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amplifier wiring question

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=49342
Printed Date: June 07, 2024 at 3:50 AM


Topic: amplifier wiring question

Posted By: spilot
Subject: amplifier wiring question
Date Posted: February 04, 2005 at 1:51 PM

i'm in the midst of picking up some wire to power my new mtx thunder 404 amp (which i've already calculated (29 amperes) 4-16 ft= 10 gauge/16-22 = 8 gauge. from your experiences (i have a 96 altima), how long does it usually end up being (with an amplifier in the trunk). or will i be better off installing in under the seat (no heavy loads, just basic 50X4).

also, i already have all of my speaker wiring coming out in the back for my factory amps that i'm replacing. will the sound quality suffer if i stick to the stock wires (with amp being in the trunk of course), or should i get something more quality?



Replies:

Posted By: stevdart
Date Posted: February 04, 2005 at 2:16 PM
Allow for 16 feet, although 20 feet will give you more room for maneuvering, and don't go smaller than 8 ga. for anything.  The 18 ga. stock speaker wire will be sufficient as the amp will output low current.  https://www.the12volt.com/info/recwirsz.asp for additional help info.

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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.




Posted By: spilot
Date Posted: February 04, 2005 at 3:06 PM
thank you!




Posted By: spilot
Date Posted: February 05, 2005 at 12:20 AM
one last question. (new b alert!) crutchfied's gauge calculator gave me an 8 gauge, while car domain's came up to a 4 gauge. what would be the difference if i used a 4 one?




Posted By: stevdart
Date Posted: February 05, 2005 at 8:51 AM
None.  The current that amp will pull is easily light enough for a long run of 8 gauge.  You would have to add about another 400 watts to need to go to 4 ga.  Think of the future of that car when you install the wiring........i.e. if subwoofers and SPL are in your future plans, use the larger wire now so you won't have to change it later.

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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.




Posted By: spilot
Date Posted: February 05, 2005 at 10:50 AM
will go with the 4 gauge then. thank you.




Posted By: spilot
Date Posted: February 05, 2005 at 2:08 PM
any recommendations for some 4 gauge kits? i see a lot of cheap generic brands on ebay, and more expensive like streetwires, phenix gold etc. is there really a difference in sound quality, or are they all pretty much the same?




Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: February 05, 2005 at 2:10 PM
Wire is wire, for the most part.

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