Going from one amp to two

JiMi_DRiX · Mar 12, 2011

I'm finally going to put the front component system in my car, but I'm going to have to run an additional amp. (one 4ch, and one 2ch for the sub) I currently have an 8gauge wire for power. Now after some research and all, I'm not sure what to do for splitting it into two power sources. Can I run the 8, and split it into two more 8's with a distribution block? Or do I absolutely have to run a 4gauge, and split it into two 8's? They are not huge amps.

And for the remote wire to turn the amps on, I read that I can just run a jumper from one amp to the other, instead of running two remote wires from the stereo?

I think that covers everything at the moment!

joekd · Mar 12, 2011

Yes on the remote wire, one is fine for both since it wont have any draw on it

As for the wiring, I would go 4 ga (or even 0 ga) and then split with a dist block

JiMi_DRiX · Mar 12, 2011

I have some 4ga, but I'm looking for any chance of going around having to run a new power wire! drats. Whats the concern with using an 8ga and splitting it? Just not big enough?

Matt94GT · Mar 12, 2011

Im sure 8ga will work just fine, people exaggerate quite a bit. If your going to be cranking it and going into comps then obviously you want 4ga minimum. But you are only going to probably be listing to your stereo at 25% capacity. If you have 4ga around I suggest using it.

You will hook both amps up together with a distribution block, they come in all shapes and sizes.

joekd · Mar 12, 2011

JiMi_DRiX said:
I have some 4ga, but I'm looking for any chance of going around having to run a new power wire! drats. Whats the concern with using an 8ga and splitting it? Just not big enough?

8 ga is only supposed to be good for 100W or 50A draw, the mustang is one of the top 5 easiest cars I have ever run power cable on so that isn't a reason not to do it

ttocs · Mar 12, 2011

depends on how much current you amps take. What kind are they?

JiMi_DRiX · Mar 12, 2011

I have this for the component speakers - http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_details.asp?item_id=112090 300w 4ch

and for the sub I think I'll be using this JL Audio 500w http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_20627_JL-Audio-J2-500.1-J2500.1.html

Matt94GT · Mar 12, 2011

you will LOVE a component set. like stated what amps are you using?

ttocs · Mar 12, 2011

the speakers hooked up to the amps will also make a difference in how much current the amp draws, but we still need to know which amps you are hooking up.

JiMi_DRiX · Mar 13, 2011

Two posts up, there are links to the amps I'm using. lol

ttocs · Mar 13, 2011

missed that sorry. The sub amp has 60 amps worth of fuses on it, what does the RF have in it for fuses? Take that number, add it with 60, and is it bigger then 100Amps total that the 8 awg can safely supply? The sub amp already has 4 awg inputs....

JiMi_DRiX · Mar 16, 2011

The RF amp has two 25amp fuses on it. Guess I'll be getting the drill out and running a bigger wire!

ttocs · Mar 16, 2011

drill?

jojo22 · Mar 17, 2011

I would assume to get the larger wire to pass through the firewall, there are obviously other ways, but that is the only thing I can think a drill would be for.

JiMi_DRiX · Mar 17, 2011

I already have a hole/grommett for the 8ga wire. I need to make it bigger for the 4ga. It's on the driver side.

ttocs · Mar 17, 2011

the stock grommet in the firewall is big enough to stick a couple of 4 awg wires through it. I am going to drill when I run 1/0 power AND ground wire but there is no need for 4 awg.

Matt94GT · Mar 17, 2011

ttocs said:
the stock grommet in the firewall is big enough to stick a couple of 4 awg wires through it. I am going to drill when I run 1/0 power AND ground wire but there is no need for 4 awg.

x2.

JiMi_DRiX · Mar 17, 2011

I think I remember having trouble with that grommet, thats why I drilled the hole. No biggie tho, its cleanly done.

CanaryGT · Mar 17, 2011

I ran 0 gauge. Its only a PITA when running stuff for your on/off. Once your battery is in your trunk easy to run wires....

Mrstangerbanger · Mar 18, 2011

I would run 1 4 gauge or 2 8 gauge power wires.. Also make sure your grounds are the same size...

I have no problem helping anyone with car audio guys. I have been in Car Audio all my life and my family has owned stereo stores for over 35 years so just pm me and all help out...

Also make sure to Sound Deaden your doors and mount your crossovers somewhere they wont get wet..