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Jun 2, 2003 | 12:06 PM

AlabamaBronco

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Senior User

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 422

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From: Heart Of Dixie

Install Question

When I install my system, would it be best to run new wiring or use the existing factory wiring. There will be HU, amp for front, amp for subs, 2 10in ED subs. Also, do they make an adapter to mount round speakers into 6X9 holes? I asuume I would want to use Monter Cable from amps to speakers and subs. If so, what guage should I use? How far can the tweeters be from the woofer? Should I mount the tweets in the doors or on the front pillars between the door and windshield. Any other install tips that yall can give would be great.
Thanks in advance....

West

Jun 2, 2003 | 04:19 PM

smokey6309028

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 271

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From: Pennsylvania

Install Question

Its always better to run new higher quality wiring when possible. Monster cable makes excellent product although they are a bit pricey.

As far as gauges go, if you are running 2 amps and 2 subs, i would recommend 4 guage or better for power. For the speaker wire gauge, I always try to use the largest that the amplifier output will allow.

Yes you can get adapters to allow 6 1/2" comp sets in a 6 X9 hole.

As far as tweeter placement, try moving the tweeter around while connected to see where it sounds good for you. I usually build kick panels, but if your not into that, the A-pillars are usually a safe bet to keep the soundstage high.

Good Luck !

Jun 2, 2003 | 08:51 PM

PrPlayboy

Elder User

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 812

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From: New Canaan, CT

Install Question

Before ordering any wire look into Knukoncepts wiring. The price is unbelievable for what you get. I am hooked on there speaker wire for sure. They are twisted but also have an extra insulating outer shell. I used a lightning audio amp kit and after looking at Knukoncepts I regret not finding them sooner. For you door speakers 16ga is good. I wouldn't go higher the 14ga tho. For the subs I like to go bigger than most do (around here at least) I would use 10ga. I dont really care to much for tweeters in the A pillars. All the ones I have hear to my listening where a bit harsh. You can go to shops and ask to listen to they car if they have them in the A pillar. Most love showing off there systems.

Jun 3, 2003 | 05:07 AM

luvdeftonz

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Joined: May 2003

Posts: 338

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From: Somewhere between Heaven

Install Question

Most of the advice here is right on. As far as tweeter placement goes, that's up to your listening preferences. You should use double sided tape and experiment with placement. A-pillar, sail panels, the door panel itself (where I have mine flush/pivot mounted), or even making a "bridge" using something like a backstrap, and mounting it over the woofer...coaxial style...inside the door. Tweeters are very placement sensitive, and to get the desired results, it's best if you experiment with it's placement. You generally want the tweet as close to the woofer as possible. However, if your tweet has wide dispersion, or it's naturally bright, then just install where it sounds best. Again, just experiment.

Speaker wire guage depends on how much power you're running. No need to senselessly spend more money than needed to buy speaker wire that is thicker than needed. If you think you will upgrade to a more powerful system in the future, then buy the thickest wire your amps, crossovers, dblocks, and speakers/subs will accept. Scosche makes outstanding amp kits for sale at Walmart. The 1100 watt kit should suffice. KnuKoncepts and Monster also make great stuff. Little more pricey, though.

They do make an adapter/baffle for fitting 6.5's into a 6x9 hole (or you could just make one...takes 5 minutes). In fact, I'd reccomend using a 6.5 over a 6x9 anyday.

Jun 3, 2003 | 10:04 PM

optikal illushun

Postmaster

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 3,545

Likes: 4

From: Coal Region

Install Question

actually, i have seen and read that higher end cables and such doesnt make an audioble difference and can account for like .0000001 DB difference. in tempes list of links on his site i found an interesting site that went into detail on making ur our RCA cables using CAT 5 ethernet cable. im going to try this myself and hopefully ill have good results. as far as other components, i personally use Scosche (sp) and have had good luck, they provide everything u need and its readible avabile at good ol Wal-Mart which is convient. my vote goes for the 300-1100w kit, it includes everything u need like 4G main power wire, dist. block with 8G power wire and 8G ground wire and all the needed end. for about $25

also, i like to run new speaker wire if possible for better sound and more power handling (seen stock wire melt from a "high power" HU). most speakers, 18G is fine or even 16, anything bigger and its just wasting $$. i have 18G running to my speakers and its holding up fine. for a sub-woofer, 16G for anything up to about 2-250w rms is fine and 12G for anything above 400w rms.

about the using an adaptor for using 6.5" speakers in 6x9 holes, u can fab up ur own adaptor using 1/4" material or thicker is the basket/magnet wont fit.