I have an Alpine mono block amp and was wondering, it's rated at 400 watts rms @ 2ohm @ 14.4 v, is there anyway I can ensure the amp is seeing 14.4v at all times or consistently? I will have an Optima Red-Top and a 1 Farad cap hooked up to the system, will that ensure it?

I only ask this, because I'm under the assumption most systems run at 12.x volts and not 14.4.

Thanks

 

With your engine running you run about 14.5 volts or so while the alternator is creating voltage. The battery alone (engine off) creates 12 volts. These number are really estimated. Most electronics have a tolerance, like 12 volts plus or minus 5 volts. Or it will say 9 to 18 volts. You should be okay with it, and with the alt on it should be getting around that.

 

yea with the engine on, my volt gage reads 14.4....i to have a alpine mono block..works fine

 

Awesome! Thanks for the help!!

 

to consistently run 14+ get a better alternator.

on loud bass hits you will possibly dip below it.

 

+1

Also, you may install a capacitor to absorb those dips due to loud bass.

 

capacitors are such a waste unless you see dimming in your lights, even then, they don't help all that much.

i rarely see cars running above 14.2 even with the car running, although the higher your rev the voltage increases but not by much. Alpine rates their amps at 14.4v to bump up their numbers in order to sell more.

don't worry about getting 14.4v. As long as you have a sub that matches up and a decent box it will all sound good and that's all that really matters right?

 

oh for sure, its just the edesign 13ov.2 is pretty high on my list of woofers and it needs at least 300 to be in the optimum range for power, I figure I'd need at least 400 to sound good you know? Its rated at 500-600 rms.

 

Get a HO alternator and a electrical current meter gauge.

 

Who makes a good aftermarket alternator?

 

Dominick Iraggi is a great place to start. There was a group buy for a 180amp alternator just a couple months ago.

Here's his eBay store. Make sure to contact him. Should cost somewhere between $300-$400.

http://stores.ebay.com/Iraggi-Altern...nd-Electronics

 

HKS turbo timers actively display voltage.

Just set the timer to auto, and use your display as a voltage meter.

I've got the Iraggi HO alternator (thanks adam!), and the HKS helps me keep any eye on things.

 

I really can't afford the alternator right now, it's on my list and at the top too for that matter. I just wanted to know if in terms of an optima battery, a cap, and proper wiring, if that would suffice to get the voltage up to 14.4 consistently.

 

Do you have any other amps in your system?

 

You're welcome

Did you get it installed?