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?
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.
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JJ
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.
"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).
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Ethan
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"Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success"
Donate to the12volt.comThanks 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!