can my alternator handle two car stereo amps?
i already have a 600 watt sony xplod amp 4 channel hooked to four pioneer speakers. i just got a 12” pioneer sub. and i need a single channel amp. it doesnt have to be that powerful but ive heard that its bad for alternators to handle multiple amps. any input???
i would like to use around 300-500 watt amp for the sub. so my total power would be around 1000 watts.
You’ll have no problems.
"….. Your 600 watt amp (I doubt you have it go at that power, it would destroy the car, without saying anything about your ears and brain) at full power requires at least 50 amps, more since the amp is not 100% efficient."
Are you serious?? 600 watts would not destroy a car, or anything in fact. You won’t come close to doing damage to the car until 10,000 watts +. 600 watts is nothing, but I’ll say that amp probably puts out half that.
maybe maybe not
References :
Joe,
Multiple amps are not the problem, total power is. Your 600 watt amp (I doubt you have it go at that power, it would destroy the car, without saying anything about your ears and brain) at full power requires at least 50 amps, more since the amp is not 100% efficient.
What is the rating of the alternator? How much does the car require? In particular, the fuel injectors are hogs. Do a little math and figure out where you are at.
References :
i have 4 12” MTX Terminator subs hooked to a SSL 4 channel 800watt amp 2 15” digital res D50’s hooked to a sony singlechannel 200watt amp and at least 14 speakers hooked to a ballistic 4 channel 1000watt in my van and my alternator handles it fine but i carry an extra battery with me just in case. but if i crank the volume over 5 i get noise violation fines. badass system = shitty outcome
References :
expierence
that would depend on your car model because that is what determines the alternator you have
most mid-size/full-size cars and suvs (V6 and V8s) can handle the load you are describing, its the small cylinder cars that cant handle it
an easy way to test it out is after its all installed turn on your headlights and AC, then turn up your sounds over halfway- if your lights dim you may need to do the big# and/or get a high output alternator
References :
You’ll have no problems.
"….. Your 600 watt amp (I doubt you have it go at that power, it would destroy the car, without saying anything about your ears and brain) at full power requires at least 50 amps, more since the amp is not 100% efficient."
Are you serious?? 600 watts would not destroy a car, or anything in fact. You won’t come close to doing damage to the car until 10,000 watts +. 600 watts is nothing, but I’ll say that amp probably puts out half that.
References :
Audio engineer