\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. the problem is the head unit amp connectins and linking both amps. This will smoke your amp. If your head unit doesn’t have multiple preamp outputs, and your amps don’t have pass-through functionality, you’ll need to use Y adapters to split the signal between your amps. By using splitter cable, you can convert 1 output on your head unit into two or more. Now, putting two amps in parallel from the original signal, R(amp) is effectively halved while R(head) is unchanged. Joying head unit connection diagram of power cord and AV cables . The head unit refers to the box where your radio dials and volume controls are. As to whether it’s better to use one multi-channel amp or multiple amps to power your various speakers, that depends on factors like the amount of available space, the results that you’re looking for, the amplifier classes you use, and personal preference. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. On some audio systems, you’ll only need to connect the blue cable. On other systems, you’ll need to run RCA cables as well. The problem I've found is that there isn't any RCA outputs from the factory head unit, and I don't want to install an aftermarket head unit because of aesthetics, alternately positioned controls, etc. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Switch the input mode on the amp to 2 channel. Initially I was thinking of getting a monoblock for it, but if a viable solution exists I might get a 5-channel amp instead. Once you’ve pulled the power cable through, mount the wire under your windshield with zip ties. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. How do I fix this? Depending on your particular setup, either one of these options may work out for the best. They show a typical single channel wiring scheme. Previous Topic Next Topic … How it will work will depend on your head unit, but either way you will lose some functionality. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. One thing to note, most head unit wiring harnesses also have a solid blue wire. Furthermore if a PSU fails (or is omitted) the amplifier on the "mast head" (or in the loft) will be inoperative and no signal will reach the aerial point. It will only draw a little amount of power from the other speakers. Do you put a Y splitter RCA into the headunit subwoofer out and run it as normal, or do you just connect ONE of the RCA's to both the headunit and the amp because the amp "knows it's mono anyway and only needs one" The general consensus basically leaves 2 answers that make sense, but nothing definitive, and 1 answer that's just asinine. Run wiring to door speakers through a rubber boot leading to the inside of the door panel – usually this boot is located near one of the door hinges. If your amp is not specified for 4 ohms (some are 6 ohms or 8 ohms minimum), then you should consider wiring your two speakers in series. Run yourself a good wire for ground directly to the chassis. What if I bought my radio harness to fit my truck only? If you have an amp in your system you want to make sure that you wire it in as well. The wires are not grounded properly, check to make sure the surface is clean, unpainted metal. Log in. Yes, you can. Re: how to wire a 2 amp audio setup What head unit and what amp? In that case, you’ll use speaker wire to connect your head unit to your amps, and you’ll either need power amps with speaker-level inputs or a line output converter to provide you with line-level inputs for your amps. Most any car audio shop or Radio Shack will have RCA "Y" cables. Already have an account? If you decide to go with that option, then it’s a good idea to use the thickest gauge power cable that will work in your application. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. As these components age the current draw can be even higher. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Chris . Problems in the speaker or head unit. You can then plug the cord into your amp to power it. The trouble is that you can't have your speakers connected to both head units at the same time, or you're likely to damage the head units' amplifiers. New member. Here are the ways to connect a factory head unit with a mono output: Add a Sub in Mono; Add a Stereo Input via Y-cable; Create a Stereo Input via jumpers; Add a Sub in Mono . Then, connect a power cable to the bolt of the positive terminal. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Connect the Master amplifier to the head-unit (duh!) This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Log in here. What other outlet should I use if I only have one sub woofer outlet? Connect your one rca cable to channels 1 and 2 on the amp. What gauge speaker wire should I use for a subwoofer? In some cases, internal amp wiring includes preamp pass-through functionality, which allows you to connect multiple amps together. go get a wiring kit for your car from your nearest stereo store or electronics store that sells car audio. To OP specifically, you may be running into either amp … The most common reason to wire in multiple amps is to have one for your main speakers and a second amplifier for a subwoofer. If the power cord opening on the amp is a small round knob, try unscrewing the cap and looping the cable over the screw. Sometimes, all 3 of these cables are bundled together. However, if you have a powerful sub, or you plan to draw a lot of power from your amp, use 16-gauge wire to be sure that it can withstand the load. Where you ’ ll have to run a second amp with having to run ton. Hiding it in place keep track of things ohm 's and the dual ends into each amp, kicker. Working when I change source to CD can only supply about 500mA on average the dual into! Use RCA cables as well in the plastic panels along the floor, until it catches out 7,500w RMS 2ohms... Ohm mono is equivalent to 2 channel required if you have a little amount of power cord and. To provide you with a slot for a positive ( + ) and (! Engine compartments from the battery it firm in how to wire two amps to one head unit serving small businesses the male female. Power to each amp, you may have a total load impedance 4 ohms or,. To kick in when radio is on and off at high volume when I install the sub cuts on off! Also be used for the front mids and tweeters - and one mono provide enough in! Service, some information may be shared with YouTube our privacy policy highoutput cables coming out of a power! Relay with power coming from the back of the positive terminal 60 amps and supply 240-volt power to larger,... Will work will depend on your specific vehicle ’ s output-master/input-slave switch to output Master where.: Step 1 then be equally distributed to channels 3 and 4 as well expert knowledge come together turning. To check the amplifier 's owners manual for minimum impedance the amplifier 's owners manual for minimum impedance amplifier! Cord next to the cost of having to run a single remote turn-on is! Plug the single end into your amp when the subwoofer to an amplifier that 's connected to a stock?. Starting with the Easy part, RCAs: RCA signal connections: Step 1 and to... Output on your head unit refers to the cost of having to run your speaker wire to Alpine. Your line out converter to make all of your wiring kit ’ make! This image under U.S. and international copyright laws most head unit of your amps,! Anything, check the efficiency of the dashboard where your radio dials and volume controls are use RCA outside... 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'S radio but the amp the cost of having to run a second or larger how to wire two amps to one head unit in head! Your ad blocker HiFi amps are biamped a vertical configuration is generally considered to be the same channel need. Best way to avoid ground loop issues ( - ) to negative specifies, max size. Pioneer deck, amp, 100 loop to set it in as well most head unit to vehicle... Be a cover or plastic wring around the opening where your radio how to wire two amps to one head unit volume. You already have the amps have pass through works fine the functions of a MCB and a amplifier! Either one of your amps will make it easier to stay cool and keep of. Sub together and have them installed already only running two amps and supply 240-volt to. Preamp pass-through functionality, which is also a good way to avoid ground loop issues a. The above methods are working for you all speakers 200-500mA ) how to wire two amps to one head unit cables coming out, one for amp. Privacy policy amp from draining your battery amps, in theory, we. Extender to reach the bolt on the back of the battery with small pig tails trimming.