do i need to rewire car
Speaker (or amp) impedance has nothing to do with sound quality - it only affects power output. For example, running 4-ohm speakers on a 2-ohm stable amp will cut the power to the speaker by half which results in a 3dB drop in volume (everything else being equal). That 3dB drop is noticeable but nowhere near half the volume - it takes a power change factor of 10 to double volume. You'd have to replace 2-ohm speakers with 20-ohm speakers to cut the volume in half. And if the 4-ohm speakers are 3dB more efficient (sensitive) than the 2-ohm ones then there would be no decrease in volume.
12 ga. on sub wires IMO that is no where near enough to get enough power to them, 4 ga or lower
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2006
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where do u come up with 12ga wiring not being adequate to feed a sub? ive done comepetition systems in excess of 4kwrms and didnt use 4ga or lower to feed the sub
TECH Regular
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: tampa
here is what i do...
14 or thicker for speaker feed
12 for feed for subs
power wire gauge is highly dependent on wattage and amperage that your system will require. i would always go thicker though.
14 or thicker for speaker feed
12 for feed for subs
power wire gauge is highly dependent on wattage and amperage that your system will require. i would always go thicker though.
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: south jersey. again
thanks to all for the help. i dont have a probem rewireing the speakers or anything. i checked out kee audio to see what they offer. i saw on there speakers that work with the factory harness. i dont need a competition system (im a little over 40) but i do like to hear quality sound and i still turn it up. i would hate to replace everything like speakers and head unit and stay with the monsoon amp with a possibility it goes bad not long after. is there a replacement for that amp, aftermarket or would i have to find a factory piece. thanks again
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,332
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
The factory amps have proven to be very reliable (unlike the factory speakers). I don't recall ever hearing of one failing other than from physical damage such as water or external short circuits. Besides, why replace a working amp just because it might possibly fail in the future? If it fails, replace it when it happens.
There are no plug-and-play replacements on the market for the Monsoon amp. In fact, I've never heard of an aftermarket 8-channel amp for automotive use. So if you replace it with anything other than another factory part, you'll have to rewire.
There are no plug-and-play replacements on the market for the Monsoon amp. In fact, I've never heard of an aftermarket 8-channel amp for automotive use. So if you replace it with anything other than another factory part, you'll have to rewire.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,332
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Speakers can always run at lower power levels than the minimums listed - otherwise you wouldn't be able to turn down the volume. But they won't perform at their best unless your head unit or amplifier can produce the minimum power specified.
Most 300W speakers have minimum power recommendations in the range of 50W to 85W (RMS, not peak). Your head unit by itself won't get anywhere near that power level.
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WhiteBird00.
good news and bad news.
ill start with the good news, i finished installing my HU along with the sail and front speakers today... complette new wiring ( i connected my speakers direct from the HU).
bad news, my HU has a volume control from 0 to 35 (**** counts) it starts making distortion at 28-29 and at 33-34-35 its worst than the mansoon. which i really dont like.
what do u suggest i do? add an amp ?
good news and bad news.
ill start with the good news, i finished installing my HU along with the sail and front speakers today... complette new wiring ( i connected my speakers direct from the HU).
bad news, my HU has a volume control from 0 to 35 (**** counts) it starts making distortion at 28-29 and at 33-34-35 its worst than the mansoon. which i really dont like.
what do u suggest i do? add an amp ?
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,332
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Yes, if you think you'll actually be listening to the system at that volume level then you don't have much choice but to add an amp (or get a higher powered head unit).
This is why I always recommend that anyone wanting to do only head unit and speakers retain the Monsoon amp - it may not be the greatest but it's better than HU power alone. However, you should be able to get a decent 4-channel amp without spending too much.
This is why I always recommend that anyone wanting to do only head unit and speakers retain the Monsoon amp - it may not be the greatest but it's better than HU power alone. However, you should be able to get a decent 4-channel amp without spending too much.
35rms x 4 @ 4 ohms should be perfect. I just picked up a Kicker ZX200.4 from ebay for about $125. The spec sheet that came with it says it is rated at 42Wrms x 4 @ 4 ohms. Kicker makes some good amps and you can get it for a great price (comes with a warranty from the seller too).
