How to Install a Car Stereo Amplifier

If you want to maximize the sound system of your car, we suggest that you install a car stereo amplifier in order to power up your speakers. If you wish to use the subwoofers, you also need to get an additional one for these. Here is how you can install your car stereo amplifier yourself so that you can save money.

First and foremost, you must choose where to put your new car stereo amplifier. If you are putting subwoofers, it is best that you put these in the trunk next to where you put your enclosure. If you are going to power your main speakers with your car stereo amplifier, then the best place is under the passenger's seat.

You must have the following wiring available - a thick power cable (check the total wattage of your amp so you know which one to get. It is best if you consult with a sales rep or turn to the manual of the amplifier) that will reach from the battery of the car stereo amplifier, 3 feet of ground cable that is as thick as the power cable, an RCA signal cable that carry the right and left signals from the head unit to the car stereo amplifier.

If you want to power your main speakers up, you need a 16-gauge wire that would reach each speaker of the amp. When installing, have the following tools with you: screwdrivers, wire strippers, wire cutters, sandpaper, a utility knife, masking tape with a pen for labeling, and a crimp on o-ring.

You also need a 2-crimp on spade connector if you are hooking the car stereo amplifier for every speaker. Disconnect the ground cable from the battery. Never work on the electrical system of your car when this is still connected. This is for your own safety as well. Run the power cable through the firewall of your car.

There is an opening on the driver's side. This will reach to the amplifier. If the am is in the back, then it is best that you run the wire under the plastic molding that is found along the bottom edge of your car. The wire and the power cable should never twirl and tie up.

Finally, connect everything to the car stereo amplifier. Strip as much as you can at the end of every wire in order to make the connection really solid and stable. Do not have any wire exposing itself. If there are, then attach the amp with the 12-gauge speaker wire.