Best Amp Wiring Kits: Improve Your Car’s Audio Quality

Make car sound system installations easier than ever with a quality amp wiring kit

byDorian Smith-Garcia, Mike Knott, Nikola Petrovski|
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BYDorian Smith-Garcia, Mike Knott, Nikola Petrovski/ LAST UPDATED ON November 10, 2021

If you’ve decided to upgrade your car’s sound system, you need the right tools for the job. Finding the right amp wiring kit can be a complex process. You need to ensure that the wiring kit is rated to work with your system’s amp rating. We’ve researched the best amp wiring kits and highlighted a few top options for your consideration.

Best Overall

Rockford 4 Awg Complete Installation Kit

Summary

A complete installation kit that includes plenty of wire to fully outfit your sound system. Best suited for systems that need 0/1 or 4 AWG.

Pros
  • This kit features copper wires for superior conductivity
  • Professional-grade components also mean that you’ll get quality output through your sound system
Cons
  • This kit ships without a pack list, which means new DIYers may have trouble distinguishing the various parts
  • Fuse isn’t the right size for the included fuse holder, so you may have to purchase separate fuses
Best Value

Rockrix 8 Gauge Complete Amp Wiring Kit

Summary

A comprehensive amp wiring kit that won’t cost you much at all, while providing you with the right wires and accessories needed to get the job done.

Pros
  • Includes durable and ultra-flexible ground and power wires
  • Wires are wrapped in braided mesh for increased protection against wear and tear
  • Terminals, fuses, and even zip ties are all included
Cons
  • Kit doesn’t include an Allen wrench, which you’ll need during installation
  • Wires aren’t real copper, but rather aluminum that’s made to look like copper
Honorable Mention

New England Providore 20 Foot 4 Gauge Amp Kit

Summary

A modestly priced amp wiring kit that includes bonus wire lengths to tackle any job. It features all the necessary components to complete an installation project.

Pros
  • If you hate the crimping process, you’ll appreciate that this kit includes pre-crimped copper lugs
  • You’ll also enjoy the solid metal connectors for a tighter connection that results in no loose cables
  • Choose between four and eight AWG
Cons
  • There can be a discrepancy between the claimed wattage supported versus actual output
  • In many cases, while the product claims it can support 1,500 watts, it can barely support 500 watts

The Rockford 4 Awg Complete Installation Kit is an all-around great choice if you’re looking for an amp wiring kit. It includes everything you need to completely outfit your sound system, from the appropriate wires to the parts and pieces needed to deliver both power and excellent sound. This amp wiring kit includes full American Wire Gauge wire — you’ll get 17 feet of 1/0 gauge power wire, three feet of 1/0 gauge ground wire, four feet of 4-gauge power wire, and 4 feet of 4 gauge ground wire. That’s more than enough wire needed to upgrade or install a sound system from scratch. The wires are made from 100 percent oxygen-free copper, and the included parts are made with high-quality brass. You’ll have your amp hooked up in no time with this quality kit.

The Rockrix 8 Gauge Complete Amp Wiring Kit puts almost everything you need to get your amp wired in your vehicle right in your hands — and it won’t blow your entire budget. This affordable kit includes the wiring, fuses, terminals, and even plastic zip ties that you’ll need to get everything hooked up properly. It includes copper clad aluminum power and ground wires (17 feet and 3 feet of each, respectively), which are wrapped in ultra flexible automotive-grade PVC jackets. There’s also a 17-foot RCA cable with a dual injection terminal, plus a 20-foot speaker wire, 17-foot remote turn-on wire, and all of the terminals you need. One extra benefit that comes with this nicely priced kit is the power wire is wrapped in nylon mesh braiding. That gives this key wire more strength, flexibility, and protection against heat so you can rely on your wiring for a long time to come.

