What size speaker wire for doors?

[cbuchanan87]

So I decided to go with some new 6.5" components in the front and 6.5 3way speakers in the rear. I figured that I would replace the speaker wires while I had the door panels pulled off. I was thinking 14 ga. is probably good enough for these speakers, then I thought I would just use 12 ga. Might be overkill, but WTH. Then I started thinking; the wires coming off of the head unit harness can't be more than 18 ga. Is there any reason to use larger speaker wire in the vehicle than the wire that is coming off of the head unit?

Can anyone out there enlighten me?

I am new to this car audio stuff, but I am learning a ton from this board.:keyboard:

Thanks for all the help!

 

[Mason Fresh]

So I decided to go with some new 6.5" components in the front and 6.5 3way speakers in the rear. I figured that I would replace the speaker wires while I had the door panels pulled off. I was thinking 14 ga. is probably good enough for these speakers, then I thought I would just use 12 ga. Might be overkill, but WTH. Then I started thinking; the wires coming off of the head unit harness can't be more than 18 ga. Is there any reason to use larger speaker wire in the vehicle than the wire that is coming off of the head unit?

Can anyone out there enlighten me?

I am new to this car audio stuff, but I am learning a ton from this board.:keyboard:

Thanks for all the help!

From what I've heard, going down from 18 gauge to say 12 gauge really doesn't do anything - you'd have to re-run ALL the speaker wire and that's kind of a pain in the ass.

 

[cbuchanan87]

I think 12 gauge is larger in diameter than 18 gauge. So by replacing the 18 ga wires with 12 ga I will be allowing more power to go to my speakers.

Am I correct? please let me know if I have it wrong.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Yes, 12 gauge will allow for more power, but I don't think you would need to go with that thick of a wire.

How much power are you giving the speakers?

 

[cbuchanan87]

i'm not installing an amp for the doors just yet so I'm just using the power from the HU. It's a Sony Mex-BT3700U Bluetooth HU. I don't know how much power it puts out constantly all I know is it's 4 channel 52W max output. I want to hear how this sounds and may decide to amp later.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

It's not putting out much. The same as any other head unit. Unless your going to amp them I don't see any reason why you would want to spend the time and money to change the wiring.

 

[cbuchanan87]

I guess that tells me what I really need to know. Thanks Clemson!

 

[Mason Fresh]

I think 12 gauge is larger in diameter than 18 gauge. So by replacing the 18 ga wires with 12 ga I will be allowing more power to go to my speakers.

Am I correct? please let me know if I have it wrong.

Right, but you'd have to replace all of it for it to make a difference...