Connecting to a single amp can be quite tricky, especially when you’re dealing with a factory car stereo, and things get even more complicated when you add multiple amplifiers to the equation . You can connect two amplifiers, or even multiple amplifiers, to the same car audio system, but this requires some extra planning.
The main factors to consider when connecting to two or more amplifiers are how you will handle the power cable, grounding each amplifier and whether the remote turn-on signal from the head unit is strong enough to separate between them. multiple amplifiers.
Can you have multiple amplifiers in one car audio system?
The short answer is that you can use any number or combination power amplifiers in car audio settings if you connect them correctly. The main condition is that the charging system must provide enough juice. If you are adding too many amplifiers and they are drawing too much power, you may need to upgrade generator or install stiffening cap .
As to whether it is better to use one multi-amp or multiple amplifiers to power different speakers, it depends on factors such as the amount of space available, the results you are looking for, classes of amplifiers that you use, and personal preference,
The most common reason for connecting multiple amplifiers is one for the main speakers and a second amplifier for the subwoofer.
If you choose to use multiple amps, the process for connecting multiple amps is similar to single amp setups. You have several options, but in any case, it is important to consider the increased current consumption.
Multiple Amplifier Wiring
Regardless of the number of power amplifiers you use in car audio system is important to adhere to advanced connection methods .
As far as amplifier wiring goes, that means you get power directly from the battery. With that in mind, you have the option of running separate power cables for each amplifier, or a single cable that powers all of them. Depending on your specific setup, either of these options may work better.
In most cases, a single power cable is the most elegant solution. If you choose to use this option, it is recommended that you use a heavy-gauge power cable that will work for your application.
Because your power cable must handle the current drawn by all your amplifiers at once, it must be significantly larger in diameter than your individual amplifier specifications require. For example, if Type 8 cable is sufficient for your amplifiers, you can use 4-gauge cable for battery operation.
The best way to connect multiple amplifiers to a single power cable is to use a power distribution box. This allows you to use one cable for most of the run, including the critical part that goes through the firewall, and then use shorter individual cables to actually connect to each amplifier. The distribution block can also be fuse which is useful if your amplifiers do not have built-in fuses.
Amplifier ground wire
Instead of grounding the amplifiers individually, a distribution block should also be used to provide a ground.
In a mirror image of a power distribution unit, the individual amplifiers must be connected to a ground block, which in turn must be connected to a good chassis ground. You can use the same ground block for other audio components, which is also a good way to avoid ground problems.
Multi-channel remote wiring
In some cases, you may find that a single remote turn-on pin cannot handle the current draw required by multiple amplifiers. One way to get around this problem is to connect the turn-on wires from your amplifiers to a relay that is triggered by your head unit.
Instead of being powered by the head unit, the relay must be connected to another source of battery voltage, either from the fuse box or directly from the battery. This effectively isolates the turn-on signal from the head unit from multiple amplifiers, which will hopefully keep you from overcurrent problems.