving wires and its not going to happen. For this set up is it realistic to go with an amp set up of 4 gauge for my power from battery to distro block then 8 gauge to my amps? It’s not a money factor. But more of a looks to actual benefit factor. While I want a nice sounding system, I don’t want to make a trough for the wire to run trough. I was also looking at like 2 gauge setups but they are all off the wall brands and I can’t trust some mom and pops audio setup. Please if you could folks realistic answers…nothing like…ONLY zero gauge will do. If its not zero then its trash. I am not competing…but a mellow system that sometimes will hit when I get spunky and in the mood for nice music in my truck. Thanks. The basic difference between an ordinary

man and a warrior is that a warrior

takes everything as a challenge, while an

ordinary man takes everything as a

blessing or a curse.

-Don Juan

I bet that as long as you have a good ground (read my grounding sticky) and that the length of your power wire is under 18 feet, that a 4 gauge line will be enough for you. If you are not going to be running the system balls to the wall all of the time, the system is not going to be pulling the max amount of current that it is capable of. However, if you are going to be doing an upgrade, as you mentioned, an amp cannot make power unless it gets power. I think that you should try the 4 gauge run with the distro block to 8 gauge and see what develops. If you need more, you can always upgrade. Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

I agree with forbidden. I think 1/0ga would be overkill for the setup you described. I personally run 1/0ga but that is because I am running 4 amps totalling to a max draw of 230A. 4ga will be perfect for you. Just make sure you have that good ground as forbidden mentioned. That will make a world of difference. good luck and post pics as you go if you can.