Maybe the stupidest question today

[beb]

I'm installing a new stereo in my boat. It has all the 8 wires for the speakers and RCA connections. Are these a either or situation ? In other words do you hook up the wires to the speakers or the RCA's that are there ?

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[Slo_Ride 5,000+ posts]

Read the instructions

 

[beb]

The instructions do not specify just show a wiring diagram.

 

[jrouter76 10+ year member]

The instructions do not specify just show a wiring diagram.

wires go to speakers, RCA`s go to amp from Head Unit

 

[Popwarhomie 5,000+ posts]

Well if you are using separate amps your rcas will run to the amps. The speaker wires from the headunit won't be used if you are using separate amps to power your speakers.

If you are just going to use the headunits built in amp then you won't use the RCAs and will use the speaker wires.

 

[beb]

Thank you for the intelligent answers instead of an unhelpful comment. Glad there are people here that actually will help those that don't have the experience. I can now hook it up properly.

 

[marc2112 10+ year member]

I can now hook it up properly.

 

[ThxOne Premium Member]

I know I am a little late to the party. I have ran both RCA outputs to amplifiers AND the high level speaker outputs from the same head unit, at the same time. (Sony, Kenwood and 1 Pioneer).

Some head units allow you to turn off the internal amp if using RCA's but you can run both at the same time if that was your original question.

Don't use the speaker wires and the RCA's on the same speaker though.