I need major wiring help. Installing new system soon, clueless on what I need!

[Chowder Head 10+ year member]

Hey guys. Well, I pretty much have everything I need to finally install my first ever complete audio system. The parts I will be running as are followed. Oh, and I plan on running this setup active. And yes, I already purchased some sound deadener. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

Pioneer DEH-P880PRS head unit, 2 Seas Neo tweeters, a Kicker ZX700.5 amp and probably some Mach 5 MLI-65 mids. I was originally going to with the ID OEM mids but I don't think they'll fit. Anyway, mids are mids and the wiring should the same.

I plan on running the tweeters and the mids off of the amp and use the 5th channel for a future sub, probably a IDQv3.

Anyway, back to the major issue at hand. What is ALL the wiring I need? How much speaker wire? What gauge? What gauge wire for the tweeters? How many RCA cables? What kind? The only thing I notice being repeatedly recommended for amps was this amp installation kit from Knukconceptz which is located here: http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KLM-AK0

Is this still a good buy? I'd like to buy most of the wiring I need preferably at this place because I hear they're good quality and that way I can save a bit on shipping.

So as you can see, I'm in need of some major assistance. Any reply from anyone, any at all, would be very much appreciated thank you very much! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

Click to read more...

 

[FurbiesAndBeans 10+ year member]

That kit would be perfect and it'd give you plenty of headroom for upgrade.

Im not 100% sure on this next part. If your HU has a crossover which sends off two different sets of RCAs (One is high pass, one is low pass) then you'd need two runs of RCA. If your HU sends out a full range signal, then you'd need an electronic crossover which splits your input into two other inputs. In this case you'd need 3 sets of RCAs.

http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KARSS4.4M

I think that'd be fine for the RCAs

As for speaker wire, you can choose either 16 or 12 gauge. Maybe 12 gauge for your sub.

 

[jrwalte 10+ year member]

You'll need 3 pairs of RCAs (for High, Mid, Sub). You can buy these individually or get a 4-channel, 2-channel combo.

You'll then have to get enough speaker wire to make 2 runs to each mid and high speaker (4 runs total). 12g or 10g is fine.

You can get all of this on Knu's website.

 

[Chowder Head 10+ year member]

Thanks for the quick replies guys! Just had a few follow up questions to make sure I understand if you all don't mind. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

1. Will a 4-channel 2-channel RCA combo just all I need? Or would I need two 4-channel 2-channel combos? Forgive the upcoming noobie question but does the RCA cables only connect the HU to the amp? I think the RCA cable is my biggest area of confusion.

2. Would this speaker wire be fine? I've head to look for oxygen free wire and this looks pretty good. Would you all agree? http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KAR12SS Or should I opt for the slightly more expensive "Bi-wire"?

3. Regarding the amp kit I linked, there's an option where I get to choose a fuse type. What would you all recommend? Is there like a guideline out there that will help me choose the right type I need?

4. Is that pretty much it? Just speaker wire, the amp kit, and some RCA cables? Really? I thought a lot more was necessary. Unless I'm missing something, haha.

Any help is again appreciated, thank you very much!

 

[Chowder Head 10+ year member]

You'll need 3 pairs of RCAs (for High, Mid, Sub). You can buy these individually or get a 4-channel, 2-channel combo.

Just remembered this part. So if I want to wait on the sub and the RCA cable required, I just need 2 pairs of cables? Is one 4-channel 2-channel combo all that's required or do I need two sets of those?

Thanks again!

 

[jrwalte 10+ year member]

1. Will a 4-channel 2-channel RCA combo just all I need?

Yes. The 4-channel is for the high-mid and 2-channel is for sub.

2. Would this speaker wire be fine? I've head to look for oxygen free wire and this looks pretty good. Would you all agree? http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KAR124SS

Yes

3. Regarding the amp kit I linked, there's an option where I get to choose a fuse type. What would you all recommend? Is there like a guideline out there that will help me choose the right type I need?

Just go with the 250A fuse

4. Is that pretty much it? Just speaker wire, the amp kit, and some RCA cables? Really? I thought a lot more was necessary. Unless I'm missing something, haha.

The amp kit is missing one wire, the remote wire to connect from your HU to your amp (this is what turns the amp on and off with the stereo) and I actually don't see this wire on their website. It's basic. Just a 16g or 18g single wire (doesn't need pos/neg run).

