I recently installed Infinity 605cs component door speakers and a 2 channel Blaupunkt 2100 amp rated at 100rms per channel.

I called around to different installers in Orlando and could not find one that thought it would do any harm to leave the factory wire in. One installer, at Sound Advice, said I probably couldn't tell the difference and that there was even smaller wire in the coil of the speaker. I asked if I would hurt the speakers or overheat the amp and he said no.

All were willing to do it for a price but all said it was not worthwhile or needed.

I am confused because a good number of those here on this site are adamant about replacing the 20 gage "vapor" wire. Please explain your thoughts. What can I expect to happen if I don't, and what is the worse that can happen? Thanks.

 

Well, the worst that can happen is you melt the stock wiring with too much power. If you're actually trying to push 100W RMS through that wire (I think it's 24 Guage, not 20), I'm surprised it hasn't melted yet.

Do it yourself...it's not really hard, just takes some patience. See my webpage for some helpful hints...

 

Thanks Macgyver, for giving me one very good reason to change the wiring!

 

I ran close to 200 RMS through my little 24 gauge stuff for about 4 months with no ill effects. But I did end up running 12 gauge through the whole cars. It's simple but time consuming. I had to use the little coat hanger wire stuff to get it through the doors, and be careful around the wiring harness on the drivers side but you should be fine.

 

Here's a reason. An audio system is only as good as it's weakest link. I guess that really goes for anything.

wes

 

Storm,

I HIGHLY doubt you were running anything CLOSE to 200W RMS through 24 guage wire...running a 200W RMS system at low power isn't the same as actually running 200W RMS THROUGH the wire. 200W RMS is nearly 17 Amps as an average value, and even at a chunky 10 guage you're talking about a 5% loss of power for the ditances involved in a car.

My suggestion would be 8 to 10 guage wire if you're truly interested in running at near-full volume for extended periods and have only a few percent loss.

 

I now am running 10 gauge though the whole car. Yes I did notice a large increase in clearity and volume when I went to a larger gauge. I did run my Q series stuff off of a PPI 4800 amp. 200 is a simple guess as to the true waire carry. As for the amps 4 gauge the whole way with gold caps on the battery.

Now I am down to two 160a2's and RSD's in the door. I just could not justify using the Q series stuff in a convertable. The sound just gets murdered.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by MacGyver
[B]Storm,

I HIGHLY doubt you were running anything CLOSE to 200W RMS through 24 guage wire...running a 200W RMS system at low power isn't the same as actually running 200W RMS THROUGH the wire.

 

Your not hanging a planter with this wire, so the weakest link analogy does not work. There may be smaller wire in the speaker, but it is very short. And size does matter, both length and width. Any wire has a resistance. The smaller the wire, the greater the resistance. A 20-gage wire will have about 10 times the resistance of a 10-gage wire. Also, 10 feet of wire will have twice the resistance as 5 feet of wire. But the resistance of just 5 feet of 20-gage wire is still only 1% of the resistance of one audio system channel. The connectors also have resistance associated to it, and going from a bad connector to good connector will probably make more difference than going to a thicker wire. Heat buildup will also increase the resistance, and the smaller wire will heat up more, but I'm not sure if it will heat up enough to make a difference (until you actually burn one through).

Bottom line is if you want max performance, get bigger wire and good connectors. Will the average person be able to tell the difference at civilized volumn levels? Probably not. I just installed new speakers, but left the stock wire in because I don't play it too loud and I don't consider myself an audiophile.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2WOOOW
[B]Your not hanging a planter with this wire, so the weakest link analogy does not work.