help!! what cables do i need? - MG-Rover.org Forums

Deano · 08-05-2003, 04:02

a mate at work has given me a pretty big twin 12 inch subs with a 600 watt amp bolted to roof of sub box. i have a sony head unit with boot changer.

1. what cables do i need to buy?

2. how is it connected?

3. it is a 4 channel i think, how many do i use? is it better to use them all or what?

4. as much info in general would be great. i fitted mt head unit and boot chnager easy but this has so many different jacks and connector i havent a clue where to start!!!!!!

cheers in advance!!

Planetse · 08-05-2003, 06:08

A little more info on your set would help but will give it a go..!!..

If you are only looking at using your amp for the two subs you will need a power kit

(Minimum 30amp 8awg, 80amp 4awg better but will bump your price up big time)

Same size earth cable, remote power on cable, one RCA lead with 2 times ‘Y’ cables. Short speaker cable to the subs….

Run the power down the passengers side of the car with the fuse no more than 18” from battery,
Find or make a good clean earth point near to the amp for the earth cable. Run the one RCA down the drivers side of the car with one end plugged in to either the head units sub-out if it has one? Or the rear channel if not. At the amp end use one ‘Y’ cable on the red channels (Right) and plug into both red channel inputs on the amp. Then do the same for the white (Left) channel.

Wire in the remote on cable to the Blue & White lead on your head unit and then into the remote on (ACW) the amp.

Wire one sub (The left one) + into + on channel one and the – into – on channel two (This way you are bridging the amp into mono, never run subs in stereo..!!..)..

Then wire the second sub (Right one) + into + channel three and – into – channel four..

Set the crossover switches on the amp to LOW, set the Gain to HALF, if it has a frequency control set this to about 40 hrz (And never use base boost or loud switch on head units as this just distorts the sound..)

If you are going to run the set up in a different configuration let use now and we will try to point you in the right direction..

THE LAST THING YOU DO IS PUT THE FUSE BACK IN ON THE POWER CABLE..!!.. DO NOT WIRE UP WITH IT IN PLEASE..

Will set you back about £20 for a cheep 30amp AMP power kit with the RCA’s..
To £50 for a half descent 80amp 4AWG kit... Unlike speakers, subs do not need fancy double shielded RCA cables...

Deano · 08-05-2003, 14:29

cheers for the info.i am using a sony head unit djc5100r. it has a 10 cd boot changer and is about 4-5 years old. i have pioneer speakers front and back which i cannot remember what type.

the amp is a jet sound 600 watt. the subs i havent a clue. there are about 12 inches i reckon. there are inside a carpeted box surrounded by a concrete type material and it has a perspex window to see them. it has 2 jacks either side which must be to wire up the subs and it also has a black and red clip which looks like you can insert wires into.

what do u mean by find or make a good earth point??
do i need to solder the earth wire to bare metal inside the boot?

what also do u mean by fuse in power cable?? if there is a fuse in it why isnt it used??

cheers again,

Nathan · 08-05-2003, 14:39

For your earth point, dill a hole somwhere in your boot floor, then sand away any paint around it, anchochor the cables, with ring connectors and put a big fat screw though the hole.

You need to also fuse the cable coming from the battery as close to the battery as possible, this is purely for safety's sake, incase you damage the cables protective selve and get a short circuit.

Deano · 08-05-2003, 15:02

what do u mean by 'fuse the cable'??

Nathan · 08-05-2003, 15:14

If you buy a complete amp wiring kit, the power cable will have an in-line fuse holder (and fuse) at one end.

If it doesn't you'll need to fit an in-line fuse as close to the battery as possible.

Deano · 08-05-2003, 15:17

so basically if i go and pick up an amp kit there should be all the bits needed to get it to work?

Deano · 08-05-2003, 15:42

Amp wiring Kit 300-Watt
You will need one of these to properly wire up your Amplifier.
Consisting of:

Power cable: 5m red 12AWG terminated with integral fuse holder.

Earth cable: 1m black 12AWG terminated.

Remote cable: 5m 14A blue terminated.

Speaker cable: 5m OFC 24AWG with pre-insulated terminals.

RCA Leads: 5m 24ct gold plated single shielded.

Price: £24.99 Including VAT at 17.5% and FREE delivery

basically something like this???

