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Wiring two amps?

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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 08:03 AM
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Default Wiring two amps?

I want to add a 4 ch. amp to my xj to power my door speakers. However, I already have one amp wired and running a sub. I'm unsure of the best way to wire a second amp. I want to make the power line from the battery to the distributor 4 gauge, then use a distributor block wih fuses and hen run 8 gauge wire to both amps. Will this work? What size fuse should I have as the main fuse befOre the distributor? Thanks a lot. Go easy on me im not old enough for a permit haha. Thanks

Last edited by Tate; Jul 11, 2012 at 08:57 AM. Reason: Different idea
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 10:00 AM
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Seeing as you're young and on a budget, you can go to Wal-Mart and buy distribution blocks for power and ground from Scosche for under 30 bucks. With two amps, I'd recommend running a capacitor to ease the strain on your electrical system. Any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. Good luck and welcome to the forum.
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 10:11 AM
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Default Thanks

Thanks a lot. If I have a distribution box with fuses dO I need one before the box too? And are the wire gauge sizes I listed above okay? Thanks
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Tate
Thanks a lot. If I have a distribution box with fuses dO I need one before the box too? And are the wire gauge sizes I listed above okay? Thanks
The wire gauge depends on the amperage. How big of amps will you be using?
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 10:20 AM
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As a rule of thumb, I usually add the two fuses in the side of the amp together and place that size fuse in the line for each amp past the distribution block.

Then, for ****s and giggles I'd place another larger fuse towards the battery.

You could also well your sub amp and buy a 5-channel amp.

I ran a 5-channel Memphis Bell for the longest time and loved it.
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 11:03 AM
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Default Amp sizes

The amp I'm using to push my sub is a Sony 1200 peak I think 200 rms a channel. Its a 2 channel but it's bridged to 1 ch.
I'm looking around for the 4 ch. amp but it'll be small like 50 watts rms per channel. I don't know about the amPs

Last edited by Tate; Jul 11, 2012 at 11:09 AM. Reason: More
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 11:12 AM
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8ga wire will be fine for both of those amps.

Or


Here is a bunch of Cheap *** 5-channel amps that'd do the same thing.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/cat_i...more-amps.html
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 11:20 AM
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Alright thanks. The distributor I was gonna get has 60 amp fuses. That okay?
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 11:23 AM
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That's more than likely what will be in the amp. (2) 30 amp fuses.
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 11:31 AM
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Default Amp

I know my current Amp has 2 40 amp fuses. Thanks a lot for the help
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 11:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Tate
Alright thanks. The distributor I was gonna get has 60 amp fuses. That okay?
Figure out how many watts your amps will be putting out, and divide that number by 12 (volts). This will give you a number for the max amount of amps your system will see. Example: 300w/12v=25A Going off of this, my system should have a 25A or 30A fuse.
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 11:45 AM
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Just because the sticker on the amp says 300 watts doesn't mean it puts out 300 watts...

There's no way his 1200 watt amp sees Close to half that.

Do you know how they rate their Peak wattage ratings?
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 11:48 AM
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Alright guys thanks I thInk I got it now. Greatly appreciated
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 02:05 PM
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Avoid Walmart install kits and wiring, hard parts like the fuse holders or distribution blocks are fine though. Walmart's wire is NOT true to size, the wire they advertise as 4ga is actually just 8ga wire wrapped in 4ga insulation and their 8ga kits are 12-10ga wire in a 8ga insulation. I work at a shop that does audio installs and we see that all the time.
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Old Jul 11, 2012 | 02:08 PM
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Originally Posted by lowrange2
Just because the sticker on the amp says 300 watts doesn't mean it puts out 300 watts...
I do, but it's a baseline at least

There's no way his 1200 watt amp sees Close to half that.
RMS seems to be close to half on amps

Do you know how they rate their Peak wattage ratings?
Nope
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