How To Wire Car Speakers To Amp Diagram? Top Full Answer 2023

If you’re looking for a guide on how to wire car speakers to amp diagram, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll show you everything you need to know, from what supplies you’ll need to which diagram to follow. By the end of this guide, you’ll be an expert on car speaker wiring. So let’s get started!

The Benefits Of Using An Amp To Drive Speakers

An amplifier can be a great investment, regardless of whether you have a factory or aftermarket stereo.

The power that in-dash stereos can produce is very limited. They cannot drive speakers with the same clarity or low distortion as an amplifier.

Your speakers can only output a very low volume.

It’s a fact that most in-dash stereos can only provide 15W-18W RMS power per speaker channel. They are powered directly by the +12V electrical supply. Amplifiers are unique because they take the +12V supply and boost it up to a higher voltage.

A signal can be amplified and sent to your car’s speakers. This will increase the voltage and allow the speaker to receive more power.

This is why small amplifiers are not worth the effort. If it doesn’t have a special power supply, they won’t be able to produce much power.

Getting great sound

An amp can make a huge difference in powering speakers, and I have enjoyed great sound for many years by doing this.

An amplifier is often not pushed to its limit when driving your vehicle’s speakers. The speaker produces a lower level of distortion and doesn’t “bottom-out” when playing heavy bass. You can also get much more volume!

An amplifier equipped with high-pass crossovers can also block lower-end bass. This causes speakers to distort and try to play the music they are not suitable for.

You will get a cleaner sound, less distortion, and great volume.

Imagine driving down the highway with your windows open and being able finally to blast the music that you love.

Things To Know Before You Start

A list of the bits, wires, tools, and other bits you will need takes only a few minutes. It can make the difference between having your system go smoothly and experiencing frustration. Before starting a new job, I ensure I organize my things.

It is important to plan. It is not a good idea to run out or find that you don’t own the right parts. This will make it impossible to finish your project.

Even worse is when you have to travel around the city looking for items, or if you can’t do anything after the shops close.

Notes about wire, tools, and a few other things

Always plan to have more wire than you need when installing 4 channel amp to 4 speakers. This applies to speaker wire and RCA cables.

The amp kits I recommend are the correct length for installation. Speaker wire and RCA cables, however, are another matter.

What length and size of speaker wire do I need?

You don’t need to spend a lot on speaker wire. For most installations, 18 gauge will suffice. 16 gauge can be a good choice if you are willing to pay a little more. This 100-foot AmazonBasics roll is a great example. A 100-foot roll is recommended for installations that require a 4-channel amp.

Here is an estimation of the worst-case scenario for speaker wire length. This is how I would install an amp with speaker-level inputs.

• Amp can be found in the trunk.
• Near the radio’s center console, there are speaker-level signal connections.

This means that you will need two 100-foot rolls of wire. You will need at least 1100 ft and 150 ft rolls. A 100-foot roll is required if you plan to use a line-level adapter.

For RCA jack installations, expect a 100 ft length (4 channels x 15 feet) for the speaker wire.

What about RCA cables?

You will need to purchase a second pair of RCA cable connectors if installing a 4-channel amplifier. Most kits only come with a 2-channel cable.

For most installations, I recommend 18-foot cables. This length is usually sufficient for most cars and should be long enough to conceal the cables in the interior, under the rear seats, etc.

There is no need to spend too much money. In most cases, even a pair of these low-cost cables will work fine.

Tools you’ll need.

Crimp tools can be used to install your amp or speaker wiring professionally. You can save money by purchasing a Pros’Kit Crimp Tool if you’re installing your amp and speaker wiring yourself. These connectors can be purchased separately at many auto parts shops or general stores. They are also very affordable.

A few tools are what I recommend. You can avoid being ripped off by tool prices if you shop well. Crimp connectors are more convenient than solder when connecting speaker wiring to factory wire.

Never twist the wire and wrap it with electrical tape. Use a reliable connection.

The adhesive on electrical tape can crack during warm weather and cause the tape to come off the wire. It can cause short circuits, which could lead to damage to your radio/amp.

A cordless drill is a great option if you have it! These drills are great for drilling holes in vehicle metal to mount your amplifier or connect the ground wire to the bare metal.

These are my other recommendations:

• Crimp tools may have wire cutters built-in.
• Roll of high-quality electrical tape
• Zip ties (wire ties), 6″ in length, 100-count bag
• A digital tester for voltage measurement

An amplifier tester is an invaluable tool in the installation of an amplifier. You can get a basic but great budget model like this Amazon one.

A good, affordable digital tester is recommended to locate a switched +12V cable to provide remote-on signals to the amp.

They are also very helpful in troubleshooting power issues when something isn’t working.

Get Your Installation Shopping List Together

This list will give you an idea of the things you’ll need to connect a 4-channel amp to your front and back speakers.

