ways to power 2 amps?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=101912
Printed Date: May 13, 2025 at 12:49 AM

Topic: ways to power 2 amps?

Posted By: mostafaberg
Subject: ways to power 2 amps?
Date Posted: February 05, 2008 at 5:04 PM

Hey !:)

First post :)

happy to be between pros ;)

well here is my problem , I'm having two amps, here's the specifications:

1st amp:
-400 Watts max, 45 x 4 Watts RMS.
-This amp basically runs my 4 speakers "3 way 6x9s, 220 watt MAX, 40 watts RMS"

2nd amp:
-400 Watts max, 100 x 2 Watts RMS at 4 Ohms.
-This amp powers my 2 15" 1500 Watts MAX, 450 Watts RMS Sony Xplod subs

I'm new to multiple amp installation !:)

I've got no problems with the RCA wiring, but my question is the Powering !?

what is the best way to power them up ?

Right now I got them connected in parallel , I tested it for 3 seconds only to make sure it works before cranking it up and playing music for longer time intervals, it sounds good but I want to make sure that it's connected the best "correct" way !

any ideas ?!

Thanks :)

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www.mostafaberg.com

Replies:

Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: February 05, 2008 at 5:22 PM

You have two basic options.

1. Run two seperate power wires. Make sure each wire is fused in the front for its respective amp. Run two seperate grounds, and ideally ground them to the same location in the mounting area.

2. Run one large power wire that is capable of carrying enough current for both amps. Fuse the wire at the battery with a fuse large enough to cover both amps. Run the heavy guage wire to a distribution block in the mounting area. From the distribution block run your smaller wire to the amp. Some people choose to go with a fused distribution block - this isn't necesarry but it won't hurt. Theoretically it is overkill, but to each their own.

However you end up doing it make sure the fuse for the power wire(s) is as close to the battery as possible, as that fuse is what is going to prevent your car from catching on fire if something were to go wrong.

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Kevin Pierson

Posted By: mostafaberg
Date Posted: February 05, 2008 at 5:28 PM

Thanks Kevin for the professional response :)

I think I'll go with option 1, here's my reasons:

-It will always be two amps, I'll never get more !:)

-It's simpler "for me" to install a second power line from the battery as I already have all the hardware and wires to do so "No extra shopping for me" hehe ;)

-All I need to buy is a fuse for the second amp :)

I'll make sure to get things installed right this time !

thanks again, Have a great day :)

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www.mostafaberg.com