Stereo upgrade/power source

[fxnjetz]

Greetings all,

I'm doing layout for a new stereo system. It includes Two new stereo amps at 400 watts each, and one 600 watt mono amp for subwoofer/s. I want to run 4 gage wire to feed the beast, but am not clear on where I should source the dc from.

I want to go direct from a battery (I have 8 aboard) and install fuse or breaker inline near that source, I'm not sure which battery (12 volt) would be best to connect to.

Any and all thoughts would be helpful.

 

[Hampton]

Definately come directly off the battery as you have written. Try this: Turn on only the port bank and try the stereo. If it works, go to that bank. If not, try the Stbd only. If it works, go to that bank. If not, like my boat, you may use both. Figure out which one operates most of the non-engine systems ie fresh water pump, head, cabin lights... This is your house battery bank - go to that one to save the other one for cranking the engines.

 

[teekster]

Consider larger than 4 gauge. I am assuming that you will be running a significant length of wire from the battery bank of your 370 to where the amps will go. Distance is bad for power wire. Also, if you decide to add more amplification in the future, you will be set.

I have 0/1 gauge going to a distribution block under my salon couch.

 

[Morpheus]

Since it sounds like you have done the wiring of an amp before on your boat besides running 0/1 for the power from the batteries what do you do about the ground? Do you run the same or do you ground to the engine or something else?

 

[fc3]

Where do you do your boating?

 

[fxnjetz]

teekster,

Thanks all for the input. I know now for certain that running ought gage wire from batts to distribution block near the amps and then 4ga runs to feed them is the way to go. Same for the ground side.

 

[teekster]

Good luck. What components are you running? Hampton and I both have threads here with some ideas if you are still planning.