Nathan · 08-05-2003, 16:23

That's only 12awg, I'd get at least 8awg or if you plan to upgrade further 4awg.

Deano · 08-05-2003, 16:33

sorry i copied the wrong set

Amp Wiring Kit 600-Watt
This ones is for a bigger Amplifier.
Consisting of:

Power cable: 5m red 8AWG terminated with integral fuse holder.

Earth cable: 1m black 8AWG terminated.

Remote cable: 5m 14A blue terminated.

Fuse: 40A blade Fuse with splash proof fuse holder.

Speaker cable: 5m OFC 18AWG with pre-insulated terminals.

RCA Leads: 5m 24ct gold plated single shielded.

Price: £29.99 Including VAT at 17.5% and FREE delivery

this is for a 600 watt amp.

Deano · 08-05-2003, 16:34

what is 'awg' what is the difference between 12awg and 8awg. i take it 8 is better than 12 then??

Nathan · 08-05-2003, 17:01

AWG is the guage of the cable.

8awg is thicker and able to carry more current than 12awg.

Planetse · 08-05-2003, 17:13

Looks like you got him back on the right track...

Like I said before Nathan you shud go into the mobile fitting business lol...

Deano · 08-05-2003, 17:15

i think i have an idea of what i need to do. i just dont understand the tech stuff.
i take it the amp will run off my head unit, and it wont need a seperate power source?

Mad Ad · 08-05-2003, 20:08

no, powering the amp is what you need the 8awg cable for - the HU should work fine off the existing wiring.

(well, If you want to be perfect, you may run the hu AND the amp into the 8awg - its not essential tho, and I only did that because I could still see my hu pulse with the beat *slightly* plugged into the pre-existing loom. You MAY NOT run the 8awg from the HU to the amp only, must be from the battery)

Planetse · 08-05-2003, 23:52

Hey Nathan we may have to run an ICE toon-up and symposium at the June meet lol

Deano · 09-05-2003, 03:41

gonna get an amp kit this wekend. i aint got time to do it until the weekend after as i have to work most of this weekend to cover.
fi the worse comes to the worse and it goes the way of the pear, i could pop down the a38 a little way and find nathan!!

just one question to get it right in my head.

the power cable goes from amp to battery.
the earth cable goes form amp to metal source.

where does the rca cable go to and from?
where does the speaker cable go to and from?
where does the remote cable go to and from?

may seem stupid questions but i just want a little clarification from the guys in the know.
cheers!!

Planetse · 09-05-2003, 05:50

RCA from rear out put on head-unit red to red and white to white...At the amp end put one ‘Y’ lead red-red on the amp then red on the RCA and the second ‘Y’ lead white-white on the amp then into white on the RCA so as to give a signal to all for channels on the amp..

The power remote on lead goes from blue/white lead on back of head unit down the car to the remote on ,on the amp (It will be in the middle of the + & - terminals on the amp)

Speaker cable to the left sub will be + cable (will have a stripe or +++++ down it) to + on channel 1 on the amp……. – to – on channel 2 of the amp (this is bridge into mono)………. Sub 2 the right one wants to be the same but using cannels 3 and 4...

Still stuck??? I AM OVER New Castle Stoke from 1:00pm ish till 8:00pm ish today.. Give me a shout before 11:30 today on this site and I will try and see you free of charge...

Deano · 11-05-2003, 15:10

cheers for the offer planetse!!!!!
i work nights so didnt get up until a few hours after you sent this mail. cheers for all the help and info given to me.hopefully by this friday i should have it sorted.

cheers again

Planetse · 13-05-2003, 01:29

Are you all up and running..??.. Or did it all go

08-05-2003, 04:02	#1
Deano Top bloke as decreed by Bazza Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Nr Stratford upon Avon Car: Lexus IS 220d Posts: 42,102	help!! what cables do i need? a mate at work has given me a pretty big twin 12 inch subs with a 600 watt amp bolted to roof of sub box. i have a sony head unit with boot changer. 1. what cables do i need to buy? 2. how is it connected? 3. it is a 4 channel i think, how many do i use? is it better to use them all or what? 4. as much info in general would be great. i fitted mt head unit and boot chnager easy but this has so many different jacks and connector i havent a clue where to start!!!!!! cheers in advance!!

