Quick Car Audio Question

[2001-400ex'er]

I have an MTX 1000D amp running 2 MTX 12" 8000s. The book for the amp says that I should run 0 gauge wiring. Right now I have 4 gauge and it works fine. I have a friend that will give me 0 gauge, so does anyone know if I will notice a sound difference if I switch, or if I should just leave it how it is.

[wilkin250r]

It might be slightly louder.

I assume the "1000D" indicates a 1000 watt Class D amplifier. At the full 1000 watts, you're pulling 83 amps, which is huge, but only for a brief amount of time.

For 1000 watts, I'm assuming you have a large capacitor, at least 0.5 farad or larger? Where is it located?

[2001-400ex'er]

I dont know what size capacitor I have because I bought it used, but I know it is "Crankin Power", it is located right next to my amp. http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid194/pbbbb3475822fda2401c09ca89e86cfb0/f17ca132.jpg

[wilkin250r]

Ok, here is how it works. That wire has a certain resistance, probably somewhere around 0.010 ohms, maybe less.

When you pull huge power, there is a voltage drop across that resistance. 83 amps *0.010 ohms is 0.83 volts. You're dropping almost a full volt at peak power.

Now, your capacitor will help ease that. It will provide the extra power during that brief "punch".

If your capacitor is right next to your amp, you're probably okay. I bet at full brief moment at full load, you're probably only dropping 0.3 volts or so. You won't even hear a difference.

If you want to get a read definitive answer, measure the resistance of your power wire, and let me know what it is.

[MAaudioX10]

How do you have the subs wired? Are they dual 4 or single 4? If you are getting 0 gauge for free, I'd upgrade. The amp will just be happier. The amp will run more efficient on 0 gauge. Therefore, run cooler and increase longevity. Sound quality will improve which, in turn, will make it seem louder. When running a smaller gauge wire you make the amp work harder.

Looks to me you are running a 1 farad cap. Really on a 1000 watt RMS amp (that MTX amp is more like 1100-1200 rms) I'd recommend 2 capacitors. Do your lights dim at all?

Ideally @ 14.4 volts, at high excurison, you'll pull 69.4 amps. That is enough to choke your charging system. So, if you plan on running that amp for a long period of time. Look into a high-amp alternator. Sooner or later, that alternator and battery will go.

Essentially, Wilkin was asking how many feet of wiring do you have between your cap and amp. You'll want to keep it to as little as possible.

[2001-400ex'er]

My lights do dim alot when I have it cranked up, I thought that with a capacitor I would not have this problem. Im not sure how the subs are wired in the box because I never took them out yet, so I dont know if they are in a parallel or series.

[wilkin250r]

With a large enough capacitor, it WOULD solve the problem. But a capacitor is only good for short bursts. If you're playing music with long, sustained low-frequency notes, common in a lot of rap music, then the capacitors don't do any good. They are there to provide instant power for a momentary hit, but then they need to recharge.

[Smokin 440]

Originally posted by 2001-400ex'er
Im not sure how the subs are wired in the box because I never took them out yet, so I dont know if they are in a parallel or series.

Um from the looks of it neither looks to me like your amp is 2 channel and your subs are wired likewise...

[babyboy]

having 0AWG makes your penis bigger!!

I would only reccomend 4awg up to 60amps or so.. If you are running 70 to 80 amps your probably starving your amplifier... if this kid will give you 0awg for free, take it!!

Whether or not you use the )awg, you do have a lot of extra wire.. the shorter the distance for energy to travel, the smaller your signal loss will be..

[2001-400ex'er]

Alright I guess I will try to put the 0 gauge in tomorow and see if I can hide it somewhere. I'll let you know how it works, thanks alot