running speaker wire

[yay for cars]

i want to install a 4 channel amp to go along with the system i already have going, and i will probably put the amp under the front passenger seat, but im trying to figure out how to run the wires from the amp the the speaker without them showing. how has everyone else done this? and about how many watts can the stock speaker wires take? i want to use a jl 300/4 but ive heard it needs new speaker wires, and that they are a b**** to install.

 

[JAC]

I'm using the stock wiring, my amp puts out over 75w rms and they work just fine, I ran the wires from the amp under the carpet on the passenger side to behind the dash where I spliced them with the stock wiring.

 

[MisterT]

I used stock wires and am running a pair of SoundStream Reference 6 1/2 midbass and it plays just fine with the puny wimpy factory wires. I first tried to get wires through rubber boot, but it won't make any difference and not worth the hassle!! Do yourself a favor and use factory. I have used 14 or 16 gauge in the past and notice no difference even with the 24 or so gauge factory wire.

 

[KYMP5]

they may handle the power but for better sound quality i would install some bigger wire.

 

[MisterT]

they may handle the power but for better sound quality i would install some bigger wire.

I am telling you though, there isn't a difference in SQ. I can see if you are running subs off of teenie wires like that, but it doesn't make much if very little difference. Just saves the hassle of having to route wire through the rubber boot alongside the other wire. I tried it and it's a b**** If I was doing 8's, I would do it, but any thing less, IMO isn't worth it.

 

[RyanJayG]

tie the old wire to the new one and pull it through the boot

 

[JAC]

tie the old wire to the new one and pull it through the boot

It's not that easy, there's a wire harness that connects to the door. That's why we advice other to just use the stock wiring, it's a real hassle to run new ones.

 

[Scaryloudd]

use the factory wires, there will be absolutely no gain from running new wire through into the door. to run the wire through, you must pull the rubber boot, then pull the molex plug from the door frame and drill through the plastic plug. this is a major pain in the you know what and totally not necessary. i had to run 2 primary 18ga wires through for the window modules controlled by my alarm (windows up and down through the alarm key-fob)...that was a pain in my arse and i do this crap for a living....i'm using the factory wires for audio and have no problems