08-05-2003, 06:08	#2
Planetse Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Loughborough Car: MG ZS Posts: 618	A little more info on your set would help but will give it a go..!!.. If you are only looking at using your amp for the two subs you will need a power kit (Minimum 30amp 8awg, 80amp 4awg better but will bump your price up big time) Same size earth cable, remote power on cable, one RCA lead with 2 times ‘Y’ cables. Short speaker cable to the subs…. Run the power down the passengers side of the car with the fuse no more than 18” from battery, Find or make a good clean earth point near to the amp for the earth cable. Run the one RCA down the drivers side of the car with one end plugged in to either the head units sub-out if it has one? Or the rear channel if not. At the amp end use one ‘Y’ cable on the red channels (Right) and plug into both red channel inputs on the amp. Then do the same for the white (Left) channel. Wire in the remote on cable to the Blue & White lead on your head unit and then into the remote on (ACW) the amp. Wire one sub (The left one) + into + on channel one and the – into – on channel two (This way you are bridging the amp into mono, never run subs in stereo..!!..).. Then wire the second sub (Right one) + into + channel three and – into – channel four.. Set the crossover switches on the amp to LOW, set the Gain to HALF, if it has a frequency control set this to about 40 hrz (And never use base boost or loud switch on head units as this just distorts the sound..) If you are going to run the set up in a different configuration let use now and we will try to point you in the right direction.. THE LAST THING YOU DO IS PUT THE FUSE BACK IN ON THE POWER CABLE..!!.. DO NOT WIRE UP WITH IT IN PLEASE.. Will set you back about £20 for a cheep 30amp AMP power kit with the RCA’s.. To £50 for a half descent 80amp 4AWG kit... Unlike speakers, subs do not need fancy double shielded RCA cables... Last edited by Planetse; 08-05-2003 at 06:19.

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08-05-2003, 14:29	#3
Deano Top bloke as decreed by Bazza Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Nr Stratford upon Avon Car: Lexus IS 220d Posts: 42,102	cheers for the info.i am using a sony head unit djc5100r. it has a 10 cd boot changer and is about 4-5 years old. i have pioneer speakers front and back which i cannot remember what type. the amp is a jet sound 600 watt. the subs i havent a clue. there are about 12 inches i reckon. there are inside a carpeted box surrounded by a concrete type material and it has a perspex window to see them. it has 2 jacks either side which must be to wire up the subs and it also has a black and red clip which looks like you can insert wires into. what do u mean by find or make a good earth point?? do i need to solder the earth wire to bare metal inside the boot? what also do u mean by fuse in power cable?? if there is a fuse in it why isnt it used?? cheers again,

08-05-2003, 14:39	#4
Nathan Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: High Peak Car: Other Manufacturer Posts: 3,278	For your earth point, dill a hole somwhere in your boot floor, then sand away any paint around it, anchochor the cables, with ring connectors and put a big fat screw though the hole. You need to also fuse the cable coming from the battery as close to the battery as possible, this is purely for safety's sake, incase you damage the cables protective selve and get a short circuit.

08-05-2003, 15:02	#5
Deano Top bloke as decreed by Bazza Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Nr Stratford upon Avon Car: Lexus IS 220d Posts: 42,102	what do u mean by 'fuse the cable'??

08-05-2003, 15:14	#6
Nathan Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: High Peak Car: Other Manufacturer Posts: 3,278	If you buy a complete amp wiring kit, the power cable will have an in-line fuse holder (and fuse) at one end. If it doesn't you'll need to fit an in-line fuse as close to the battery as possible.

08-05-2003, 15:17	#7
Deano Top bloke as decreed by Bazza Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Nr Stratford upon Avon Car: Lexus IS 220d Posts: 42,102	so basically if i go and pick up an amp kit there should be all the bits needed to get it to work?

08-05-2003, 16:23	#9
Nathan Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: High Peak Car: Other Manufacturer Posts: 3,278	That's only 12awg, I'd get at least 8awg or if you plan to upgrade further 4awg.

