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Power Cable Requirements

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=72805
Printed Date: May 13, 2025 at 7:40 PM


Topic: Power Cable Requirements

Posted By: frans-c
Subject: Power Cable Requirements
Date Posted: February 14, 2006 at 10:09 AM

Hi all! This is my first post, so here goes...

I'm the very proud owner of a 1985 W123 Mercedes-Benz 230E. A 65A alternator does duty in the electrical department.

I've ordered a few Kenwood components online, but haven't installed them yet. I'm not a total idiot when it comes to the installation of the equipment, but I would like some advice on a few topics.

Here's my setup:

* Kenwood KDC-X889 head unit (new)
* Kenwood KAC-8401 640W 4-channel stereo amp (already installed)
* Kenwood KAC-8151D 1000W single channel mono amp (new)
* Kenwood KFC-W3009 800W 4-ohm 12" sub (sealed, already installed)
* Kenwood KFC-6909 250W 4-way 6x9" rear-deck speakers (already installed)
* Kenwood KFC-1058 90W 2-way 4" dash-mounted speakers (already installed)
* Kenwood KFC-T205ie 170W 3/4" A-pillar mounted tweeters (already installed)

If I'm correct, both amps will need a current from the head unit that 'tells' them when to power up. What I would like to know is the following: can I connect both continuous power wires of the the two amps to the single continuous power wire of the head unit? Apparantly, one might need a relay in order to protect the circuitry of the head unit. Will this be the case with my setup?

Also, will it be fine to use two separate 8-guage amp kits for the amps; I'm not too familiar with distribution blocks? I doubt that I'll use more than 20 ft of power cable per amp (the amps are in the trunk). I did do my maths concerning the current draw of the amps - my car will be able to supply sufficient current (the two amps' combined current draw is 69A); I'm only interested in hi-fi quality sound, so I don't intend on playing music at maximum volume. The final setup will be the four full-range speakers and tweeters connected to the four-channel KAC-8401 amp, with the KFC-W3009 sub connected to the KAC-8151D amp.

Your help will be greatly appreciated!


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      F R A N S
      1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E
      320 000 km / 199 000 miles
      Full MB Service History



      Replies:

      Posted By: geepherder
      Date Posted: February 14, 2006 at 8:26 PM

      Since you're only running 2 amps, you don't need to use a relay on the remote wire.  If you add anything else to it, I would use a relay.

      Yes, you can use 2 seperate amp kits if you prefer.  There's nothing wrong with it.  I'd just go with a 4 gauge kit with a distrobution block that splits into 2 8 gauge wires (easy enough for you to figure out), but you can do it either way.



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      My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.


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