Installation types 1 or 2: Factory radio or no RCA connections

• 4-channel amplifier with speaker-level inputs, amp, and line adapter
• Speaker wire 18 gauge or greater, 120 feet, and more
• Amp wiring kit
• Crimp tool (wire crimp), connectors (25 and more)
• Cutting pliers
• Tape for electrical use
• Pack of 100 wire ties 6.”
• Check the meter

Installation type 3: RCA connections

• 4-channel amplifier with speaker-level inputs, amp, and line-level adapter
• 100ft roll speaker wire, 18-gauge or larger
• Amp wiring kit
• Additional RCA cables 18′ minimum
• Crimp tool (wire crimp), connectors (25 and more)
• Cutting pliers
• Tape for electrical use
• Pack of 100 wire ties 6.”
• Check the meter

Plan well and calculate the amount of speaker wire that you will need. Pre-made amp wiring kits are highly recommended for amp installation. You can find them here in my Amp Kit Buyer’s Guide.

The second pair of RCA cables will also be required. I recommend 18 feet or more. You don’t need to spend a lot, but you should get good quality.

How To Get A Signal To Your Amp

How to hook up highs to amp? An aftermarket stereo (non-factory) showing the RCA jacks. Both can be used to send a signal to an amplifier, but RCA jacks are a better choice. These jacks are usually less noisy and can be used with plug-in RCA cables. These are not always available so you can use an amp with speaker-level inputs or a line-level adapter.

Installing a 4-channel amp to drive all four speakers is possible with a signal. The rest of the installation is usually straightforward once that’s accomplished.

• There are three basic ways to send a signal to your 4-channel amplifier.
• Connect your amp’s speaker inputs to the speaker outputs
• Use RCA cables to connect to the amp, then connect a line-level adapter.
• Use RCA cables to connect your radio directly to the amp.

NOTE: Factory sound systems that are expensive and include a factory amplifier will not be covered. These systems, such as Bose, JBL, and Mark Levinson, are often found in luxury vehicles and special-edition models. They can be more complicated and take longer to handle.

I would advise you to first speak with a professional installation shop and then do your research.

Send me a message, or leave a comment if you think a factory amplified system should be available.

Although adapters can connect amps to factory-amplified systems’ audio wiring speakers to amp in some cases, it is often complicated to find the right ones once you start.

Factory amplified systems are often equipped with non-standard wiring connections. This can lead to noise problems and other issues if the amplifier is not connected properly.

Connecting And Running Signal Wiring

Speaker-level connections

As you can see in the diagrams above, a wire is required to connect speaker-level outputs. You should connect the wire as a bundle and place it near the radio.

To simplify installation and keep the speaker wire neat, you can use wire ties to bundle it together.

Calculate the speaker wire length needed to reach each car audio channel’s amp (or line-level converter). You will need to run a length from the radio to the location of the amp. Then add a little more to allow for curves and other interior parts.

• For a total of 8 lengths, cut seven more lengths.
• Four channels (4 pairs of wires) connecting to the amp’s speaker-level inputs
• There are four channels from the amp’s factory speaker wiring to the radio.

I suggest using crimp connectors and a crimping tool to make a strong, reliable connection to speaker-level outputs. Blue connectors work well with 18-16 gauge wire.

Factory stereo color codes

You will need to identify the colors of the speaker wires if you have a factory stereo.

The12Volt.com is a great place to start. Here you can find wiring diagrams and color codes for your vehicle.

Making connections

After taking out the radio, you will find connectors similar to this for the factory stereo wiring. Separate the wires and cut them. Then attach the wiring to the amp.

Disconnect the factory and aftermarket wiring connectors from the radio.

You should cut the speaker cables so that you have enough length for the wire to be moved and enough to connect the wire.

You will need to remove a small portion of the speaker wire from your stereo and the amp speaker wire. Connect the line-level adapter to the stereo’s output side. Connect the four pairs of wires to the speaker wiring in the harness.

If you have one, insert the 1/4 inch of stripped wire into the connectors. Crimp them with a crimping tool. Alternately you can twist the wire and solder it. Wrap it carefully with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to insulate.

You should also connect four pairs to your stereo output if you are using speaker-level inputs from the amp.

You can bundle speaker wiring using zip ties to make it look neater and more professional. I recommend 6″ ties, often sold in packs of 100.

After all the wiring has been connected, you can bundle it using wire ties or a bit of electrical tape. In both cases, spacing wire ties and tape approximately every 1′-1.5″ along the lengths of the wire is a good idea.

Connecting RCA cables

Connect all four cables to the outputs of your stereo, whether you are using a line-level converter or a stereo with RCA jacks.

Sometimes, RCA cables have left and right symbols (L” and R). Sometimes, the left channel can be represented by white, clear, and a lighter color.

You’ll recognize which cable is which if you connect them consistently. If they are identical, you might mark the cables with masking tape, a marker, or a pen.

Connect the remote-on amp wire

The remote wire is essential! The Amp wiring kit includes a small wire to connect the amp with the accessory position on the ignition switch.

Find a +12V cable that is powered when the ignition switch to “ACC” (or similar) is turned on, but it turns off with the key. It is possible to find an existing wire color using the vehicle alpine 4 channel amp wiring diagram I provided or a Google search.

Even if the wiring is already online, I recommend you check it.

This wire should be connected to the speaker wiring before reinstalling the radio.

