the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
icon

Dual Amplifier Kit


Post ReplyPost New Topic
< Prev Topic Next Topic >
lakers08 
Copper - Posts: 75
Copper spacespace
Joined: December 21, 2004
Posted: January 17, 2005 at 5:22 PM / IP Logged  
I need some direction as to what type of dual amplifier kit I will need to run with my current setup. Here is the requisite info: I have a four channel amp rated at 55 watts RMS x 4 to power my front components and rear deck speakers; a mono amp (800 watts RMS x 1 @ 4 ohms) to run a Brahma 15" (as suggested by Adire). Both amplifiers will likely be mounted in the trunk of the car.
I've looked at almost every conceivable kit available online but don't want to purchase something not suited to my equipment. Most kits feature 4 gauge power wire with another short 8 gauge power wire and 8 gauge ground wire. I thought that'd be fine until I read this:
"Some people use a single strand of 8g wire to make the connection between the dblock and an 800 or 1000 watt amp. Even though the voltage drop in that short piece of wire may not be significant, the power dissipation may be sufficient to soften/melt the insulation." -Basic Car Audio Electronics
Anyone able to help out a rookie?   
jjclark15 
Member - Posts: 41
Member spacespace
Joined: December 12, 2004
Location: United States
Posted: January 17, 2005 at 7:19 PM / IP Logged  
All you need to run is a high quality 4 gauge wire(properly fused)Stinger,monster.... depending how much you want to spend. ground wires are the most important though make sure you keep the 2 grounds seperate and both no more than 1' from the amps(some slack wont hurt)and also ground to nice and solid part of the chassis and sand off all the paint with a grinder. And off of the d block just make sure you match the amps requirements.
jj
lakers08 
Copper - Posts: 75
Copper spacespace
Joined: December 21, 2004
Posted: January 17, 2005 at 7:32 PM / IP Logged  
JJ,
Does that mean both the ground and the second shorter power wire should be 4 gauge as well? Alot of these companies advertise "750 watt dual amplifier kit", then say that they'll handle alot more power.
Thanks,
Lakers08
stevdart 
Platinum - Posts: 5,816
Platinum spaceThis member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Audio and Video. Click here for more info.spaceThis member consistently provides reliable informationspace
Joined: January 24, 2004
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Posted: January 17, 2005 at 7:35 PM / IP Logged  

Might as well use 4 ga. for all power/ground wiring.  The 4 channel should accept it.  You can buy the wiring piecemeal, that is to say you don't have to buy a kit.  Here is an example.  Buy a fuseholder for the 4 ga. for fusing at the battery, and use the same 4 gauge size for all grounding.

Here is a distro block that will take 1/0 in, and has two 4 ga. out.  You can use 4 ga. in on this.  It will tighten down just fine.

esmith69 
Gold - Posts: 1,511
Gold spaceThis member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.spacespace
Joined: November 26, 2002
Location: United States
Posted: January 17, 2005 at 7:36 PM / IP Logged  

"Some people use a single strand of 8g wire to make the connection between the dblock and an 800 or 1000 watt amp. Even though the voltage drop in that short piece of wire may not be significant, the power dissipation may be sufficient to soften/melt the insulation." -Basic Car Audio Electronics

Key word there is MAY.  I think that phrase is a big exagerration for most situations (particularly NON-competition).  Sure, if you do that with a 1500 or 2000 watt amp, it may cause problems, but definitely not an 800 watt.   the 4-channel amp will be just fine with 8-gauge.  the sub amp could probably handle 8-gauge fine too, but if you want to be extra sure, you can use 4-gauge as long as you get a distribution block that has a 4 gauge AND an 8 gauge output (most do).

If the 4-channel amp can accept 4-gauge wire, then there's nothing wrong with connecting 4-gauge to that as well if you want to simplify things.

As jjclark15 pointed out though, the key is that your ground wires are short and of the proper gauge (equal or larger than the corresponding power wire).

Ethan
-----
"Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success"
Donate to the12volt.com
lakers08 
Copper - Posts: 75
Copper spacespace
Joined: December 21, 2004
Posted: January 17, 2005 at 8:27 PM / IP Logged  
Thanks for all the advice, guys. I'll probably go with the 4 gauge all-around. This is messed, but the hardest part of everything to choose has been the wiring!

Sorry, you can NOT post a reply.
This topic is closed.

  Printable version Printable version Post ReplyPost New Topic
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

  •  
Search the12volt.com
Follow the12volt.com Follow the12volt.com on Facebook
Thursday, March 28, 2024 • Copyright © 1999-2024 the12volt.com, All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy & Use of Cookies
Disclaimer: *All information on this site ( the12volt.com ) is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to fitness for a particular use. Any user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and use of this information. Please verify all wire colors and diagrams before applying any information.

Secured by Sectigo
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
Support the12volt.com
Top
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer