Tried searching for this and nothing came up I need to know do larger gauge wires affect sound quality I bought an alpine 1200 Watt 5 channel amp along with some tyrpe R speakers I will put in some rears later on along with a sub and another amp is it overkill to use 1 gauge wiring? And does it affect sound quality and or power output stupid questions I know but I need some help!!! Also any suggestions would be great as to whats better streetwires or knukoceptz any suggestions would be much appreciated also dont say oh go with the 4 gauge its cheaper if there was no price difference which would you say is better? Electronic Junkies HELP!

 

using the proper size is ideal. Running larger gauge is optional. 1 guage will probably be overkill and just make running the wires through the car that much harder.

 

http://www.the12volt.com/info/recwirsz.asp

If that is RMS 1200 watts....you'll need 2 gauge.
Since you didn't include the Alpine model number, I'm gonna guess you have a PDX-5 and that the 1200 watt figure is max output, RMS output is around 600 watts so 4 gauge would work. This is what the manufacturer reccomends.

You mention adding another amp for a sub. to each his own, but I wouldn't bother....the PDX-5 has a 300 watt sub channel that is 2 ohm stable. I think that is plenty of power with a properly designed sub/box combo.

As far a brand....can't help you there. I always bough bulk wire from Parts Express...

 

Thanks makes sense I guess, I just figured well better to just run a thicker wire if in case later I decide to upgrade I dont gotta run out and buy another wire kit.

 

Wow that website is extremely helpful!!! And you're right it is a PDX-5

http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/p...php?model=PDX-5

I have a question though because I thought about your suggestion its a 5 channel and I plan on adding rear components further down the road would the amp be enough to power the 2 front type Rs=300 Watts each max output + 2 more rear speakers (another 300 Watts each) and the sub? Sorry for the dumb questions dont know about this kinda stuff, I figured I'd need another amp because the type R sub a 10 or 12 not sure yet so it needs about 1000-1500 watts or is that the max output? (as you can see I really dont know about this stuff Im just buying the parts and having someone else install it) anyways so I figured I'd buy a one channel amp just for the sub.
Btw thanks so much for the input I really apreciate it and let me know what you think about buying the other amp for the sub!!

 

Yeah, you would just run the 75x4 setting and leave the sub channel alone. I'm running 100x4 and its plenty. Any more and you'll be replacing speakers all the time.

Don't go in a stereo shop asking these questions or you'll get ripped off pretty badly.

 

You can do the 75X4 or you can bridge two channels for the front only and when you add rear speakers you can just power them from the HU.

Typically, the rears are for fill anyway.

As far as amp power VS. speaker power...I think you are confusing them. Watt rating on speakers describe power handling, not output.

 

this is what i would do - take your 5 channel amp and bride the 4 channels to 2, then later when you add rear speakers power of radio, but i would suggest do the sub at the same time as it is a HUGE difference in sound with a sub.

 

Oh ok makes sense you were right I was confused about the power handling and output since you said I can run it off my HU how can I tell how much power my HU puts out its an alpine 9861

 

Ok 4 gauge it is, thank you all so much for your input and advice I really apreciate it learned ALOT! anybody got a suggestion for wires? I have heard good praise about streetwires and knukoceptz any other good ones I should look into?