Stereo system amp location

[ppkaprince98]

I am thinking of putting my amp (5 channel marine amp) in the engine compartment (port side behind the aft cabin somewhere) so my large 4awg cables for pos/neg dont have to be as long. Then I will just have to buy longer audio RCA cables, is this a bad idea? Or Should I install the amp near the head unit in the cabin?

Thanks.

Chris

 

[Pyrojodge]

I would go with closer to the head unit to cut out interferance and sound distortion... second not sure I would install and amp in a gas bilge either...

 

[Molson]

Is that amp ignition protected?

 

[ppkaprince98]

Im not sure if its protected.

 

[Molson]

If it is not, I too would recommend against installing in the engine bay.

 

[Hellman Huddle]

I put mine under the sink in the cockpit.

https://picasaweb.google.com/109434...authkey=Gv1sRgCPKv85rE6pDy0QE&feat=directlink#

 

[skillz48047]

ive got 4 amps all mounted in the main cabinetry behind my couch in my cabin, i can open the doors and then it allows air flow and even better air conditioned air flow when i have the genny running!!!
plus any adjustments are easy to get at, and you can do it up nice and show it off a little........

 

[Loneranger]

I agree not to put it in the engine bay since this will lead to really long RCA from the head unit and you will need to rewire the speakers most likely. If you already have an amp then using that location makes wiring easier. If not then I would put it close to the head unit so you can use the speaker wires already in place.

I used this amp which is small enough it fit behind the radio location. Easy access also.

http://www.jlaudio.com/xd700-5-car-audio-xd-amplifiers-98264

I bought 20 feet of 4 gauge wire from here: Go ahead and have them crimp on connectors on one end to attach to your power distribution block or battery. Leave the other end bare if your amp has the same type capture lugs as the JL.

http://shop.genuinedealz.com/Marine Grade Wire/Marine Battery Cable/4 AWG Battery Cable UL/

Good luck. Post pics when you are done.

John

 

[ppkaprince98]

I agree not to put it in the engine bay since this will lead to really long RCA from the head unit and you will need to rewire the speakers most likely. If you already have an amp then using that location makes wiring easier. If not then I would put it close to the head unit so you can use the speaker wires already in place.

John

Can you explain why I would have to rewire the speakers? And what is the issue with long RCA cables?

I do not have an amp currently BTW.

Thanks
Chris

 

[Pyrojodge]

Longer Rca cables you will loose signal over long runs and you leave yourself open for interference from other electronics the more wire you run... if you put the amp away from the head unit you will have to run wire for speakers from the wires at the head to the amp. Again leaving yourself open for more static interference.