The New England Providore 20 Foot 4 Gauge Amp Kit is the perfect pick if you’re in need of a high-quality, professional-level option for your sound system. You get everything you need and more in this complete kit, from wiring to connectors to fuse holders and more. This kit includes premium wire with lengths of oversized copper clad aluminum power and ground cables as well as twisted and shielded OFC RCA cable. With professional-grade construction, these wires are larger than true AWG cable and include solid metal connectors for ultra-tight connections. You won’t have to worry about vibrations or movement knocking these wires loose. Speaker wire and remote turn-on wire are also included, along with pre-crimped and tinned solid copper lugs, gold-plated spade terminals, firewall grommets, sheet metal screws, and split loom tubing. You’ll wire your audio system for great connectivity and conductivity with this amp kit.

The KnuKonceptz KCA Complete 4 Gauge Amp Installation Kit is unique both in its wiring and its construction. It includes KCA wire, or Kolossus Copper Aluminum wire, which is unique to KnuKonceptz. This wire isn’t rated for a set amount of amps, but it is made with copper-clad aluminum wire that’s conductive and affordable. The wire is actually larger than typical AWG wire — about 40 percent larger — and can achieve performance that’s similar to oxygen-free copper wire. You get 18 feet of 4-gauge KCA power wire, three feet of 4-gauge KCA ground wire, one inline fuse holder, one 17-foot long Bassik RCA cable, and 20 feet of 14 gauge CCA speaker wire. This set and its unique wires will allow you to create a conducive, efficient sound system that meets all of your needs.

The TopStrongGear 8 Gauge Complete Amp Kit contains everything you need, and all of the different wires and components included are great in their quality. You won’t just get wires that get the job done; you’ll also get the terminals, fuses, and additional accessories like wire ties that you need. The wire alone is worth the cost of the kit — you’ll get 17 feet of power wire, 3 feet of ground wire, 20 feet of speaker wire, 17 feet of RCA cable, and 17 feet of remote turn-on wire. All of these wires are wrapped in soft-to-the-touch insulation that’s both flexible and protective, making your amp wiring more durable for the long haul. Along with the wires, the included fuse, fuse holder, and terminals are all made from quality materials. Together, the parts of this amp wiring kit help your vehicle deliver clear, powerful sound from any speakers. There’s just one drawback to this amp wiring kit: the included wiring terminals are quite small, which can make installation tricky. 

Tips

  • Always check the gauge measurement on your amp wiring kit. While there are a variety of widths, a safe starting point is an eight-gauge kit. Also note that some companies claim that the wires are a specific gauge when in reality, the size is significantly smaller but wrapped in insulation to give the illusion of being bigger. 
  • Fuse holders are critical components for any amp wiring kit. For the best results, look for kits that include either ANL or AGU fuse holders. These options are easier to install and also feature indicators for a blown fuse.
  • Cheaper is not always better, especially with an amp wiring kit. Invest in a kit with quality components that have longevity and are sturdily built.

FAQs

Q: What tools should be included in a good amp wiring kit?

A: Look for amp wiring kits that include all the necessary tools to complete your installation job. In particular, they should feature the following items: quality RCA cables that are at least 16 feet long, a positive wire that is at least 18 feet long, speaker wire, ground wire, a remote wire, crimp ring terminals, a fuse holder and fuse, and zip ties. 

Q: Should I pick copper or copper-coated wires in an amp wiring kit?

A: While copper wires are more expensive than copper-coated options, they’re usually a higher quality option because of their conductivity and strength. Copper-coated wires are made with aluminum and are considerably cheaper than copper wires. However, if you do your research, you can find copper-coated wires that are just as conductive as copper wires. Ultimately, the choice between copper versus copper-coated may come down to your budget. 

Q: How do I know which size amp wiring kit to buy?

A: This depends on the wattage (RMS rating) of your sound system. The following outlines the size guidelines:

  • 0/1 AWG for 1000 watts or more
  • 4 AWG for 400 to 1000 watts
  • 8 AWG for 200 to 400 watts
  • 10 AWG for 100 to 200 watts

Final Thoughts

If only the best will do for your car’s sound system, we recommend focusing on our best overall option, the Rockford 4 Awg Complete Installation Kit.

If this is your first time attempting to install your car’s sound system, you can’t go wrong with our best value selection, the Rockrix 8 Gauge Complete Amp Wiring Kit

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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