 

[Chowder Head 10+ year member]

Whoops, I think I edited my post in regards to question 2. Is the Bi-wire, the one you quoted, which is $1.40 per foot, worth it over the regular 12 gauge speaker wire that is $0.75 per foot, which can be located here? http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KAR12SS Or would I be fine with the cheaper?

1. About the RCA cables. Unfortunately, I have one more question. I looked at my HU and noticed you had the same thing. And like you mentioned, it has two rca cables for EACH mid, highs, and subs. So if I wanted wiring for my sub, I would need a 6 channel? Or were you suggesting the 4 channel to run the highs and mids and when I get a sub, to get an individual RCA cable for the sub itself? If that makes sense.

2. 250A fuse eh? I'm guessing more is better? Do you mind explaining why you suggested the 250 so I understand completely?

3. For the remote wire, is a basic wire like a speaker wire? Or something even smaller than that which should be carried by the local audio shops?

Thanks again for your patience guys. This stuff is starting to finally sink in which is excellent. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[FurbiesAndBeans 10+ year member]

Whoops, I think I edited my post in regards to question 2. Is the Bi-wire, the one you quoted, which is $1.40 per foot, worth it over the regular 12 gauge speaker wire that is $0.75 per foot, which can be located here? http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KAR12SS Or would I be fine with the cheaper?

You'll be fine with the cheaper one

1. About the RCA cables. Unfortunately, I have one more question. I looked at my HU and noticed you had the same thing. And like you mentioned, it has two rca cables for EACH mid, highs, and subs. So if I wanted wiring for my sub, I would need a 6 channel? Or were you suggesting the 4 channel to run the highs and mids and when I get a sub, to get an individual RCA cable for the sub itself? If that makes sense.

Well normally a sub amp is a monoblock, so it doesnt have to be a 2 channel amp. Thats why there are 5 channel amps like yours, 4 for mids and highs, and the fifth for subs. Look at your amp and see how many channels it accepts and go from there. And yes, you can get a 4-channel RCA combo for right now if you don't plan on putting a sub. Then get a 2-channel RCA combo for the sub later.

2. 250A fuse eh? I'm guessing more is better? Do you mind explaining why you suggested the 250 so I understand completely?

I would suggest you order whichever is a lil bit higher than what your amp fuses are. If you go with the 250, then later IF you upgrade ur sub amp then you'd be pretty much on the safe side. So just stick with the 250.

3. For the remote wire, is a basic wire like a speaker wire? Or something even smaller than that which should be carried by the local audio shops?

yea any wire will do. If you have some extra speaker wire after you wire the speakers, then just use that. The only con would be that you'd have to remember its a remote and not a speaker wire.

Thanks again for your patience guys. This stuff is starting to finally sink in which is excellent. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

No problem

 

[jrwalte 10+ year member]

Whoops, I think I edited my post in regards to question 2. Is the Bi-wire, the one you quoted, which is $1.40 per foot, worth it over the regular 12 gauge speaker wire that is $0.75 per foot, which can be located here? http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KAR12SS Or would I be fine with the cheaper?
1. About the RCA cables. Unfortunately, I have one more question. I looked at my HU and noticed you had the same thing. And like you mentioned, it has two rca cables for EACH mid, highs, and subs. So if I wanted wiring for my sub, I would need a 6 channel? Or were you suggesting the 4 channel to run the highs and mids and when I get a sub, to get an individual RCA cable for the sub itself? If that makes sense.

2. 250A fuse eh? I'm guessing more is better? Do you mind explaining why you suggested the 250 so I understand completely?

3. For the remote wire, is a basic wire like a speaker wire? Or something even smaller than that which should be carried by the local audio shops?

Thanks again for your patience guys. This stuff is starting to finally sink in which is excellent. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

1) As the last poster said //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif If your amp does only have 1 input for your sub, then you'll need to get a Y adapter to take the 2 channel of the HU to 1 channel for the amp. Or set the HU sub signal to mono. I've never tried it, but I suspect it would send the whole signal through the left RCA instead of left and right. Could be wrong though //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

2) I said 250 because the fuse is there to protect your wire. Your amp has its own fuses to protect itself. So you fuse to what the wire can handle. Some people prefer to fuse this run at the same amount your amp is fused at. It's all personal preference.

