what's the "preferred" way of connecting wires??
 

how do you guys connect your wires together? In my case, I am just talking about the wires that connect from the back of the headunit to the harness/RCA cables.

I was thinking about soldering them together... I would think I'd get the least resistance this way? Someone suggested I used silver to solder it with, but it is quite toxic. I might just stick to the normal lead/tin.

Afterwards, I was going to heatshrink it. What do you think? Some said butt connectors would do the same.

Please let me know, thanks

I use crimp-on butt connectors. Then I zip-tie all the wires into a neat bundle.

I agree I have had many aftermarket systems some installed and some done myself. I have always had quick disconnects. A good quick disconnect (Butt connectors / Bullets) will do just as well. A good crimping tool is recommended not your $3 walmart crimper. Look at Radio Shack or an electronics retailer.

The reason for the quick disconnects is that if you ever need to remove the unit for anything like I originally installed the unit to run directly off the Stock Speakers. Then but in a couple of amps. I ended up using the stock wiring for the speakers so that I could switch back and forth. I could run the speakers off the deck if anything happened to the amp or of the amp. If you solder you will have to cut to make any changes.

Just my 2 cents hope it helps

i've got access to all the tools at home (dad used to do all this stuff back in the days) or here at work.

thanks for the feedback!

I use those connectors in other peoples cars, and I solder the connections in my own cars.

The difference between quick disconnect and solder is negligable for all but the most serious of systems.

you guys make a good point about the butt connectors.

But, I think you all would suggest I solder the RCA male connectors to the speaker wires (the wires are pretty thin). Also, I'll be soldering the nissan harness to headunit's wires. Those are going to end up permanent anyways.

I just picked up some 1/4" and smaller heatshrink tubes and lead. Hopefully, I'll find my heatgun somewhere int he garage at home.

i'll post pics when I'm done!

any soldering tips? I was thinking of fraying the ends of the wires and try to get as much of the lead melted in between the strands... man it's been a while since i've last played with solder equipment lol.

all my wires are crimped together and it sounds good, i dont know how much soldering the wires would but it cant hurt right?

btw you building a system? cant wait to hear it at the next meet. i just got mines done too :)

wait wait wait what are you going to solder together?

I solder my wires because my personal systems tend to get pretty involved. Dont know if it makes a diffrence for me though.

I have always soldered my connections, but I never but any of the factory wires if I use them. I alway get the adaptor that plugs into the factory harness and solder/heat shrin to that.

When you do the soldering don't fray the edges. After you stirp the wires just heat it up with the Iron and placed the solder on the hot WIRE, not the iron. The wire will just suck the solder in. After both ends are done it is real easy to connect them.

Good luck with the install!

solder. then again I solder everything

i have always twisted the wires together then crimped on a little plastic wire cap. i like them because they not only enforce the connection, but they also insulate so i dont ahve to give the extra step of taping off a solder job. just my .02

Oxidation can still happen that way. Solder encases the whole splice sealing out air and moisture and preventing oxidation. Not shure how much oxidation it takes to affect audio equipment but it does increase resistance