The Best Amp Install Kits
So, you've decided to upgrade your car's sound system. You've done your research: you know what you need to do and how you need to do it. You understand the job and you've even gathered the right tools to complete it — such as your set of Allen wrenches, some diagonal cutters, and a razor. All that's left is to acquire the right amp install kit. These sets include all the materials you need to connect your new amp to your car, including power cables, speaker wires, and more. To help you, we've researched some of the best kits available and have made a list of our top options so that you can spend your time and energy making the most of your car's sound system. A good amp install kit should be affordable, easy to work with, and include everything you need to get the job done. For 4500 watt systems, we recommend IMC's kit, which includes two 0 gauge power wires and a price for any budget. And if you're an audiophile with truly uncompromising standards, check out NVX's kit, which comes with high-quality, 100% OFC wiring for premium installs. Read on to discover more of our favorite amp install kits and to find one that's perfect for your car.
IMC Audio 0 Gauge Amplifier Power Kit
The real deal
Maybe you’re rich, or maybe you’re not. Either way, upgrading your car’s sound system shouldn’t break the bank. IMC Audio understands this and so has priced their 0-gauge amp kit to accommodate any budget. And its value doesn’t end there. The kit itself includes two 0-gauge power wires — an 18-footer and a 3-footer — that can power one amplifier with up to a 4500 watts peak power rating. In other words, these wires are both durable and capable of transmitting all the power your amplifier will need. If you want to upgrade your sound system with a deal, don’t pass this up.
Pros:
- The kit also comes with an ANL fuse block, a 200 amp ANL fuse, and a black wire loom.
- This is a great, affordable option for small sound systems.
Cons:
- The wires aren’t OFC (oxygen-free copper).
Rockville Amp Installation Kit
Everything with ease
If you’re the kind of person who prefers to work easier, not harder, then Rockville has manufactured their amp installation kit for you. While the kit includes everything you’d expect for amp installation, Rockville has added some items that you wouldn’t. To begin with, the kit contains a 7-foot split tube loom for managing cables and wires under the hood or in other exposed areas. But this isn’t the only accessory keeping things orderly. Rockville has added wire ties, ring terminals, butt connectors, spades, and grommets so that you can do what you need to with your cables and wires. All in all, this kit has more than everything you need for an easy installation: it has everything you want.
Pros:
- We appreciate that this kit comes in several variations, including CCA, OFC, and a range of wire gauges, making it a suitable option for many different audio setups.
- This is an extremely comprehensive set, so it’s great for amateurs who may not be sure what they need for their first install.
Cons:
- The fuse holder clips may be too tight.
InstallGear Amp Install Kit
Power and price
InstallGear has set out to provide both the cost-conscious consumer and the audiophile with an exceptional option for enhancing their car’s sound system. For roughly the cost of a family dinner, you can purchase their amp install kit and receive great sound quality. They’ve made this possible by using CCA wiring and not OFC wiring. Although CCA wiring is not as conductive as its OFC counterpart, it still dispels heat quickly and resists corrosion over time. The fact that they’ve used true gauge wires simply means that each wire — accurate to its gauge — has more metal than it does rubber, which is a good thing for those wanting crisp, clear audio at this price-point. If if any of this describes you, then you should give this kit a try.
Pros:
- In addition to 10-gauge, this kit also comes in a 4-gauge version.
- For the price and quality, this kit represents an extremely good value.
Cons:
- The wiring is not as high-quality as it might be in a more expensive kit.
Rockford Fosgate AWG Complete Amplifier Install Kit
Rockford Fosgate’s name is nearly synonymous with quality audio in the automotive industry. And it’s easy to see why. Their AWG Complete amplifier install kit offers nothing but quality materials and parts if you’re looking to upgrade your car’s sound system. All of the wires in their kit meet American Wire Gauge specifications, ensuring that you can know exactly what you’re receiving. Each wire has the maximum amount of copper with the minimum amount of rubber filler in order to deliver maximum power. The speaker wire and power cable are each high-strand for increased current transfer and the signal cable is a twisted pair to reduce noise for improved sound quality. If you want an install kit to maximize the performance of your car’s sound system, this is it.
Pros:
- This kit uses true American Wire Gauge made of oxygen-free copper, so it’s ideal for high-end sound systems.
- It also is a great choice if you have other Rockford equipment, since it will work seamlessly together.
Cons:
- This is a fairly expensive option, particularly for the 8-gauge wire.
NVX True Spec 1/0 Gauge Complete Dual Amp Wiring Kit
Maybe you have some high-quality amps and want only the highest-quality install kit for your car’s sound system. NVX has designed their True Spec 1/0 Gauge Complete wiring kit with you in mind. Their professional installers and have specially selected each feature in this wiring kit, from the generous wire lengths to the high-quality, 100% OFC wiring. And this kit features AWG true 0-gauge wires so that you can easily and reliably power a sound system over 1000 watts. NVX has even included a solid satin, chrome-plated brass fuse holder to protect your high-powered sound system. This is all to say that they’ve thought of everything for every application. If you want a quality install kit for all possible upgrades, this is the one.
Pros:
- The wires in this kit are extra-long, so it’s great for larger automobiles.
- The wires also feature special, flexible insulation that makes them easy to install but still protects them from heat and corrosion.
Cons:
- The high price will likely dissuade budget shoppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CCA and OFC wires?
CCA and OFC wires are the two standard kinds of wire used in car sound systems. These acronyms refer to the materials of the wires themselves. CCA stands for Copper-Clad Aluminum while OFC stands for Oxygen-Free Copper. Although CCA wires are less conductive and weaker than OFC wires, they’re also cheaper.
How do I decide which size of install kit to purchase?
The size of your install kit depends on the RMS wattage of your sound system. For a sound system outputting 400 watts RMS or less, you should choose an 8-gauge kit. For one outputting 400 to 1000 watts RMS, you should choose a 4-gauge kit. And for a sound system outputting 1000 watts RMS or more, you should choose a 2 to 0-gauge kit.
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