door speakers, an amp, and soundproofing

[yob_yeknom]

I just got new Pioneer speakers for my doors. They handle 50w RMS and 180w max. I am thinking of getting about a 50w RMSx4 channel with the closest to 180x4 channel max amp I can find to make them louder. I am going to use the factory speaker wires coming from the head unit to plug into the high level inputs on the amp. I would then run wires from the outputs on the amp back into the factory wires to the speakers. Will the factory wiring going to the door speakers be big enough to handle the new 50w+ of power coming out of the amp without burning up, or will I need to run bigger wire from the amp to the speakers? I REALLY don't want to burn down my new toy, but would hate to go through all the trouble of pulling out factory wires and running new wires if I don't have to. (I like to make things look as close to factory as humanly possible even if the only way you could see it was to take out panels.)

Also, should I spend all the money to buy Dynomat for inside my doors or just spray on some rubber undercoating or maybe just some thin carpet padding (which I can get for free)? Keep in mind I will be adding some serious speakers and amps in the cargo area when I get the cash. Plus, what should I use to soundproof then?

 

[JTang]

Welcome!

Firstly, you it IS a good idea to try and find a nice amp with a matching RMS, but you don't have to look for one that matches the max output. The chance of you setting your car on fire from a 16 guage wire is pretty small. It's the power wires you're worried about. With the speaker wire, just make sure it never grounds out is all or your amp will get damaged.

Secondly, the wires that are supplied with your Pioneers are about the same guage as the factory, so I don't think that you'll have much of a problem with needing larger wires. But really, I'm going to recommend just rewiring anyway, so here it is-

I really think that you might as well do the work now in wiring. It's a big mess when you start splicing out and splicing back in to the stock system. Secondly, when you start building your system, you'll obviously get a head unit some day, and then you'll have RCAs going to your amp, so you'll want to run fresh wiring from the amp to the new speakers anyway. Let's face it, you're taking off the door panels anyway to put in the new speakers, you might as well take the extra time to use the wiring they gave you and push it through the doors jam and under the rug, covering it with duct tape. The hardest part will be putting the wire through the rubber hose part, but after that it's a no brainer.

Read the other post regarding the Dynamat situation started by Audio Warlock.

Jon

 

[mrsteve]

Like JTang said matching max output isn't needed. The RMS is what volume is all about. When I installed my speakers I left the factory wiring in and haven't had trouble with noise or any other things like that.

If you plan on upgrading to an aftermarket headunit, which I strongly suggest, your speakers will sound much better. Also you'll have RCA outputs for an amp. RCA's provide a much clearer signal to your amp than the high level inputs. If I were you I'd replace your headunit next unless you really like the stock unit.

Just remember, take the extra time to do everyting right the first time. Don't spend money on a cheap amp, subs, or other things just cause they are cheaper. Usually when it comes to car audio you get what you pay for. I would suggest http://www.tmselectronics.com for an amp and headunit. They're prices are low and I recieved my order with in a week. Hope this helped.

Steve