08-05-2003, 16:33	#10
Deano Top bloke as decreed by Bazza Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Nr Stratford upon Avon Car: Lexus IS 220d Posts: 42,102	sorry i copied the wrong set Amp Wiring Kit 600-Watt This ones is for a bigger Amplifier. Consisting of: Power cable: 5m red 8AWG terminated with integral fuse holder. Earth cable: 1m black 8AWG terminated. Remote cable: 5m 14A blue terminated. Fuse: 40A blade Fuse with splash proof fuse holder. Speaker cable: 5m OFC 18AWG with pre-insulated terminals. RCA Leads: 5m 24ct gold plated single shielded. Price: £29.99 Including VAT at 17.5% and FREE delivery this is for a 600 watt amp.

08-05-2003, 16:34	#11
Deano Top bloke as decreed by Bazza Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Nr Stratford upon Avon Car: Lexus IS 220d Posts: 42,102	what is 'awg' what is the difference between 12awg and 8awg. i take it 8 is better than 12 then??

08-05-2003, 17:01	#12
Nathan Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: High Peak Car: Other Manufacturer Posts: 3,278	AWG is the guage of the cable. 8awg is thicker and able to carry more current than 12awg.

08-05-2003, 17:13	#13
Planetse Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Loughborough Car: MG ZS Posts: 618	Looks like you got him back on the right track... Like I said before Nathan you shud go into the mobile fitting business lol...

08-05-2003, 17:15	#14
Deano Top bloke as decreed by Bazza Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Nr Stratford upon Avon Car: Lexus IS 220d Posts: 42,102	i think i have an idea of what i need to do. i just dont understand the tech stuff. i take it the amp will run off my head unit, and it wont need a seperate power source?

08-05-2003, 20:08	#15
Mad Ad Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Hertfordshire Car: 820 Vitesse Posts: 88	no, powering the amp is what you need the 8awg cable for - the HU should work fine off the existing wiring. (well, If you want to be perfect, you may run the hu AND the amp into the 8awg - its not essential tho, and I only did that because I could still see my hu pulse with the beat slightly plugged into the pre-existing loom. You MAY NOT run the 8awg from the HU to the amp only, must be from the battery)

08-05-2003, 23:52	#16
Planetse Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Loughborough Car: MG ZS Posts: 618	Hey Nathan we may have to run an ICE toon-up and symposium at the June meet lol

09-05-2003, 03:41	#17
Deano Top bloke as decreed by Bazza Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Nr Stratford upon Avon Car: Lexus IS 220d Posts: 42,102	gonna get an amp kit this wekend. i aint got time to do it until the weekend after as i have to work most of this weekend to cover. fi the worse comes to the worse and it goes the way of the pear, i could pop down the a38 a little way and find nathan!! just one question to get it right in my head. the power cable goes from amp to battery. the earth cable goes form amp to metal source. where does the rca cable go to and from? where does the speaker cable go to and from? where does the remote cable go to and from? may seem stupid questions but i just want a little clarification from the guys in the know. cheers!!

09-05-2003, 05:50	#18
Planetse Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Loughborough Car: MG ZS Posts: 618	RCA from rear out put on head-unit red to red and white to white...At the amp end put one ‘Y’ lead red-red on the amp then red on the RCA and the second ‘Y’ lead white-white on the amp then into white on the RCA so as to give a signal to all for channels on the amp.. The power remote on lead goes from blue/white lead on back of head unit down the car to the remote on ,on the amp (It will be in the middle of the + & - terminals on the amp) Speaker cable to the left sub will be + cable (will have a stripe or +++++ down it) to + on channel 1 on the amp……. – to – on channel 2 of the amp (this is bridge into mono)………. Sub 2 the right one wants to be the same but using cannels 3 and 4... Still stuck??? I AM OVER New Castle Stoke from 1:00pm ish till 8:00pm ish today.. Give me a shout before 11:30 today on this site and I will try and see you free of charge...

11-05-2003, 15:10	#19
Deano Top bloke as decreed by Bazza Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Nr Stratford upon Avon Car: Lexus IS 220d Posts: 42,102	cheers for the offer planetse!!!!! i work nights so didnt get up until a few hours after you sent this mail. cheers for all the help and info given to me.hopefully by this friday i should have it sorted. cheers again

13-05-2003, 01:29	#20
Planetse Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Loughborough Car: MG ZS Posts: 618	Are you all up and running..??.. Or did it all go

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