How Many Speakers Can I Connect To My Head Unit

We have to begin this section with some bad news. This question is not answered!

Each head unit has a different limit on the number of speakers it can power. Most head units can power four speakers. However, some head units can power more or less.

This is not the right answer, we know. But it is the truth. Ask the manufacturer or the owner’s manual to find out how many speakers your head unit can handle. Most head units can power four channels, so yours will likely work with all of them. However, it never hurts to double-check.

Get Rid/stop Whining Noise In-Car Speakers

You can stop the whining sound from your car’s speakers and permanently eliminate it by following these simple steps. We’ll help you to solve the problem.

Finding the problem’s root cause is not easy, but once you do, it will be easy to fix. The rest of the problem-solving process will be easy if you understand the basics.

Whining noise can ruin your music experience. It is caused by poor amplifier grounding, alternators of cars, antenna cables, and other components.

Colored Wire Connections For Car Speakers

To connect multi-colored wires to the speakers, get a wire harness from the marketplace or interface.

Connectors or connecting bugs are required to make a strong connection. To make a strong permanent connection, soldering is also an option. Make sure that you’re making the right connections. We will talk more about this test.

Make sure you make the right connections. This will be made easier by using colored wirings. These detailed charts will be helpful. These charts will help you understand the wire colors and make the right connections. Refer to the Car Speakers Wire Colors Chart for your specific car model.

All connections should be strong. You should buy quality colored wires. Once your connections are strong, you can mount the speaker properly. If the wire connections are strong, your car speaker will show high efficiency, performance, and distortion-free sound.

How To Use Speaker Wire With Binding Post Type Banana Plugs

You must correctly position the wire under tension screws for banana plugs that are bind post style. The wire can slip out of place if pulled.

Some banana plugs have a side hole as well as the main hole. Both can be used, but I prefer not to use the side hole unless my wires are very large.

As directed, loosen the set screw or threaded head. Don’t remove the set screw completely if you use it for side opening. You can also remove the wire from the middle hole if inserting it. To ensure the wire is secure, tighten it and pull on it gently.

Stereo And Amplifier Minimum Impedance Ratings

Any amplifier of any kind, whether a car stereo amp, home stereo receiver, or home theater amplifier, must have a minimum Ohms rating. Pay attention to the speaker impedance rating.

Because the impedance decreases, the electrical current rises, and the stereo has to do more. This causes it to take on more heat and stress.

The manufacturer may label your stereo as 8-ohm speaker compatibility or similar. Connecting lower impedance speakers can quickly cause extreme heat and damage.

An amplifier labeled to work with 4-ohm speakers will require it to produce twice the amount of electrical current.

Image of the rear panel of a stereo receiver/amplifier at home. The speaker wire posts are often marked with the recommended speaker impedance rating. For example, a home stereo may list 6-16 ohms as acceptable.

Connecting two 8-ohm speakers to an 8-ohm stereo would also be possible by wiring them in parallel.

Choosing An Amp And Speaker

This step can be tricky. This is a tricky step. The speaker’s maximum power output is what it can sustain without becoming damaged.

The RMS also indicates the power the amplifier can produce without heating up. An amp or speaker can only run at peak power for approximately one minute before it stops working or heats up.

Subwoofers should be run on their RMS rating, not the peak rating. Its rating is:-400w RMS

What Is A High

Factory radios do not have preamp or amplifier outputs. Most outboard power amps include high-level inputs that allow you to connect to the factory speaker wires for signal flow. Because the voltage level of these inputs is much higher than that of standard preamp output connections, they are called high-level.

These inputs convert high voltage into a voltage that the amplifier can handle. The result is a clean, clear sound. This can be achieved with a wide range of 2- and 4-channel amplifiers and monoblock amps that are mostly used to power subwoofers.

Speaker Wire To Rca Adapter

It is important to note that an outboard power amplifier in a mobile stereo system is essential. The difference between a car stereo and a factory setup is astounding for those who have not experienced it.

Amplifiers offer the power and visceral force to bring music to life, from the jaw-dropping dynamics offered by amps with high-current power to their raw muscle-driving subwoofers in the trunk.

A good amp can help eliminate annoying road noises in cars and trucks. This can be particularly irritating if windows are down or the truck travels at highway speeds.

Many people are unaware that the factory radio of a car can be connected to an outboard amplifier. It just requires a little creativity and knowledge about the accessories.

An amplifier for your car can make it easier to get the best out of your factory system. This is especially true for larger vehicles such as vans and full-size SUVs.

Here is where I look into the first solution cable, which connects speaker wires and the RCA plug.

This adapter can be connected to your amp’s rear speaker wire harness to accept high-level input from the RCAs. Then, plug it into your amp’s RCA cable input.

Some relevant posts:

• How To Make Car Speakers Louder Without Amp
• How To Choose An Amplifier For Car Speakers
• How To Choose Car Speakers

Conclusion

Thanks for reading! The best way to wire speakers to an amp diagram is to use speaker wire. Speaker wire is a type of electrical wire that how to wire door speakers to amp. It is made of two insulated wires that are twisted together. The insulation on the wires helps to prevent interference from other electrical devices.