When I first started upgrading my car audio system, I quickly realized that the quality of the cabling is just as important as the amplifier itself. You can buy the biggest sub and best amp, but if the wiring is shoddy, the sound will suffer from poor power delivery and noise. We’ve gone hands-on with several of the most popular options available right now, checking everything from cable flexibility to the quality of the included fuse holder, to help you find the best amp sub wiring kit for your installation needs.
Contents
- BOSS Audio Systems KIT2 8 Gauge Complete Car Amplifier Installation Wiring Kit with Power Cables, Ground Cables, Turn-On Wire, Speaker Wire, Terminals
- TOPSTRONGGEAR 4ga Amp Kit – 4 Gauge AWG Amplifier Wiring Kit for Car Subwoofers Speakers Audio System, Complete Amp Installation Kit with 20ft Power Ground Cable, RCA Cables, Fuse Holder, Speaker Wire
- Skar Audio 4 Gauge Amplifier Wiring Kit – Blue, Copper Clad Aluminum, SKAR4ANL-CCA
- RD True 4 Gauge Car Audio Cable Amp Wiring Kit – 2 Channel Rock Direct CCA Power Cable Amplifier Install Wiring Kit
- DS18 AK4 Complete 4 Gauge CCA Amplifier Installation Wiring Kit – Ampkit Helps Make Connections, Brings Power to Your Radio, Subwoofers, Speakers with Super Flex Wire – 1200W for 1 Amplifier
- Practical Comparison and Buying Insights
- Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Kit for Your System
- Common Questions About Amp Sub Wiring Kit
BOSS Audio Systems KIT2 8 Gauge Complete Car Amplifier Installation Wiring Kit with Power Cables, Ground Cables, Turn-On Wire, Speaker Wire, Terminals
If you’re running a small to moderately powered system that needs reliability without the huge price tag, the BOSS Audio KIT2 is often the go-to starter choice. This is a complete 8-gauge wiring kit, making it ideal for amps rated under 400 watts RMS. It provides everything necessary for a clean install, including wire ties and rubber grommets, which often get overlooked in cheaper kits. Its sturdy competition fuse holder ensures safety, protecting both your amplifier and your vehicle’s electrical system.
Key features that stand out:
– Gauge Size: 8-gauge wiring, best suited for lower-wattage amplifiers.
– Complete Accessories: Includes 20 wire ties and 3 rubber grommets for neat installation.
– RCA: Features a 20 Foot High-Performance RCA Interconnect.
– Protection: Top-notch competition fuse holder for safety.
Pros:
– Very affordable and comprehensive for the price point.
– Excellent inclusion of installation accessories (ties, grommets).
– Good choice for basic stereo or small sub installations.
Cons:
– 8-gauge wire is unsuitable for high-power systems (over 500W RMS).
Best for: Budget-conscious users and installations requiring under 400 watts of power.
Expert Opinion: This kit delivers on its promise of being a “complete” setup. While the 8-gauge limitation means it can’t handle massive power draws, the quality of the accessories, particularly the wire management tools, makes the installation process surprisingly straightforward for beginners.
TOPSTRONGGEAR 4ga Amp Kit – 4 Gauge AWG Amplifier Wiring Kit for Car Subwoofers Speakers Audio System, Complete Amp Installation Kit with 20ft Power Ground Cable, RCA Cables, Fuse Holder, Speaker Wire
Stepping up significantly in power capability, the TOPSTRONGGEAR 4ga Amp Kit offers a 4-gauge CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) solution built for powering larger subwoofers. This kit focuses heavily on providing flexibility and heat resistance, essential qualities when running thicker wires through a hot engine bay. The wires boast an incredibly high strand count (1862 strands), which contributes to its flexibility and helps ensure consistent power transfer, making it a great choice for demanding car audio systems.
Key features that stand out:
– Material & Stranding: Ultra Flex CCA power and ground wires with 1862 strands for flexibility.
– Fuse Protection: Heat Tested, Water Resistant InLine Fuse Holder with an 80 Amp ANL fuse.
– RCA: 17 Feet Black Bassik RCA Cable made from Oxygen Free Copper (OFC).
– Power Rating: 4 AWG size is suitable for systems up to 1000 watts.
Pros:
– Exceptional wire flexibility simplifies difficult routing jobs.
– High-quality ANL fuse holder provides reliable protection.
– The use of OFC for the RCA cable helps minimize noise.
Cons:
– While flexible, CCA wiring generally has higher resistance than pure OFC.
Best for: Mid-to-high power subwoofer installations where flexibility and robust fusing are top priorities.
Expert Opinion: The inclusion of an OFC RCA cable alongside the CCA power wire is a thoughtful addition—it ensures the signal path remains clean even while the power path handles high current. This is a solid, reliable amp sub wiring kit for substantial systems.
