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do i need to rewire car

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Old 10-20-2008, 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by WhiteBird00
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.
That is what I was trying to say. You are better at desccribing it in words than I am.
12 ga. on sub wires IMO that is no where near enough to get enough power to them, 4 ga or lower
Old 10-20-2008, 07:08 PM
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Originally Posted by RsSean
That is what I was trying to say. You are better at desccribing it in words than I am.
12 ga. on sub wires IMO that is no where near enough to get enough power to them, 4 ga or lower
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
Old 10-20-2008, 07:58 PM
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I think the confusion is that one is thinking of power wire gauge and the other is thinking of signal wire gauge.
Old 10-20-2008, 09:15 PM
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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.
Old 10-22-2008, 12:39 PM
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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
Old 10-22-2008, 01:00 PM
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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.
Old 10-22-2008, 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted by WhiteBird00
Most higher power speakers have minimum power requirements along with their higher maximums.
before buying a speeker how can i tell whats minimum power requirements ?
Old 10-22-2008, 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Engine_HP
before buying a speeker how can i tell whats minimum power requirements ?
The specs for the speaker will list either a minimum power requirement or they will list a power range (e.g. 10-70 watts RMS) where the lower number is the minimum.

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.
Old 10-26-2008, 06:13 PM
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so do you guy's think i would be better off replacing the head unit and speakers.
Old 10-30-2008, 06:42 PM
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Originally Posted by jam01
so do you guy's think i would be better off replacing the head unit and speakers.


dont know if its better or not..... but thats what i will do....
Old 11-23-2008, 04:21 PM
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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 ?
Old 11-23-2008, 06:11 PM
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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.
Old 11-24-2008, 05:49 AM
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Originally Posted by WhiteBird00
However, you should be able to get a decent 4-channel amp without spending too much.
Yes, my speakers has a 40 rms watts @ 4 ohms so ill be looking for a 4 channel, 35rms per channel.

or should i look for a more power amp ?


thanks
Old 11-24-2008, 08:29 AM
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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).



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