Drilling Through Sub-Box Terminals for Direct to Amp Wiring

[DudeRoger]

I have two mtx 12's in a pre-made ported box which came with terminals for each sub. I'm a fan of overkill and am planning on running 8 awg wire directly from the amp to the subs, bypassing the terminals. My options as I see them are:

1) drilling directly through the terminal, feeding the wire through and caulking it in place.

2) drilling holes in a separate location, feeding the wire through and caulking it in place.

3) somehow removing the terminals all together and feeding the wire through, although I'm unsure how I could fill the already cut out space without compromising the integrity of the box.

Thoughts? Should I caulk over the entire terminal to eliminate potential airflow? Is any caulk/sealing method more desirable than another?

Thanks guys

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[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

I dont know of a single MTX that needs that kind of wire to it but if you must just drill it as tight as possible and and seal around the wire

 

[Tenacious]

Bigger wire isn't necessary. And I'd stay away from prefabricated boxes altogether unless it's something more high end like a ProBox

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

Bigger wire isn't necessary. And I'd stay away from prefabricated boxes altogether unless it's something more high end like a ProBox

Or sealed...

 

[Tenacious]

Or sealed...

True, but he said his was ported.

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

True, but he said his was ported.

Awwww missed that

 

[UnderFire 10+ year member]

Instead of going overkill on the wiring you should be making a custom box., Easiest way to run huge wire though is by running a bolt through the box and using ring terms on either side, you won't gain anything over that by running directly through the box, it would just be a PITA to get it sealed.

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

Meh..Just drill a hole through the terminal cup at the corner, and silicone the hell out of it, and be done with it..Do both inside and outside.I staple the wire on the inside of the box to keep it secured

 

[DudeRoger]

Thanks for the responses. By pre-made i meant it wasn't made by myself. I'll be upgrading subs in the near future and building a custom for that with bolts, just trying to make the most of what I have at the moment. I absolutely hate terminals but the prices was right. Is the consensus to drill through the terminal and silicone the hell out of it? I know differences will be classified as "negligible," but is any silicone preferable do to acoustic characteristics?

 

[esmokah 10+ year member]

I know you want the silicone to cure before you load your sub. the fumes want to eat away at your surrounds.

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

Thanks for the responses. By pre-made i meant it wasn't made by myself. I'll be upgrading subs in the near future and building a custom for that with bolts, just trying to make the most of what I have at the moment. I absolutely hate terminals but the prices was right. Is the consensus to drill through the terminal and silicone the hell out of it? I know differences will be classified as "negligible," but is any silicone preferable do to acoustic characteristics?

It wont... In a prefab box its not gunna be the best results anyway

 

[AxT4430 10+ year member]

people are saying keep terminal and stay with 12guage wire.. your not needing any more..

 

[DudeRoger]

I understand it's high voltage low current so 8 awg is certainly overkill, but 2000rms through 12 awg is just dumb to me when the drilling is gonna happen regardless and the price difference is negligible. Also **** terminals

 

[Canaan 10+ year member]

I never put terminals on the boxes I build.

I drill thru the wall of the box and run direct wire. 14ga for up to 600w, 12ga or 8ga for higher power.

I seal it up w/ hot glue. Very simple, very effective.

 

[mlstrass 5,000+ posts]

I understand it's high voltage low current so 8 awg is certainly overkill, but 2000rms through 12 awg is just dumb to me when the drilling is gonna happen regardless and the price difference is negligible. Also **** terminals

Complete waste of time, but if you're so inclined then have at it. And you're not getting 2kw's out of your amp either, so that logic goes out the window also.

Wire through the box and caulked is ghetto IMO, use 1/4-20 nuts/bolts/lock washers and ring terminals....