Skar Audio 4 Gauge Amplifier Wiring Kit – Blue, Copper Clad Aluminum, SKAR4ANL-CCA
Skar Audio is well-known in the car audio community for offering high-performance gear at competitive prices, and their SKAR4ANL-CCA kit is no exception. This 4-gauge kit is specifically rated to handle systems up to 1,200 Watts, providing a massive upgrade in power delivery compared to 8-gauge options. Skar focuses on providing extremely durable and flexible “Max-flex” cabling, making installations straightforward, even when maneuvering tight bends under seats or carpeting.
Key features that stand out:
– High Power Rating: Great for installing systems up to 1,200 Watts.
– Flexibility: Features 4 Gauge CCA Matte Blue Max-flex Power Cable.
– Fuse: In-line ANL Fuse Holder and 100 Amp ANL Fuse included.
– RCA: Includes a 2-channel RCA Interconnect Cable.
Pros:
– Exceptionally high 100 Amp fuse rating supports powerful mono-block amplifiers.
– The matte Max-flex jacket is very durable and easy to route.
– A trusted brand in the high-output car audio market.
Cons:
– The included accessory package is less comprehensive than some competitors.
Best for: Enthusiasts running powerful subwoofers who need dependable power transmission up to 1200W.
Expert Opinion: If your amplifier demands high amperage, the 100-amp ANL fuse holder in this kit provides necessary protection that some lower-rated kits simply cannot match. This is a serious amp sub wiring kit for serious systems.
RD True 4 Gauge Car Audio Cable Amp Wiring Kit – 2 Channel Rock Direct CCA Power Cable Amplifier Install Wiring Kit
The RD True kit distinguishes itself by combining quality CCA power cables with a significantly upgraded RCA cable. While the power wire is a flexible CCA, the included RCA interconnect cable is constructed from Tinned OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) twisted pair. This is a crucial detail, as twisted pair and tinned copper drastically improve noise rejection, helping to eliminate the dreaded engine whine or static often associated with lower-quality RCA cables. It also includes a detailed array of terminals and connectors for a secure installation.
Key features that stand out:
– RCA Quality: 17ft Tinned OFC Oxygen Free Copper 2-Channel Twisted Pair RCA Stereo Signal Cable.
– Power Cable: True Complete 4gauge CCA with Soft Flexible Automotive Grade PVC Jacket.
– Speaker Wire: Includes 20ft 14GA Orange CCA Speaker Wire, adequate for most door speakers or parallel sub setups.
– Fuse: ROCKDIRECT 80AMP Mini ANL Fuse-holder and 80AMP fuse.
Pros:
– Superior noise rejection due to the Tinned OFC Twisted Pair RCA cable.
– Flexible power and ground wires make routing easy.
– Includes both main terminals and smaller spade terminals for remote wire and speaker hookups.
Cons:
– The 14GA speaker wire included might be overkill if only hooking up the subwoofer.
Best for: Audio purists installing powerful systems who are highly concerned about noise interference and require a clean signal path.
Expert Opinion: The RD True kit provides exceptional value by not cutting corners on the signal wires. Investing in an amp sub wiring kit with high-quality RCAs like this one is the easiest way to ensure a quiet, high-fidelity sound, especially in vehicles notorious for electrical noise.
DS18 AK4 Complete 4 Gauge CCA Amplifier Installation Wiring Kit – Ampkit Helps Make Connections, Brings Power to Your Radio, Subwoofers, Speakers with Super Flex Wire – 1200W for 1 Amplifier
DS18 is known for rugged, high-performance audio equipment, and the AK4 kit brings that reputation to the wiring segment. This complete 4-gauge kit is designed to support systems up to 1200 watts, matching the output potential of many high-end amplifiers. The highlight here is the “Super Flex Twist” premium cabling, ensuring that even the thick 4-gauge wire can be bent and routed easily through the tight confines of a vehicle interior.
Key features that stand out:
– Material Quality: Super flex twist premium cables & Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA) wires.
– System Rating: 4 Gauge Installation cables 1200W.
– Complete Package: All wire terminals, connectors, wire ties, and wire loom are included.
– RCA: 17ft 2-channel shielded twisted pair of RCA premium audio cable inter-connections.
Pros:
– Excellent flexibility makes installation quick and reduces strain on terminals.
– High 1200W rating for heavy-duty amplifier installations.
– Shielded twisted-pair RCA cables minimize interference.
Cons:
– Premium flexibility sometimes comes at a slightly higher cost than standard CCA kits.
Best for: Power-hungry installations requiring extreme flexibility and a highly durable, all-inclusive wiring solution.
