Got all my stuff, few questions on wiring

[Romulus]

I'm slowly getting my project together, but since I haven't used a processor before I'm not quite sure how to connect everything.

Parts:

Galaxy Tab 3
JBL MS-8 Processor
Alpine M500 Amp (mono for sub)
Alpine F300 (50w x 4)
Polk 6501 components up front
Polk 521 2ways for rear

Please make sure my logic here is correct..

Power connections:

1 - 4ga wire from battery to a 1-to-3 distribution block, then to each amp and the processor.

2 - Grounds from each amp and proc to separate spot (rear seat mount bolts?)

3 - remote wire from vehicle acc to proc in - then proc remote out and split another wire to each amp for the remote in connection.


Audio connections:

1 - mini headphone to rca wire from tab 3 to proc

2 - 1 RCA (single connection) for EACH speaker... I have 6 speakers (2 tweeters, two 6.5s, and 2 5.25" in the rear.) So for EACH speaker, I have a single RCA from the Proc to the amp?

3 - 1 RCA connection from Proc to Mono Amp?

4 - Speaker wire for EACH speaker (wired individually) directly from the amp? This is what I'm really confused on. The JBL instructions say to wire the tweeters directly to an amp channel. This seems like the amp would burn up the tweeter since it's 50w into each channel. Additionally, if I need a separate amp channel for each speaker, I guess I'll need a 3rd amp since I have 6 speakers and only a 4ch amp right now? Or could I use the JBL onboard amp for the tweeters and power the larger speakers with the Alpine amp?

5 - My 6501's came with a crossover. I guess I can ditch it now since the proc is doing that job?


I'm down in Pensacola, FL for a few weeks and there are some shops with great reviews on google nearby (Quality Car Stereo, Exotic Car audio in Fort Walton Beach).. I'm very close to taking it to them to do everything, I've just had bad experiences with shops cutting corners in the past and would rather take the time to do it myself..

5 internets to anyone who can help out.

 

[YukonXL04]

Everything you have so far sounds right except 2 things

1st make sure to ground everything to the same spot. both amps and the MS-8 all need to share a ground location.

2nd you have 2 choices. first if it were me I would run the tweeters off the MS-8 internal amp and use your 4 channel for the mids.

OR you could wire your tweeters with the crossover they came with and run the whole component set off the 4 channel amp. The downside is your bypassing part of the purpose and usefulness of the MS-8 and lose the ability to adjust your tweeters independently.

 

[Romulus]

Ok.. I think I'll wire them off the internal amp and see how it goes.


I called JBL tech support to inquire about the tablet as a source unit and they guy made it sound like a terrible idea. He said that tablets have a headphone amplifier (small, but it's there) that will make for a poor connection with the MS-8. He did say a lot of people call about it, but that audio quality won't be near what a true receiver will offer.

This is mildly frustrating...

 

[YukonXL04]

Well it is true. However I think the Ms-8 will be able to compensate tobacco certain degree. I mean serious audiofiles that this was designed for won't be happy with it. But im sure normal people will be fine with it.

---------- Post added at 01:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:28 PM ----------

I have run amps with a phone or iPod as the only signal with a 3.5 headphone Jack to rca straight onto the amp and thought it sounded fine. Not super amazingly clear but not much worse than a receiver

 

[Leedogg]

What he said- it you have ever listened to music off an mp3 device/phone/usb drive- it is gonna have the same sound quality.

I am from the Pensacola area myself(Brewton AL).

 

[Romulus]

Yea, I'm no audiophile, I just want the system to sound pretty good when I'm done considering how much money I've got in it at this point. The JBL tech sounded like he knew what he was talking about and basically told me the combo would not work. I think I'll hook it all up and go. If it's really that bad I can just throw a basic receiver in the dash and be done.

I actually just drove through Brewton yesterday on my way down here from Atlanta.