gatorsactions

Hi, I'm going to replace my front speakers with some components and my rears with some new 6x9s. I plan to mount a 4 channel amp somewhere in the trunk that will power the speakers. I'm putting together a list of what I need.

How many feet of speaker wire do I need? I think I'll go with this 12gauge wire: http://www.cardomain.com/sku/STISSWT12BLU

Ed

iTrader: (6)

Are you going to run new wire all the way to the doors, or just tap into the wiring harness?

gatorsactions

I want to run new wiring to all the speakers. So yes, all the way to the doors.

Ed

iTrader: (6)

Depending on where you put your amp, I'd go for a good 50 feet, just to be sure you can rout everythign the way you want.

GL

gatorsactions

I'm planning to put my amp in the trunk and probably the crossovers also. I'll be running all new speaker wire. Will 50' be enough? I don't want to run out in the middle of an install...

If I put the crossovers in the trunk will I be running two sets of wire to each door from the trunk/crossover (1 for the tweet and one for the 6.5")? I'm guessing I'd probably need about 10'-15' of wire each time I run something from the trunk to the front doors right? Maybe only 5' or 6' feet for each of the back speakers... hmm... so maybe 75' of wire. I don't know I've never done this before, let me know your thoughts.

eye_see_you

iTrader: (13)

wy not buy it bulk , say 100'
1. normally its cheaper to do this way sometimes
2. you should not run out during the install at all with this much.
3. you can have some left to help a friend out ..LOL

gatorsactions

looks like I can get it 5' increments on ebay that's why I wanted to be a little more specific. But yes you're correct I could always just get 100' spool. I was just tring to save some $$. Is brand important here or just oxegen free copper ok?

eye_see_you

iTrader: (13)

if its brand then go with stinger or tsunami for the highest quality. but your walmart brand can perform just the same unless your system is going to be completely digital

better yet here is 250' for less than 50.00
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...755772214&rd=1

PopcornPlaya

iTrader: (6)

Stinger or Tsunami do not offer the highest quality. Anyway... wire is wire, just make sure it's well insulated. For some good quality, yet inexpensive wire, you might want to check out Knuconceptz wire. I've never really checked their speaker wire, but their RCA's are cheaper tha a lot of the competitors, but are of high quality. I'd think speaker wire is the same.

gatorsactions

so what do you think? 75' of wire enough or do I need to go with 100' just to be safe?

jttegx

iTrader: (3)

75 is enough speaker wire for front component set, rear 6x9 and crossvers IMO.

heres a tip: never buy no name brand amp kits or wires off eBay. i had bad expierence... there 4awg power wire is big, but its mostly the rubbing covering it, so the actual wire size of that 4awg power cable is the same size as 8awg monster cable/other quality cable brand. and the cooper is ****.

12awg is pretty thick for just regular speakers, but i guess it depends on which brand speaker wire u buy since some overrated their wires? i personally think 16awg or 14awg is plently for speakers (assuming your gonna use quality wires)

gatorsactions

I should be fine with some 12ga stinger speaker wire though right? I found it on ebay in 5' increments.

PopcornPlaya

iTrader: (6)

Did you check the Knu wires?

gatorsactions

Couldn't find any on ebay... I'll look around and see if the price is better...

jttegx

iTrader: (3)

12awg is fine. heres a chart off crutchfield to give you general ideas of which size gauge is recommended: http://www.crutchfield.com/installgu...ble_gauge.html

davidc81

i got 30 feet of knukoncepts 12g bi-wire so i could bi-amp my front stage and run everything actively crossed over. 50' of wire should be more than enough to do a set of components and rear fill, unless youre going to mount or passive xovers in the trunk, then you would need at least 25' more.