Expert Opinion: DS18 has packaged a very robust and well-organized amp sub wiring kit here. The combination of high-wattage capability and the “Super Flex” jacket means you get both power delivery and ease of installation—a difficult balance to strike in a 4-gauge kit.
Practical Comparison and Buying Insights
When shopping for an amp sub wiring kit, the two biggest factors are gauge size and cable material.
If you’re running a modest system (under 500W RMS), an 8-gauge amp sub wiring kit like the BOSS Audio KIT2 is adequate and highly cost-effective. However, for serious power (over 800W RMS), the 4-gauge CCA kits from Skar Audio, TOPSTRONGGEAR, or DS18 are essential to prevent dangerous overheating and voltage drop.
The majority of modern, cost-effective kits use CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum). CCA is lighter and cheaper, but pure OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) provides superior conductivity and thermal management. If a kit features OFC, it will generally handle sustained high-power draws better. The RD True kit finds a good compromise by using a highly conductive Tinned OFC for its vital RCA signal cables.
Don’t ignore the extras: Flexibility is a crucial factor, especially when routing wires through tight firewall grommets and under dashboards. Kits labeling their wires as “Max-flex” or “Super Flex” will save you considerable effort. Always check the fuse rating—a powerful amp requires a high-amperage ANL fuse (like the 100A in the Skar kit) to stay protected.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Kit for Your System
The Entry-Level Starter: If you only need to power a small subwoofer or upgrade a factory stereo with an amplifier under 400 watts, the BOSS Audio Systems KIT2 is the best value, offering a complete set of accessories for a tidy install.
Best Combination of Value and Power: The TOPSTRONGGEAR 4ga Amp Kit offers excellent flexibility and high strand count, making it easy to install while providing the 4-gauge power required for most serious subwoofer setups up to 1000W.
The Power Enthusiast’s Choice: For those running high-output, 1000W+ systems, the Skar Audio 4 Gauge Amplifier Wiring Kit is the clear winner due to its robust 100 Amp ANL fuse and reputation for handling high current efficiently.
Best for Noise Reduction: If electrical noise is a concern, prioritize the signal pathway. The RD True 4 Gauge Car Audio Cable Amp Wiring Kit stands out for its superior Tinned OFC Twisted Pair RCA cables, ensuring the cleanest possible audio signal.
Common Questions About Amp Sub Wiring Kit
What does “Gauge” mean, and why is 4-gauge better than 8-gauge?
The gauge number refers to the diameter of the wire. It’s counter-intuitive: the smaller the number, the thicker the wire. 4-gauge wire is much thicker than 8-gauge wire. Thicker wire is better because it allows more current (power) to flow with less resistance, reducing voltage drop and heat. For high-powered car audio systems (over 500 Watts RMS), a 4-gauge amp sub wiring kit is essential to safely and efficiently deliver the required power.
Should I choose CCA or OFC for my amplifier wiring?
CCA stands for Copper Clad Aluminum; OFC stands for Oxygen Free Copper. OFC is pure copper and is significantly more conductive and heat-resistant than CCA. If you are running a very high-powered amplifier (1500W+ RMS) or if the power wire run is very long, OFC is the technically superior choice. However, for most common installations up to 1200W, a quality, high-strand-count CCA amp sub wiring kit offers an excellent balance of performance and affordability.
Do I need a remote turn-on wire?
Yes. The remote turn-on wire is a thin wire that connects your head unit (stereo) to your amplifier. It tells the amplifier to turn on only when the radio is on and to turn off when the radio is off. Without it, your amplifier would either remain constantly on (draining your car battery) or would have to be switched on manually. Every comprehensive amp sub wiring kit includes this remote wire.
Where should I ground the power cable?
The ground cable must be connected to a clean, bare metal point on the chassis of the vehicle, preferably close to the amplifier (under 18 inches). Before connecting the terminal, you must sand or scrape away any paint, rust, or protective coating to ensure a solid metal-to-metal connection. A poor ground connection is the number one cause of amplifier failure and electrical noise in a car audio system.
How do I choose the correct fuse size for my amp sub wiring kit?
The fuse is a safety device designed to protect your car from an electrical short or amplifier malfunction. The fuse rating should be slightly higher than the total current draw (amperage) of your amplifier at full load, but should never exceed the maximum rating of the power cable itself. Always use the fuse holder provided in your amp sub wiring kit and ensure the fuse is installed close to the car battery (within 18 inches).
What is the purpose of the split loom tubing?
Split loom tubing is plastic piping, often included in an amp sub wiring kit, that slides over the main power cable. Its purpose is to physically protect the cable from chafing, abrasion, or excessive heat once it is routed through the engine bay and firewall grommets. It adds a crucial layer of durability and safety to the installation.
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