Comparison Table
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- BrandSkar Audio
Last update on 2023-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Choosing a gauge for a stereo subwoofer is a difficult decision because it all relies on your goals. Because it places the biggest demands on the amplifier, a subwoofer is likely to require a thicker gauge of speaker cable. Subwoofer wiring can be difficult to figure out; this buying guide will provide you with some specific information on the best gauge wire for subwoofer.
What is the greatest subwoofer speaker wire?
You can use a 12-gauge speaker wire if your subsystem will produce more than 1,000 watts RMS. In most cases, though, a 16-gauge speaker wire will suffice. Your amplifier's signal and power must not be obstructed on their journey to your speakers and subs. We recommend utilizing 18-, 16-, or 14-gauge speaker cables for replacing or installing new speaker wiring. Subwoofer wires in 16-, 14-, or 12-gauge.
CCA vs. OFC
CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminum) and OFC (Oil-Filled Copper) are two common varieties of automobile audio cable (Oxygen-Free Copper). It is less expensive than OFC wire, which is manufactured entirely of copper. It's also easier to work with than pure copper wire. CCA is a better conductor of electricity than a wire made completely of aluminum.
You should use the heaviest gauge of cable you can afford if you're driving a lot of power to make the stereo subwoofer strike hard. The thicker the wire, the more amps it can push, and thus the more watts it can push, and watts are what make your audio louder.
Subwoofer Cable Gauges Recommended for Various Applications
If your amplifier is 1000 Watts or greater, use 0-1 AWG.
If your amplifier is 1000-1500 watts, use 2 AWG.
If your amplifier is between 400 and 1000 watts, use 4 AWG.
If your amplifier is 600-800 watts, use 6 AWG.
If your amplifier is 400-600 watts, use 8 AWG wire.
If your amplifier is between 100 and 200 watts, use 10 AWG.
The list above is a normal list of wire gauges to utilize for your stereo subwoofer with a different amplifier wattage. These specifications will assist your system is performing as planned. Yes, it will cost you extra money, but it is well worth it.
For power and ground wires, there are two distinct sets of standards. The next list will go through this in further depth. To achieve the best results, you should use these tables and figures.
Suggested Length of Power and Ground Cables for Different Distances from the Battery
125-150 amps 0-4 feet you should use 4 gauge power, and ground cables
125-150 amps 5-7 feet you should use 4 gauge power, and ground cables
125-150 amps 7-10 feet you should use 4 gauge power, and ground cables
125-150 amps 10-13 feet you should use 4 gauge power, and ground cables
125-150 amps 13-25 feet you should use 0-2 gauge power, and ground cables
Power and Ground Cable Lengths Suggested for Different Distances from the Battery
125-150 volts 4 gauge power and ground cables should be used for 0-4 feet.
125-150 volts 4 gauge power and ground cables should be used for the first 5-7 feet.
125-150 volts Use 4 gauge power and ground cables for the first 7-10 feet.
125-150 volts 4 gauge power and ground cables should be used at a distance of 10-13 feet.
125-150 volts Use 0-2 gauge power and ground cables for the first 13-25 feet.
Remember that the wire gauges are thicker as the number gets less, therefore a 2 gauge cable is thicker than a 4 gauge cable; this is important to remember while installing your car stereo subwoofers.
When installed correctly, amplifiers and audio subwoofers will make your automobile sound like a music hall, but when installed incorrectly, they will be nothing but a problem. A stereo subwoofer is a high-performance speaker that produces bass tones and requires a lot of power to function properly.
Best of wish!