Distribution block???

Vital · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 01:53 AM

I'm gonna install 2 amps.

one amp pushing 100W-rms x 2 channel an other 360W-rms for 1sub.

What whoud be a better thing to do sound-quality-wise:
Run 2 4AWG wires (1 per amp/dedicated) or get a distribution block and split 4AWG into 2 8AWGs (or even 2 4AWGs)?

I have wires and space to run them so it's really not about "save yourself time, wire and money", i wonder what would be a smarter choice quality-wise.

theonedub · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 07:16 AM

Couple things first:
Either amp is more than fine with 8ga wiring- 100%
Given the small power output of the amps, the terminals on the amp may only accept 8ga wire (without the use of an adapter)

If you were not planning on upgrading at all- I would run a singe 4ga fused (100A is plenty enough) run to a non fused dist block that splits into 2 8ga runs for each of the amplifiers.

With any possibility of a future upgrade the run from the batt to the dist block should be 0/1. Then run your 2/4/8ga wires from the block to the amps.

As long as the power is good and clean, whether it be from individual runs or a dist block, sound quality should not be affected.

You say you don't want to hear about time, money, and wire, but in the end that is the only thing to consider in making your choice. Blocks are cleaner, easier to use and save you lots of time down the road.

SLAMNRIDE · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 07:31 AM

^^you're right, hes fine with 4/8-8g with such low power. however, i would run 2 fuses, 1 for each amp, on the 8g side. if one amp fuks up or somehow u fuk up, ur risking both. ive seen customers mess up 2 amps at once when i told them to do 2 fuses. who am i to care? i make more money off of it...but thats not my goal. the amps have thier own fuses to blow just in case, but u can still damage em before that fuse blows. just my humble $.02

Vaughn · #4 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 02:23 PM

If you are going to be running over 1,000 watts in the future, you should run some 1/0 AWG all the way back to a distribution block that then steps cable size down to no more than 4AWG. Forget that 8AWG even exists for power cable.

EDIT: Also, ALWAYS! ALWAYS! Put an inline fuse no more than 12 inches from your battery. Remember, fuse size is dependent on the size wire you use.

Vital · #5 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 03:25 PM

FUKKKKK!!!!! Every audio place i know of in my area is closed for July 4th! I just waisted 2 hours driving around and calling places up! GGGRRRRRR!!!!!!

I do have an old beat up distro block laying around in my basememnt somewhere so i quess i'll either use that or just run 2 separate power wires. I know i can wait till tomorrow to buy it but i had all my equipment in my house for over 2 months now and don't wanna miss an opportunity of having a full day available and not finally install my shit.

Btw here's the kit i have. Well, i got 2 of them. So i should be all good wire/fuse wise, right?

Rockford Fosgate RFK4X Complete 4-gauge amplifier wiring kit Includes patch cables and speaker wire at Crutchfield.com

EDIT: i just realized that i DO NOT have any 8wire to go from distro block to amps. I should still be able to use 4 coming in and 2 4awg coming out to amps, right?

Vaughn · #6 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 03:29 PM

Yeah, that looks fine. Also, run your power and RCA cables on opposite sides of the car to reduce noise interference from the power cable. Since you have two kits, forget the distribution block and run two power cables.

theonedub · #7 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vital

EDIT: i just realized that i DO NOT have any 8wire to go from distro block to amps. I should still be able to use 4 coming in and 2 4awg coming out to amps, right?

What gauge wire you can input to the block and what gauge the outputs are vary from model to model. You need to look at the block you have and see what sized terminals you have to work with. (some blocks are 4ga in/8 out, 4 in/4 out, etc etc)

I think it would be a waste of time to install it with the two kits then later go back through and change it to the 4ga+block. Yes you are fine either way, but pick one method and stick to it- doing it once sure beats doing it twice.

SLAMNRIDE · #8 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vaughn

If you are going to be running over 1,000 watts in the future, you should run some 1/0 AWG all the way back to a distribution block that then steps cable size down to no more than 4AWG. Forget that 8AWG even exists for power cable.

youre talking 1000watts rms. he's not very close to that.

Vital · #9 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 10:34 PM

Installing all that as i type this, just took a little break. Details and pics to follow

Vital · #10 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 03:36 AM

Thanx all for your help in this and bunch of other threads!!! There'll be another one with me asking how to tune the system properly but that's later (probably tomorrow LOL)

I installed all my shit today. Ended up running 2 dedicated power wires.

One thing i did but don't remember seeing on this forum is that i secured one of the amps on additionally bought metal pieces so looks like it's screwed into the back of the rear seat but in reality is completely "on it's own" not taking up any additional space. Metal pieces nor amp is secured using a level but i'll fix that in the near future.

I'll take more pics tomorrow but for now here's what i got. All is VERY neat and clean, all works the way it's supposed to.

just needs to be a bit tunned up.

Blood1 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 03:49 AM

Wait. You mounted that 2nd amp along those 2 metal bars so it's in mid-air. Now if you fold down your rear seats the amp is sticking there, up in the air?

What is that amp in the air. It looks completely no frills. Just black metal heat strips.

And today was a perfect day to work on it. In NY it was pretty nice weather.

Vital · #12 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 04:03 AM

Yap, it just "chilling" in the air LOL. All tunning knobs are on the side of it so i get full access to it with AND without rear seat folded. It is also not touching the carpet which helps it from overheating. On top of that sub is right in front of it (inside the trunk) so i both amps are close to each other and are very comfortable to tune.

IT looks simple cuz there's no "beauty" cover on it on that pic. Look below to see what it looks like with cover on. There's also blue led ligth lighting up POLK AUDIO on the left and PA400.1 on the right which is pretty cool BUT as i said sub is right in front of this amp so noone will even see any of the 2 amps, only the front of the sub which looks damn good if u ask me.

SLAMNRIDE · #13 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 07:34 PM

good work on getting everything to run for your first install!

i take it thats u in the pic. its funny when people from the forum post pics of themselves. you get to know them from only typing, never knowing what ne1 looks like. ne1 else think about that?

theonedub · #14 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLAMNRIDE

good work on getting everything to run for your first install!

i take it thats u in the pic. its funny when people from the forum post pics of themselves. you get to know them from only typing, never knowing what ne1 looks like. ne1 else think about that?

Yeah we have the Altimas.NET Yearbook in OT so that people can associate SNs with actual people.

slvrbackgorilla · #15 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 11:37 PM

nice work man. looks good sofar.