I have a 5 channel MTX 4405 amp that will be connected to 4 kenwood 6x8's and 1 JL microsub 8.1. Is my 16 guage megacable speaker wire from radioshack going to be thick enough for (4x54w +1x207w @12.5volts, 4 ohms) I'm asking this because in a real world environment, it will be running closer to 13.8 volts. This amp was grossly underrated at 4x25w + 1x100w. I bought all my installation accesories before I had the amp in my possesion and the TRUE power rating was in the box. All other wiring (power and ground) is 4 gauge. I've heard up to 250 watts you can use 16 gauge? Thanks for any info in advance.
-Glenn

 

16 ga. is enough for your 6X8's I would run 12 gauge for you JL sub though.

Otherwise that , everything sounds fine.

I HAVE THE SAME AMP!

 

Thanks, I was thinking of doing that. What's the deal with MTX being so conservative with their ratings. I mean don't get me wrong, I am happy, but now it's almost too much power for my system (if there is such a thing). Thanks again for the info.

 

No reason why you can't use 16ga. Keep in mind that a larger dia wire will improve your sound. Listen to your speakers with 16 and then listen to the same with 12 or 10. Big improvement.

 

That's just it, at sounddomain.com, and ALL other car audio forums, everyone is saying you CAN'T hear a difference. The only thing I have to watch out for is 16ga can only handle up to 200-250 watts, any more wattage and I would lose power. Have you actually experienced this difference yourself?

 

I've been to their factory training ...........they build their amps and test them at 12 volts, obviously with more volts you will get more power.

That' s the point that MTX want to get over, is that each amp is under-rated and it's certified with its own "Birth Certificate" with the actual output #'s on it.

I remember when I used MTX for competing and I would go through all my MTX amps and see which one was the most "under-rated" and use that one, I guess you can say that I was cheating, but oh well, MAN we use to find some amps that were double their power rating, and you could really tell by the sound pressure levels.

Lloyd Ivey - CEO of MTX..........kicks A$$

GO BIG RED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Even at 12.5 volts it MORE than doubled the rated specs at 4 ohms. I cant wait to see how it works at 13.8 volts! Now I'm starting to think I should have bought two microsubs.

 

How can you tell that the power out is twice that of the rated spec?? I work in the two way radio bussiness and we have watt meters, but these are intended for RF, not audio. Audio watt meters are expensive, so do you have one??

 

I am 100% going by the factory suplied ratings! I had heard that MTX was extremely conservative with their wattage, but the FACTORY SPECS that came with the amp listed these ridiculously low #'s.

 

One of the few that rate at 12.5 volts, and 4 ohms

 

MTX amps come with actual power ratings for each individual amplifier recorded and verified by thier CEO. I could go on about MTX but people who have them know what I'm talking about. READ MY WHOLE POST.

 

I understand, it is just like the way Kicker makes their amps (I have one that is rated at 12.5 V but lists the specs at 13.8V and they are quite a bit higher.) It often irritates me when someone who knows little about car audio brags about their 400 million watt Jensen or something outrageous like that. I know you aren't doing this by any means. I was just wondering how you got your numbers, I would really like to have an audio wattmeter! Often, the guys bragging see an unrealistic spec of total peak power at 13.8V. This is totally different than RMS power (or continous) at something like 12.5 V!! IMO MTX, Kicker, and Rockford Fosgate make some of the best amps out there. They are individually tested and approved and are often times, like you mentioned, under-rated!