ok I don't know much about car audio, i want to put a system in my car, I will be using 2 type R 12inch subs, and will have an upgrated reciever, a huge amp, and aftermarket speakers to replace the stock ones. What type (gauge) wire should i use? and will i need a second battery or a larger alternator?

 

well i guess it all depends on how big your HUGE amp is going to be. hows the stats on the amp you have?

 

If you're just running one amp you should be fine with 4ga. You won't need an amp that requires any more than that. Your stock alternator and single battery should also be fine. If you notice serious headlight dimming then think about installing a cap or a second battery.

 

u can use 18 gauge for your 6 x 9's n etc.

how big of an amp are you getting?

 

8 awg is good for 500 watts
4 awg = 800
2 awg = 1500
single ott (1-0 awg) 2000+ but no third gen needs that.

Brian

 

Yak, depends on who makes the amp. If you were going to buy a Pyramid 1000 watt amp, I'd say to use 8 gauge. If you were going to buy a Rockford Fosgate 120 watt amp, I'd say to use 8 gauge.

Also, you might want to rethink your system. If you're putting in an aftermarket deck and new speakers, what will your huge amplifier power? Just the subwoofers? If so, if you get a huge amp to power your subs, you're going to have more bass then you should. The system will sound "dull" and lifeless, because the radio won't be able to power the normal speakers up enough- and when it tries, the radio will blast distortion thru those speakers, and rip them to shreds. Power doesn't kill, distortion does. (Which is precisely why a Pyramid 1000 watt amp will kill your speakers- distortion). You want a balance of power between the subs and normal speakers.

If a sales guy sold you that system, he'll be hoping that you'll come back in a month, telling him that you need to add a second amplifier for your inside speakers.

So what all this comes down to is- you might not want a huge amp to power two 12" subs. You might want a smaller amp to power one 10" sub. Two 12" subs might look cool, but I've heard systems with one 10" sub that blow most dual-12-sub systems away.