MetalMatrix

I'm installing a new stereo in my Mazda 6 to replace the old Bose system. (It did have an amp powering the speakers but sounded pathetic.)

Can I use the old speaker wire from the amp to the door speakers? On my previous car I ran new wires through the door and it was a PITA. I really want to avoid doing it this time but I'm not sure if the speaker wire is capable of handling the extra power.

If the speaker wire needs to be replaced, what is a decent gauge to get and do they make any with thin plastic coatings?

I am very out of touch with car audio stuff. Haven't touched it in years since my last install.

jalat

iTrader: (6)

Factory wiring will probably be around 18-16awg which should be alright.

I personally use 12awg for my speaker wiring, but a quality 16awg should be just fine.

Knukonceptz clear speaker wire (especially 16awg) is fairly thin, and if stacked ontop of each other would fit nicely in the car

andrewsfm

iTrader: (3)

I was originally going to use the existing factory wires to send power to the speakers on my 08 Focus, but when I read the wiring diagram book, it says they are 20AWG, so I'll be upgrading to at least 16AWG but preferably 14AWG, but that depends on how much room I have in the loom between the door and car for the extra wiring.

MR2NR

iTrader: (66)

Your probably going to need this....

How to wire through a door molex.

MetalMatrix

This is good to know. I'll have to either research to measure the gauge on the existing wires.

I will only be pushing a max of 75 Watts RMS to my speakers from the amp. Not overkill but enough to make the music sound much nicer.

andrewsfm

iTrader: (3)

Here's a good calculator that opened my eyes to the need to upgrade the wiring to the speakrs...

http://www.bcae1.com/images/swfs/spe...rassistant.swf

If you put in 20AWG/10ft/4ohms/100W you can see that I would lose 10W per speaker! 40W total!

jalat

iTrader: (6)

I wonder who did that write up....

MetalMatrix

Thanks. That is what I did on my previous car. Except it was such a disaster and tight working area I actually took off the door to make life easier. Although, last time I also ran 2 pairs of wires.

Nice! This will really help.

Polish_Polak

12 awg is good for speakers but depending on the wire can be difficult to run through the rubber grommets on some cars.