Where do I run the wires?
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=13811
Printed Date: May 16, 2024 at 2:36 AM
Topic: Where do I run the wires?
Posted By: showdwar
Subject: Where do I run the wires?
Date Posted: May 21, 2003 at 7:14 PM
I know to run audo wires and power wires on opposite sides of the vehicle. but my question is does it matter if I run the speaker wires along the top trim toe the back or do they "have" to be on the bottom?
Replies:
Posted By: wrencher_25
Date Posted: May 21, 2003 at 8:59 PM
I don't see why you couldn't run them in the top trim...I just think that it would be more of a hassle that's all.
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Andrew Weitzel
MECP First Class Installer
Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: May 21, 2003 at 10:32 PM
They don't have to be run on the bottom, most find it easier though. Most installers do it there because if amps are being installed then they already have the bottom of the car torn apart to run the RCA and power wires. Why cause yourself more work if you don't have to! ------------- Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com
Posted By: showdwar
Date Posted: May 22, 2003 at 8:00 PM
I was just wondering...I am going to have a lot going from the front to back and I havn't checked yet, but I am not sure if I will have enough room on the bottom trim...just checking my options.
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There's nothin' like good music played on a good system!
Posted By: TOY816
Date Posted: May 23, 2003 at 11:29 AM
are you hooking up a 4 channel setup? if so why run any extra wires at all. use the existing rear speaker wires that run to the head unit tap them into the front speakers and run your rear speaker wires directly off the amp. wow that was easy! ------------- take your time and do it right the first time
Posted By: showdwar
Date Posted: May 23, 2003 at 5:41 PM
Hmmm, you ask why, well let me tell my "plan" lol... I have right now my turnon lead hooked up to a switch in front. (ie; turn amps on and off) Well I am giong to run that to some relays. The relays are going to control having the amp runing the output wattage to the speakers when on....and when off the deck will be powering the interior speakers. So I will have to run all the origional wiring all the way back to the relays along with the wires outputing to the speakers. Sounds like a pain, but once it is done, it will be pretty sweet! ------------- There's nothin' like good music played on a good system!
Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: May 23, 2003 at 10:02 PM
Toy816, it's always a good idea to replace the factory wires if you can. It may take a little more time, but replacing the factory wires with 16-18 gauge will benefit you in the end. Most factory wires are poorly shielded, and I believe are usually 20 gauge. If you're going for better SQ, then replacing the factory wires is always a good place to start. ------------- Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com
Posted By: showdwar
Date Posted: May 23, 2003 at 10:10 PM
squirrel, good point....I wasn't going to totally replace them. I was just going to tap them off of the door and the rear deck connections.... but running them directly from the deck would be a better choice, huh? I just may do that instead. Thanks for mentioning that! ------------- There's nothin' like good music played on a good system!
Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: May 23, 2003 at 11:04 PM
If you plan on replacing the OEM speakers it would deffinately be a benefit to replace the entire length of the wire. That also creates less "places to go wrong". By that I mean it's one (or four, 1 for each speaker line)) crimps that you don't have to deal with and worry about the wires comming loose sometime down the road  ------------- Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com
Posted By: TOY816
Date Posted: May 24, 2003 at 11:05 AM
shielding on speaker wires? am i missing something here. i've never seen a shielded speaker wire before and i've never seen a factory wire less than 18 gauge and most are 14- 16 gauge. are you saying there is less resistence from wires with a brand name stamped on it? if spending more money and time makes you feel more comfortable more power to you. but the sound difference would be unoticeable to the average person. ------------- take your time and do it right the first time
Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: May 25, 2003 at 10:31 AM
Perhapse I should have said insulation (I wasn't referring to the braiding over RCA's). And I have heard (as well as seen with an oscillascopoe) the difference between using factory wires and simple run-of-the-mill 16 gauge. There's been a lot of debate on this site as to what/who makes the better cable. I've always been on the side of "cable is cable" regardless of who is the manufacturer. The biggest difference is the gauge. Just my opinion ------------- Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com
Posted By: showdwar
Date Posted: May 25, 2003 at 1:31 PM
Wow, thanks for all the input on this.... I really can't see why one manufacturer would have a "better" one. I mean the technology is out there, so if there was a better one, then the other companies would make the same thing.
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There's nothin' like good music played on a good system!
Posted By: showdwar
Date Posted: May 25, 2003 at 1:38 PM
Anyway, I am pretty sure I am running the wires on the bottom and all. I just wanted to get an idea on my options. I have to agree with squirrel though with the oscillascope though. I have seen gauge in wire really make a difference in other applications. Can't see why it would be any different with an audio system.
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There's nothin' like good music played on a good system!
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