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Old May 2, 2016 | 11:28 PM
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Running New Speaker Wire

I have a question....
Would it be easier and a more reliable choice to just run new speaker wire in my pickup to the door speakers from the deck, or just connect them to the OEM speaker wire that is already there?
 
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Old May 5, 2016 | 05:54 AM
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I have questions too.............

Are you adding more powerful speakers AND power amp? If so then yes running new high quality proper gauge wire is just about the only wise choice here.

Otherwise factory wiring with a factory system is more than sufficient.
 
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Old May 5, 2016 | 12:08 PM
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Originally Posted by JWA
I have questions too.............

Are you adding more powerful speakers AND power amp? If so then yes running new high quality proper gauge wire is just about the only wise choice here.

Otherwise factory wiring with a factory system is more than sufficient.
Well I put an aftermarket deck and the sounds is muffled at high volume and I believe the speaker wire might've been chewed up by rats. And no I do not have an amplifier
 
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Old May 5, 2016 | 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by JWA
I have questions too.............

Are you adding more powerful speakers AND power amp? If so then yes running new high quality proper gauge wire is just about the only wise choice here.

Otherwise factory wiring with a factory system is more than sufficient.
Well I put an aftermarket deck and the sounds is muffled at high volume and I believe the speaker wire might've been chewed up by rats. And no I do not have an amplifier also the speakers are just 3 way 5" speakers, I replaced the old ones
 
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Old May 6, 2016 | 06:28 AM
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If the factory original speakers were retained its possible they've been blown or simply worn out. Adding aftermarket stereos to original speakers tends to be less than satisfying, the originals are "voiced" for the factory head unit.

Muffled sound tends to not be a function of wiring--if they're working for the most part all that is in good working order.
 
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Old May 6, 2016 | 08:04 AM
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Originally Posted by JWA
If the factory original speakers were retained its possible they've been blown or simply worn out. Adding aftermarket stereos to original speakers tends to be less than satisfying, the originals are "voiced" for the factory head unit.

Muffled sound tends to not be a function of wiring--if they're working for the most part all that is in good working order.
I have installed new three way speakers but the sounds is still terrible.
 
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Old May 6, 2016 | 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by jamestokelly
I have installed new three way speakers but the sounds is still terrible.
I don't know what "terrible" means however I would ask have those been wired correctly? Some 2- & 3- way speakers aren't always automatically ready to connect and enjoy full fidelity, sometimes requiring the installer to make changes from them as they're received.

What volume level can you achieve, is it clear but muffled or is it full of distortion?

I have a set of JL Audio C6 speakers and a somewhat elaborate external crossover and specific ways to connect it all, JL Audio 360 watt power amp too. I'd re-read the install instructions and double check everything. If that all checks out perhaps it is inadequate wiring which would have you running at least 16 gauge pairs from the output side of the head unit directly to the speakers.

Sorry I can't be more specific but not being there is a huge impediment for me.
 
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Old May 6, 2016 | 05:08 PM
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Originally Posted by JWA
I don't know what "terrible" means however I would ask have those been wired correctly? Some 2- & 3- way speakers aren't always automatically ready to connect and enjoy full fidelity, sometimes requiring the installer to make changes from them as they're received.



What volume level can you achieve, is it clear but muffled or is it full of distortion?





I have a set of JL Audio C6 speakers and a somewhat elaborate external crossover and specific ways to connect it all, JL Audio 360 watt power amp too. I'd re-read the install instructions and double check everything. If that all checks out perhaps it is inadequate wiring which would have you running at least 16 gauge pairs from the output side of the head unit directly to the speakers.

Sorry I can't be more specific but not being there is a huge impediment for me.
Correction***
They are 4 Way scosche 6.5"-6.75" speakers(200 watt max-50 RMS). And I tested them both to see if the wiring was correct. I can get to 12 volume without distortion. After that it's trash. I have played with the head unit (dual audio x4120) to see if the setting were off but nothing seems to solve the problem.

Do I need an amplifier?
 
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Old May 7, 2016 | 06:01 AM
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Typically a single DIN head unit has a max wattage output of about 52 watts total, 4 channels at 17 watts each----they assume you'll be running a 4 speaker set up like in most cars.

Your speakers "want" at least 50 watts each---at that power mismatch you're in danger of blowing the head unit because its not powerful enough to properly supply the speakers. Turning the volume up for more sound runs the risk of audio clipping which is a distortion that is amplified sometimes 1,000 times in a nanosecond which overpowers the output section of the head unit.

So yes I would say with those speakers you need a amp capable of delivering the 50 watts per speaker you need. I've always used Crutchfield as they have a great technical staff who are willing to help us select and install most anything they sell.
 
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Old May 7, 2016 | 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by JWA
Typically a single DIN head unit has a max wattage output of about 52 watts total, 4 channels at 17 watts each----they assume you'll be running a 4 speaker set up like in most cars.

Your speakers "want" at least 50 watts each---at that power mismatch you're in danger of blowing the head unit because its not powerful enough to properly supply the speakers. Turning the volume up for more sound runs the risk of audio clipping which is a distortion that is amplified sometimes 1,000 times in a nanosecond which overpowers the output section of the head unit.

So yes I would say with those speakers you need a amp capable of delivering the 50 watts per speaker you need. I've always used Crutchfield as they have a great technical staff who are willing to help us select and install most anything they sell.
What size would be large enough?

Ps sorry I'm asking so many questions I'm new to this.
 
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Old May 8, 2016 | 06:17 AM
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Originally Posted by jamestokelly
What size would be large enough?

Ps sorry I'm asking so many questions I'm new to this.
We've all probably learned so much here simply by asking questions---its the biggest purpose of this entire site. Asking questions is a lot better than making a costly mistake, few if any here will criticize any one trying to learn.

Wire size should be 16 gauge. There are numerous automotive-type speaker wires but again Crutchfield is a great resource. No need to buy the most expensive or super-hyped product.

When running the wire make sure its secured in place and out of the moving parts paths inside the doors. I would leave any existing factory wiring and connectors in place---if you sell the vehicle and want to re-install the original speakers and head unit it'll go a lot easier that way.

HTH
 
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Old May 8, 2016 | 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by JWA
We've all probably learned so much here simply by asking questions---its the biggest purpose of this entire site. Asking questions is a lot better than making a costly mistake, few if any here will criticize any one trying to learn.

Wire size should be 16 gauge. There are numerous automotive-type speaker wires but again Crutchfield is a great resource. No need to buy the most expensive or super-hyped product.

When running the wire make sure its secured in place and out of the moving parts paths inside the doors. I would leave any existing factory wiring and connectors in place---if you sell the vehicle and want to re-install the original speakers and head unit it'll go a lot easier that way.

HTH
What type of amplifier do I need as well
 
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Old May 9, 2016 | 06:02 AM
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I'm not comfortable recommending any particular brand or type plus my budget tends to be mostly unlimited whenever I do something like this.

View Crutchfield's site or talk to them over their toll-free telephone line. Give them your head unit and speaker brand and model names and they'll make recommendations accordingly.
 
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