Depends on what size you're already running, and how you're hooking them up. 16 gauge will be more than adequate in any case.

 

I have a 12" kicker L7 and am running 12 gauge speaker wire....it seems to work pretty well. The sub pounds.

 

then again i am also running 350 watts RMS to a single sub....requires larger wire

 

For inexpensive amp wiring of exceptionally high quality, get in touch with Bill Greenburg of www.knukonceptz.com

A 4ga kit, complete with everything you could possibly want (within reason) will run you $30 plus shipping. 8ga is $18. I've done a fair amount of business with them, and have always been extrememly pleased with product quality and shipping.

As for what size power wire you should be using, it depends on the amperage draw of your amplifier, and the length of the cable run. http://www.a1bigaudio.com/wiresize.htm There's a reference table there. Not the one I was looking for, but it'll do.

As for speaker wire, 16 ga is fine, 12ga is great. There's really no reason to ever run larger than 12ga, the tiny benefit reaped from running larger speaker wire usually isn't worth the cost, unless you're in competitions and running with the top people in your class.


Oh, as a BTW Killa... you might want to seek out a slightly larger amp to power that L7, it can take a LOT more than what you're feeding it.

 

Yeah I know it can take a lot more power....but the MRD-300 Alpine V-12 amp that I have could make it still basically blow the trunk lid off the car....it has the bass engine stuff and all kinds of other digital crap on it....i had it in my 3 series for awhile with all that sound deadening stuff and it still pounded...i am excited to see how it works now with much less thick seats!

 

Killa, I had the same sub in the spare tire wheel well in my 2G eclipse. I had a Fosgate 500A2 running it 2 ohm mono and man that thing pounded. I also had an audio control epicenter hooked up. That sub could barely stay in the box. It was awesome. Great sub!

 

do you guys have any pix or diagram on how to properlly install and set up a sound system?

 

Nope sorry..I just wired my amp yesterday, but don't have a digital camera.

 

You guys said not to run the power and rca cables next to each other on the way to the trunk. I never knew this caused a problem. Is it really a big deal, and if I move one to the other side of the car, will I hear any difference, or is it just cleaner power or signal to the amp?

Im just trying to see if its worth moving one of the cables to the other side.

thanks guys

 

Seperating the power cable from the RCAs eliminates any possibility of interference....if you hear any static or unwanted noise when you are listening to music then that could be the direct cause. Other tips include having the wires cross at a 90 degree angle any time they actually come close to each other....this also cuts down on the possibility of interference.

 

ah thanks, when i get my head unit and speakers installed ill be able to see if i have any interference. thx

 

I wuold like to add a few things.

Having a good cdplayer with good high output rca connection will help allso.
My alpine unit RCA push out 4-5 volt. sending a strong signal to my amps.
RCA cable that is crosscable wuold help allso.

Try to find the shortest rca cable possable. Like say if you only need 10 foot of cable to reach your amp dont use a 16 foot cable.

Its hard to run 4-0/1 on the same side as your rca anywayz, there isnt much room in these lancer and evos.
Its best if you Run the power wire on the same side as your battery, Less wire needed to run back to your amp=s less money spend.
For you sub amps i wuold not worry to much about the quilty of your rca, dont buy cheap ones but... you dont really need the top qty. Its just bass sound.
For you highs and mid. i wuold spend a little money there to buy some top qty. RCA wires Tripple shielded crosscables.most of the noise you will be hearing from the high and mids.
Amp is a big factor allso. Like Rockfords they have good power bass hits hard as hell.But... they are not all that great when it come to highs. PhoenixGold are great for highs but are not the best for bass..

 

the amp in my trunk is just for the subs, so would running the power and rca on the same side, affect it that much? I would understand for speakers, but its just bass...

 

Underpar, I think you shuold be find. If you have good grounding, And dont hear any winning noise off your sub with the engine running you shuold be find.. If you used a bandpass type sub box
you wont be hearing the noise anywayz. If all you are doing with the amp is running subs I think you shuold be find. Its not like you are doing competition System.

 

exactly thuan. thanks for the response. my sub is open air, so ill be sure to check if I get those winning noises.