Is it possible to upgrade the amplifier wiring and stil keep the panel breaker switch


S

Sungam

New member
Have a separate breaker switch in my panel for the stock amplifier.

Does anyone know if I can just upgrade that wiring from say 8 to 4 gauge. I would like to retain the use of the switch.

Or or do I have to run new 4 gauge wiring to battery?

Im sure the new amplifier will draw more amps. That's why I am upgrading the original wiring.

I have the stock Kenwood amplifier and plan to upgrade to the Wetsounds Syn DX 4. Which is a 4 channel 125 x 4 @ 4ohms. Plan on bridging 2 channels to run a sub and running 4 speakers on the other 2 channels at 2ohms.
 
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You didn't mention the existing breaker's amp rating so not sure if it is large enough for the upgrade. A quick look at that amp looks like you want to run the #4AWG 12V D.C. direct to battery with fuse protection at the battery.

Reuse the existing circuit breaker for the remote power-on to the Syn DX4 amp?

Looks like a powerful amp. Good luck with install.
 
That's a good suggestion. To use switch for the turn on lead.

i just didn't want to go through the hassle of running the wires all the way back to the battery and making the connections.

Ive read somewhere that that behind the panel there is a 1/0 gauge wire for power and ground with distribution blocks and that I could just tap into that. Just need someone to confirm.

I haven't had the chance to physically investigate how the stock amp is wired and currently it's all wrapped up, but summers coming so I need to get my ducks in a row.

ill see if my owners manual has the breaker rating.

I am hoping to get 400 X 1 to the sub at 4 ohms bridged and 200 X 2 at 2 ohms to each channel for 4 speakers. So yes plenty of power.
 
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My boat is a 2006 330SS so I'm not sure if it's going to be the same or not but when I removed the panel there was a 1/0 hot and ground ran up to a distribution block that feed the panel. I tapped into those blocks and ran 4 gauge down to where I installed the amps. I didn't have a breaker for the amp, only the radio. The radio turns the amps on via the remote wire so I left that alone and if I turn off the radio breaker it will kill the amps as well.

Here is a link to my build thread, it may or may not be helpful for you.
http://www.formulaboatsforum.com/VBFORUM/showthread.php?6403-Stereo-Install-in-my-330SS
Aaron
 
I really am hoping it is the same and probably will be. That would save me a lot of work.

I see you used a 4 gauge run to the distribution block.

What gauge did you run from the block to each amp? Looks like 8.

Do you think that's sufficient? The manual for the amp says to use 4 minimum.

If I can use 8 gauge, then I can reuse the stock amplifier wiring to the panel. Just don't want to fry the breaker or overload the panel.

Im not to worried about the remote turn on. I will either use the radio or the amplifier breaker. That way I can use the cabin speakers that are attached to the head unit or charge phones and iPads off the radio without having the amp on.

Thanks for for the info. I have already seen your install on the forum. It looks and probably sounds awesome.

Do you have a pic of the 1/0 hot and ground distribution blocks from behind the panel with the 4 gauge connected to them?
 
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I don't think I snapped a picture of distribution block. As for the 8 gauge, the run is probably 1' from my distribution block to the amp so I wasn't concerned.
 
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