Wiring Help for 5-Channel

[setshot50]

I am putting together the wiring hardware for my system overhaul and am not certain what is needed. I am running a 5-channel amp that will be powering components up front, coaxes in the rear, and a sub in the trunk. The questions I have are:

• Will a quality 4-gauge amp kit work?
• How many RCAs will I need? - I'm thinking 3
• If I am keeping the factory headunit (500A Shaker 12 Speaker) do I need an LOC?
• Recommendations for any of these?

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[ahl395]

What amp is it? The manufacturer should note what size wire they recommend for it.

I'd recommend reaching out to @HextallS550 , he makes harnesses that plug directly into the factory amp and will provide you RCA outputs for your amp and he can make harnesses for you to tie back into the factory speaker wiring if you need that as well. If so you can get some 9 conductor speedwire to easily run from the amp back up to the front.

 

[m3incorp]

I typically always buy a separate amp for subwoofer. You tend to get much more power to the subs going the separate amp route. In your case, you need to think through how you want to power the component speakers. Do you want each component speaker receiving it's own dedicate signal and crossed over properly for that particular speaker? If you go separate amp route, you could buy a 6 or more channel amp to handle all except the subwoofer. Mount that amp where the current amp is located and use one of harness mentioned above to connect to speakers. Mount the sub amp in rear and pull signal from stock sub signal already in trunk.

Of course there are multiple ways of doing things but best to plan it out.

 

[setshot50]

What amp is it? The manufacturer should note what size wire they recommend for it.

I'd recommend reaching out to @HextallS550 , he makes harnesses that plug directly into the factory amp and will provide you RCA outputs for your amp and he can make harnesses for you to tie back into the factory speaker wiring if you need that as well. If so you can get some 9 conductor speedwire to easily run from the amp back up to the front.

Thanks for the recommendation. I'm using a Polk Audio D5000.5 and they recommend a 4-gauge. I'll definitely reach out to HextallS550.

 

[setshot50]

I typically always buy a separate amp for subwoofer. You tend to get much more power to the subs going the separate amp route. In your case, you need to think through how you want to power the component speakers. Do you want each component speaker receiving it's own dedicate signal and crossed over properly for that particular speaker? If you go separate amp route, you could buy a 6 or more channel amp to handle all except the subwoofer. Mount that amp where the current amp is located and use one of harness mentioned above to connect to speakers. Mount the sub amp in rear and pull signal from stock sub signal already in trunk.

Of course there are multiple ways of doing things but best to plan it out.

Thanks for the comments. In all of my other systems over the past 25+ years I've had the crazy systems with amps dedicated to the mids, highs, and subs. For this system, I'm just wanting a simple install thus why I'm going the 5-channel route.

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