3) FOr the remote wire, you can use something more basic and cheaper than speaker wire. You could go to your local hardware store and buy by the foot a 16g copper stranded wire in a color of your choice. I think it would probably be .20-30 cents per foot. You'll connect this wire to the remote wire from the HU, which is blue/white.

 

[Chowder Head 10+ year member]

Alright, that makes a whole lot more sense. Thanks for taking the time to help me out guys, I really appreciate it. I would take a look at my amp but it hasn't arrived yet, ha. But you're right Furbie, I'm planning on running the first 4 channels for the mids and tweets and leave the 5th for the sub.

So all in all, are these the only parts I need?

1. One amp kit with 250 fuse: http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KLM-AK0 Would this amp kit be better to get than any of those other amps kits located here? http://www.knukonceptz.com/productMaster.cfm?Category=Amp%20Installation%20Kits

2. ONE 4-channel 2-channel RCA cable: http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KARSS2.4M

3. However many feet I need of this wire: http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KAR12SS

4. A simple 16 gauge wire tat will act as the remote wire from the amp to the HU.

And that's it? Then if and when I get a sub, then get a 2-channel 2-channel one?

Let me know if this sounds before I order, haha. Thanks again for the assistance you guys, I really do appreciate it!

 

[jrwalte 10+ year member]

The rca's you referenced would be for your sub when you get it (you will. You'll just be wasting away the power of the amp and demand that lower end response soon enough //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif )

The rca's you get for your mid/highs would be this. Also verify that 13 feet will be long enough (most likely).

 

[Chowder Head 10+ year member]

Oh, gotcha, my bad. Thanks for clarifying man. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

So with that RCA cable you linked and the previous parts I listed, is that it? Am I good to go then?

Thanks!

Oh, and you're probably right about the sub, haha. Let's see how long it takes for me to force myself to get one, haha.

 

[FurbiesAndBeans 10+ year member]

Youd want it pretty soon because how ur gonna have it wired, your not gonna have ANY bass at all.

 

[Chowder Head 10+ year member]

Really? I figured I'd have some midbass through the mids of course but for anything lower, yeah, I'd be missing out. I've been rocking this crap stereo for a few years so I think I can wait a bit for a sub to come in, ha.

Then again....maybe I'll get addicted to good sounding music and force myself to get one sooner than I thought. Hmmm....

 

[copejunkie]

Whoops, I think I edited my post in regards to question 2. Is the Bi-wire, the one you quoted, which is $1.40 per foot, worth it over the regular 12 gauge speaker wire that is $0.75 per foot, which can be located here? http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KAR12SS Or would I be fine with the cheaper?
1. About the RCA cables. Unfortunately, I have one more question. I looked at my HU and noticed you had the same thing. And like you mentioned, it has two rca cables for EACH mid, highs, and subs. So if I wanted wiring for my sub, I would need a 6 channel? Or were you suggesting the 4 channel to run the highs and mids and when I get a sub, to get an individual RCA cable for the sub itself? If that makes sense.

2. 250A fuse eh? I'm guessing more is better? Do you mind explaining why you suggested the 250 so I understand completely?

3. For the remote wire, is a basic wire like a speaker wire? Or something even smaller than that which should be carried by the local audio shops?

Thanks again for your patience guys. This stuff is starting to finally sink in which is excellent. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

1 - well, have you read any reviews on whether the bi-wire is worth the extra money or not? if so, you are only talking about an extra 70 cents a foot over at most, what? 10 feet? at most its going to cost you seven bucks... and thats if you're driving a crew-cab, long bed ford, and you put the speakers on the laid down tail gate.

so you be the judge, read reviews, if it sounds like its worth it, then an extra couple bucks then why the hell not?.. its not like your sinking a couple grand into speaker wire.

2 - 250... i ain't no car audio expert. but if someone can suggest your system running this amprege then they can believe it can handle it... either, way if your are cocerned about it, you can always run a smaller in-line fuse... or really look into the wire your are running capabilities (load)... never exceed that. The last thing you want is your car burning to the ground

3 - once again, i ain't no car audio expert, but iirc the remote wire that came with a kit i bought once looked like 16 gauge wire... but i don't reckon there would be anything wrong with running 12 gauge wire with an inline fuse just to be safe...