Wire Gauge? Will it increase sound quality?

[chrisjm_00 10+ year member]

I currently have a kenwood amp pushing an alpine type R. From what everyone says, the type R's are supposed to be amazing. However, mine really isnt that loud. Im wondering if it could be due to the fact that im using 8 gauge wire? Would say, upgrading to a 4 gauge wire make the sub sound any better?

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[JAZN 5,000+ posts]

are your lights dimming?

 

[Montypup 10+ year member]

Well, a wiring upgrade is always a good idea. I had 8ga and when I went to 0 it sounded better and I had less dimming issues. What is the wattage on that kenwood amp?

 

[JAZN 5,000+ posts]

i doubt an amp pushing a single type-r is gonna draw that much current so i'm gonna guess it's your enclosure. whatre ur amp and box specs?

 

[chrisjm_00 10+ year member]

the amp is pushing out 850 watts RMS, the box is 1.0 sealed. I keep the gains turned way down, due to the fact that the amp would push out a hell of alot of power for the one type R. and yes, my lights do dim.

 

[T9X 10+ year member]

I hear those Type-Rs are hungry little bastards.

 

[chrisjm_00 10+ year member]

so do you think 850 watts would be overkill for one?

 

[THUNDERBIRD 10+ year member]

the amp is pushing out 850 watts RMS, the box is 1.0 sealed. I keep the gains turned way down, due to the fact that the amp would push out a hell of alot of power for the one type R. and yes, my lights do dim.

well then hell yes upgrade to 4. i would have put it in from the start but thats just me. and turn the gains up its got a 500rms on that sub and 1500max.

 

[JAZN 5,000+ posts]

yea upgrade wiring. if u dont think it's loud after that, just go ported.

 

[chrisjm_00 10+ year member]

right now, my head units pre outs are 2.0 volts..so i have it matched up on the amp..at 2 volts. will feeding the type R that much power kill it? because i would think 850 to one speaker rated for 500 RMS would be a bit much..

 

[JAZN 5,000+ posts]

just set the gains correctly and u'll be fine

 

[chrisjm_00 10+ year member]

i think i remember how to really do it. there is a formula. isnt it like the square root of 4 times whatever RMS rating your sub is? so its like SQRT 4(500), and then you disconnect the postive wire from your speaker terminal, and put a multimeter to it and the negative, and set your gain until you get the result of that formula?

 

[cjjackson85 5,000+ posts]

just set the gains correctly and u'll be fine

Not necessarily...

 

[cjjackson85 5,000+ posts]

i think i remember how to really do it. there is a formula. isnt it like the square root of 4 times whatever RMS rating your sub is? so its like SQRT 4(500), and then you disconnect the postive wire from your speaker terminal, and put a multimeter to it and the negative, and set your gain until you get the result of that formula?

*cough* n00b *cough* http://www.caraudio.com/vb/showthread.php?t=63933

 

[chrisjm_00 10+ year member]

i know im new to this, thats why im asking everyone here for their opinions and knowledge. i would rather learn from you guys and do it right, then have to blow stuff and replace it. so follow that guide and ill be fine?