Install related Need a car audio install related question answered? Have a tip you want to share, post in here!

stock speaker wire

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 4, 2006 | 07:11 PM
  #1  
latts's Avatar
Thread Starter
0 Watt CAFz'r
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18
stock speaker wire

quick question.. if i was to replace my stock front speakers or my stock rear speakers would i also have to replace the existing speaker wire or could i just use the factory wire?


thanks
Old Jun 4, 2006 | 08:46 PM
  #2  
wiltshire559's Avatar
500 Watt CAFz'r
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 774
only replace the speaker wire if your running the speakers off of a amp, not the head unit
Old Jun 4, 2006 | 09:37 PM
  #3  
PT-Chris's Avatar
500 Watt CAFz'r
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 514
Like Wiltshire559 said if they are powered by the H/U the OEM wiring is more then sufficent. But if you are amping them it may or may not be necessary to change the wire, it depends on the vehicle make and model and how much power you have.

I didn't run new wire in my Maxima and I have 80 wrms per door, but the OEM wire is like 14 awg. But if it was a Honda or GM product I would suggest it.
Old Jun 4, 2006 | 11:24 PM
  #4  
veeman's Avatar
2000 Watt CAFz'r
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,455
depends on the stock speaker wire size, how much power you're running, and the length from the power source. check the awg rating, if it's 18 awg or lower(thicker), then it's fine for up to 125 watts @ 20 feet and 4ohms( you'll lose about 15 watts at the speaker, which is only .5 dB's in output...not detectable to most people). To give you another example; if you have 16 awg wire that is 60 feet long, you can run up to 370 watts through it at 4ohms before it drops below 300 circular mils/amp, and you will only lose 1.0 dB's in output( I would not do that, as it's ideal conditions etc...). I've been running my 470 watts(mids/tweets) through my factory wires for a long time with no issues. Basically, most factory wiring should be at least good enough for up to 100 watts with no issues.
There is a calculator at:

http://www.bcae1.com/

go to the site, go to #16 on right side, and scroll down to speaker wire calculator. You can put in all your values and it will let you know if it's o.k.
Old Jun 5, 2006 | 01:48 PM
  #5  
latts's Avatar
Thread Starter
0 Watt CAFz'r
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18
kick ***.. thanks guys
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Scottie
General Discussion
1
Apr 11, 2009 06:20 PM
xtc-raver-xtc
General Discussion
11
Nov 12, 2005 04:47 PM
KingRukus
General Discussion
7
Jul 16, 2003 11:15 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:56 PM.