Car Audio 101 - The Big 3 Tutorial
With Mike Stiers www.maxxsonics.com So you’ve decided to upgrade your car stereo system? A great deal of research and planning should go into this purchase since there is a lot to consider. Do you desire a nice upgrade of your factory speakers, are you looking for a Sound Quality overall of speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers, or are you designing a vision-blurring SPL machine? It is important to make a list of exactly what you are looking to replace or add to your audio system so that you can prepare your electrical system for the investment to come. Many people do not realize that their vehicles factory electrical system was not designed for aftermarket audio equipment. In fact, most factory electrical systems can only handle an audio system of 600 to 1200 watts. The lower end of the scale being the smaller vehicles and most foreign rides, and the upper end being large trucks and sport utility vehicles. As you increase demand, you need to look at upgrading your battery, alternator and most importantly your Big 3. THE BIG 3 The Big 3 consists of upgrading three wires under the hood of your vehicle. You can completely replace the three wires detailed below, or simply add additional wires to existing factory wires, the choice is yours. The existing factory wires are generally 8 gauge or smaller and are not designed for the high current demands of an aftermarket audio system. It is recommended that you use a nice insulated 0 gauge wire so that you only have to do this …
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
@kazedmonks What is the total rms power of the amplifier(s)?
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
@XxAvAtaRoKaoSxX RMS
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
would a 95 monte carlos ls need the big 3 for 1200 watt subwoofers?
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
ok thanks.
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
@MaxxsonicsUSAInc One last question…Add up the max power or the RMS of the amps?
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
I would recommend a 150amp in line fuse. You may not need an alt upgrade. Determine what 4 channel you are after and add up the total power of all amps in your system. Then contact Kinetik or XS Power for what battery these recommend for your total power.
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Your vehicle has a fail safe in line on that wire, or that wire runs through the factory fuse box. Keep the factory wire connected and simply add the new wires.
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
I am new to car audio I have a 04 jeep liberty (stock alternator 136amp) with a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X494 headunit, KENWOOD KAC-9104D amp and one 12in polk mm 1240 sub. 1. Would a 200amp aml fuse from the alt+ to bat+ be too much or should i go smaller? What do you recommend? 2. What speakers, 4-chan amp and Batt/ Alt upgrades would you recommend? –Many thanks in advance!
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
cool vid…thanks
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
i have an 85 toyota mr2. i followed everything on the video but when i connected the positive cable from the battery to the alternator, the car won’t start but when i put the stock wire back, the car started fine. What am i doing wrong?
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
@mwilliford44 Sure is. Just make sure it’s
not near the radiator, exhaust manifold etc.
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Hey Mike… is it okay to zipp tie power wire and gruond wire together
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
@MaxxsonicsUSAInc how much are they and is there a website
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
@fordf15075126 It is not required but I recommend it.
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
@txmball93 Many more models with much higher reserves.
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
@IVIauiB0i Yes.
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
is it ok to ground to the alternator bracket for the battery negative to engine ground?
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
hey mike ive seen other BIG 3 upgrades and other guys arent using a fuse from alternator to battery positive, is that necessary?
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
what does the kinetic power battery have to offer than a optima yellow top
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
where’s a good place to buy o gauge wire and terminals like the ones you used? I tried 5 different custom audio places today in the DC area, and they only carried 4 gauge. any help bro? You inspired me to make this mod asap!
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
1. 10-12ft will do.
2. The fuse from the alt to the batt should be around the max amperage of the alt. The fuse from the batt to the amps should be the sum of the fusing on the amps or recommended in line by the manufacturer.
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
I believe 10-12ft will do it. Leave the factory wires in place and simply piggy back the upgraded wiring.
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
I have a Scion xB and was wondering How many feet of wirig it took and what size fuse did you use?
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
good video. couple questions though. where can i get those terminals that you put on the new battery you know the ones that look like triangles kinda? and also if my power wire goes to a fuse block in my car do i just run my new power wire and leave everything how it is just add the new power wire to the pos terminal on my battery? lastly what size hole on the wire terminals should i buy?
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
I also have a Scion xB and was wondering…
1 - How many feet of wiring did you need?
2 - What size fuse did you use?