Best bang for the buck car audio wiring?

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  • campbellj25
    Advanced Member
    • May 2009
    • 181

    #1

    Best bang for the buck car audio wiring?

    So I should have all my components to get my Lukebox installed this coming up weekend, but I still need to pick up a wiring kit. I've researched and seen about everything and wonder at what point do you start overpaying for wire just because of a name? What's the good stuff that isn't overpriced?

    From what I've seen knukonceptz wiring seems to be fairly popular, but they have 2 styles. Oxygen free which is about 60 bucks for a kit, then they have some copper/aluminum stuff for about half that price. Says its good for 250a per 20ft. Is it any good? Or is the copper scosche wire they sell at walmart just as good?

    I've read somewhere that cheap RCA cables are just as good as crazy expensive ones so I'm just wondering about power/ground wire. Any recommendations from anyone? Luke?

    Thanks in advance..
  • bmwguy325is
    E30 Fanatic
    • May 2011
    • 1262

    #2
    Good RCAs can be worth the extra cash. Quality wires can come with more insulation the help with abrasions I mean this is in a car.
    I have never bought a pre made kit. I go to a good shop and buy it all separate.
    sigpic"If one does not fail at times, then one has not challenged himself." -Ferdinand Porsche
    The ugly car: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=209713

    Comment

    • StereoInstaller1
      GAS
      • Jul 2004
      • 22679

      #3
      I really like the ZN5 from Streetwires. Small, flexible, durable, never had any issue with the RCAs (FU, IXOS!) nor noise issues.

      You want 17' for your kit BTW.

      I cannot wait to hear your reaction!

      Luke

      Closing SOON!
      "LAST CHANCE FOR G.A.S." DEAL IS ON NOW

      Luke AT germanaudiospecialties DOT com or text 425-761-6450, or for quickest answers, call me at the shop 360-669-0398

      Thanks for 10 years of fun!

      Comment

      • campbellj25
        Advanced Member
        • May 2009
        • 181

        #4
        Originally posted by StereoInstaller1
        I really like the ZN5 from Streetwires. Small, flexible, durable, never had any issue with the RCAs (FU, IXOS!) nor noise issues.

        You want 17' for your kit BTW.

        I cannot wait to hear your reaction!

        Luke
        Do you also use streetwires for power/ground?

        Comment

        • campbellj25
          Advanced Member
          • May 2009
          • 181

          #5
          Originally posted by bmwguy325is
          Good RCAs can be worth the extra cash. Quality wires can come with more insulation the help with abrasions I mean this is in a car.
          I have never bought a pre made kit. I go to a good shop and buy it all separate.
          Sucks there is no good shops where I'm at. The only 2 I know of is waaaaay overpriced. So I'm stuck buying online.

          Comment

          • Cabriolet
            R3V OG
            • Apr 2010
            • 9620

            #6
            Originally posted by StereoInstaller1
            I really like the ZN5 from Streetwires. Small, flexible, durable, never had any issue with the RCAs (FU, IXOS!) nor noise issues.

            You want 17' for your kit BTW.

            I cannot wait to hear your reaction!

            Luke
            truf! the street wires are very good.

            as for power wiring, i go to the local hardware store and have it the gauge u need cut to the length i need.
            Much wow
            I hate 4 doors

            Comment

            • agent
              Vice Grand Pubaa
              • Mar 2010
              • 7960

              #7
              On Luke's recommendation I bought the ZN5 RCAs for Klaus' install.

              For the amp wiring I bought this:
              http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003J59XTM/

              The included connectors are garbage though. I ended up getting some at Lowe's.

              These for the battery/ground side:
              http://www.lowes.com/pd_114970-12704...ductId=3127583

              I can't seem to find the ones I used for the amp side. They were 4ga blocks with a set screw which dropped down to a spade-like connection that fit perfectly into the amp.

              edit - kind of like this, though only a few mm thick on one side:
              http://www.lowes.com/pd_36042-12704-...ductId=3128695
              Originally posted by kronus
              would be in depending on tip slant and tube size

              Comment

              • keith2
                Advanced Member
                • Mar 2011
                • 185

                #8
                Knuconcepts cheaper stuff is great. And ill also agre the stretwire zn5's are excellent signal cables. Luke had me get them and I couldnt be happier. Zero noice, awesome clear signal. Its a must have. Pretty reasonably priced too if you care how your system is gonna sound.

                Comment

                • campbellj25
                  Advanced Member
                  • May 2009
                  • 181

                  #9
                  If I buy my wire individually and not in a kit what is the legnth I need for power and ground since everything will be done in the trunk?

                  Comment

                  • bubbajan21
                    E30 Mastermind
                    • Mar 2011
                    • 1962

                    #10
                    Originally posted by StereoInstaller1
                    You want 17' for your kit BTW.
                    I know this might be a stupid question, but is it the 16.4' one? If just hate to wire everything up and come up an inch too short.

                    Comment

                    • agent
                      Vice Grand Pubaa
                      • Mar 2010
                      • 7960

                      #11
                      Yep, the 5M cables are just right.
                      Originally posted by kronus
                      would be in depending on tip slant and tube size

                      Comment

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