I am currently starting to install some kenwood 6.5 component speakers and custom door pods, and just got a kenwood exceleon amp to power them. As soon as funds allow, I am putting in another kenwood amp, bumping a pair of 12's. My question is: What gauge wire should I run from the battery to the amp? I was reccomended 8 gauge, do you think that I will regret not going with a heavier gauge?
Also, is there a big difference in amp install kits? should I be looking for a specific brand?
Any help is appreciated, thanks.
Mark

 

I'd go with 4 guage to a power distro then split it to two 8 gauges for each amp..

 

how much wattage do you plan on running? i agree with stoutshady, you can run 4 gauge to the amp. if you're short on funds just add the distrubtion block later when you add the second amp. its alot better than having to redo your power cables twice like i did.

 

For the only purpose of piece of mind, and safety run 4 gauge. You can purchase a small distrobution block and then run 8 gauge to each amp you run, and any other electrical goodies you may have in the future. The cost as compared to 8 gauge wire is minimal as compared to doing it twice. That way in the future you would not have to run any more wires ever just tap into your current setup. Allowing for expansion in the future is never a bad idea.

 

small budget: go to Walmart... they sell a 4 gauage dual amp wiring kit for $25. Its a decent kit, once I get some spending money I am going to upgrage the fuse holder to one that uses a standard fuse. The blue remote wire is really small, I upgraded it to a 12 gauage. There also isn't any speaker wire included, if your looking for some.

Its a Scosche 1400 Watts Max Amp Wiring Kit; model number KPA4X2.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=1863080

 

The remote wire does not need to be that big, 12 is plenty. I also agree with everyone else. 8 guage is generally up to 500 watts. 4 is up 1000 watts, and 1/0 and everything else is for serious power.

 

I would run 4 gauge, its good for safety as said above but that way you've already got 4 gauge running to the back so if you ever upgrade your system (to a certain extent) then you're all set. I'm running 0 gauge because I've got 2 amps and a cap so I wanted to be sure that everything had adequate power and I could expand later on. Lemme warn you if you or anybody else runs this stuff...it is a PITA!!! It took me 30 minutes of trying to get it to fit along the scuff plates in the door jams, but I think its worth it.

But for you I think 4 gauge would work, and you could run it to a distribution block or just put in a cap (probably a better solution) so that way you don't have the headlight/interior light dim (strobe light effect), but you may want to wait until you get your subs to go that route.

Well, there are my $.02 as usual,

Fink

 

i would use 4 and then split into two 8s and that would be enough i have 2 15'' solos and i have no problems