Andrew650

I am about to order 2 Alpine swr t-12's with 2 Alpine PDX 1.600, a set of Alpine SPR 60 speakers for front, set of Alpine SPR 69 for the rear and a Alpine PDX 4.100 for all the speakers. Im going to do the big 3 to start and just run 1/0 gauge to the distribution block in case I upgrade in the future, the distribution block goes to 4 4 gauge outputs. My questions are:

1. Am I ok with what I have planned for the wiring?
2. What size fuse (ANL if it matters) should I use between the battery and the distribution block?
3. Should I put inline fuses to the power cables that go from the distribution block to the amps as well or is just the one main one ok?
4. Has anyone used one of these bass enhancers (Last link on the bottom), do they actually work, any extra risk to the system using these?

Links to what I have planned to order:

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...e_SWR-T12.aspx
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu..._PDX-1600.aspx
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu..._PDX-4100.aspx
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...ne_SPR-60.aspx
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...ne_SPR-69.aspx
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...dio_BG300.aspx

stochastic

Your wiring is overkill, but as you stated, if you plan to upgrade later the headroom will be nice. You generally don't need to touch the big 3 until you get above 1000W (I know you're at that breakpoint, but you're not over it yet, so it might be a thought for later). The ANL fuse should match the fuse rating on your amps so: 60A + 80A = 140A ANL fuse. More fuses are never bad unless you get silly with it, but having extra fuses after the distro block are not needed in this circumstance as the amps themselves are fused shortly after the distro block.

I've never used a bass enhancer but the basic concept is that they fix the lower range of your OEM (or cheap aftermarket) headunit or poorly encoded mp3 files. Often they remove distortion and allow for fine EQ control in that range, but all models differ.
The bass enhancer you linked to is a brand that carries a poor audio quality rating, it might be fine for your needs though I'm not sure exactly what that model does and the lack of description in the product page scares me. I would suggest you look into the AudioControl Epicenter as it is has a great reputation from the reviews I've read.

Andrew650

Thanks for the reply was very helpful, not sure if you misread but im over 1000 watts, 600 rms per sub 1800 peak plus 400 rms from speakers. As I said im doing the 1/0 gauge wiring and big 3 now in case I upgrade in the future as long as its not going to hurt anything. As far as the bass enhancer its not on the list right now I was just really curious about them, you mention the headunit which I forgot to link but its a Pioneer AVH-P6300BT. If anyone else has any experience with these bass enhancers please let me know what you think, doesnt have to be the one I linked that was just a reference.

Dukk

I agree with Stochastic on everything except I like a fused distribution block.

I always try to use an Audio Control Epicenter in my systems. I listen to a lot of 80s music that has not enough bass in it and the Epi also has a subsonic filter in it which I believe any system can benefit from.

Andrew650

One more question here, what gauge speaker wire would be best for my subs and speakers? 600 rms subs 100 rms speakers

Dukk

Anything over 18ga is fine. I like to use 14ga as I have a lot of it handy.

stochastic

My bad, I missed that there were two subs and two sub amps. So yeah, do the big 3. Also your ANL fuse would then need to be 60+80+80 = 220A or smaller (i.e. a 200 would be a safe fuse if you can't find exactly 220).

If your subwoofer speaker wire runs are long (i.e. subs up front) you might want to lean toward 12guage, but as Dukk said, anything over 18 would do just fine for most of it. I've got 14 myself.

Andrew650

Thanks, I went with 12 gauge wires. Have another question for you guys, how many rca cables am I looking at here? Some things have changed, still 2 type r shallow mount subs with 2 pdx 1.600 amps for them but im adding another sub, found great deal on alpine 5 channel amp, 4x100 rms + 1x500 rms. So how many rca cables/y adapters (if needed) am I looking at here to hook this all up?

stochastic

WHY? Most people only need one type r sub to be happy. If you found a great deal on a 5-channel then just use that and save your money. If you put three subs in your car you'll just be pounding your eardrums or just using 10% of their capabilities. Unless you're trying to go the SPL route, in which case alpine really isn't the direction to head. I'm making the assumption that you're interested in sound quality as the type R sub is known for that - mind you their components aren't really.

As for the RCA question, just map it out from your deck's outputs. Draw yourself a picture. Keep in mind that Y adapters are sort of ugly in the audio sense as they decrease the signal if you're splitting it, and just plain wrong/dangerous if used for summing - I'm not trying to pretend I've never used one though. Using a Y adapter to split a signal instead of a processor or other powered solution will force you to raise the gains on your amps to get the same output level which will in-turn raise the noise floor on the system.

Andrew650

well I had already ordered the 2 subs and amps, ended up getting a good deal I couldnt pass up from a buddy who is upgrading in his new vehicle for the 5 channel amp with the speakers and another 12" sub all type R like I wanted. Kinda have it all now so I might as well put it in. What would be the best way to hook it up?
Head unit has 3 outputs, rear, front, sub
2 600 watt rms amps for 2 subs
1 amp 1x500 + 4x100 watt rms for speakers and another sub