subwoofer and alternator

[Haley]

My son gave me a subwoofer for the mx3.
The thing is huge, takes up the whole trunk almost. Has two speakers in it...thats about all I know about it...can check more later if I need more info. Came with an amp too.
I'm just wondering after going through some of the posts in this forum, if it is typical of these things to destroy alternators due to too much draw.??
It would be nice to have but seriously dont want to risk the alternator for it.
thanks for any input.
Haley

[Ryan]

how big is the amplifier?

It will usually be printed on it in big letters (500W POWER!) or some other flashy title.

Or hidden in the model name. Kicker 2.300 (made up) could be a 2 channel, 300W amp.

If its less than 500W you'll likely be fine under all conditions, but it depends on a lot. If you hammer the bass so loud you can't hear yourself think all day at stop lights, it will be harder on it than if you just listen at a reasonable level.

[Haley]

Ok, just went out and looked...this is the info thats on it.
Its a kenwood 800w bridgeable power amp.
The subs are 2 10" jl audio (bassworks) subs.
I'm not the type to deafen myself or others around me with it, but if its a great song....yeah I'll crank it, but only once in a while.

[Ryan]

wow, nice equipment.


The manufacturer puts the highest possible output on the amp, called peak power, at the lowest impedance, at the highest input voltage, (bridged over 2 ohms w/ 14.4 volts will yeild 800W peak...which you'll never get).

I'd call it good, if your alternator belt starts squealing, or your headlights dim when the bass hits, then consider upgrading It won't die instantly, it will give you plenty of warning

[Daninski]

Good battery helps. Just as a point of interest Princess Auto has Monster RCA cables (15ft) for $4.98. I just bought a pair and used them in my son's Subie.

[chrome730]

you really wouldnt have to upgrade just add a capacitor to the mix up. either way two 12's off a 800 isnt that bad. its all in how you wired your subs you can get them from 8 ohms to 2 ohms depending how you wire them. be careful not to mess the wiring up if you drop it past 2 ohms your gonna blow you amp. sorry for rambling on im learning this stuff for work.

[neuspeedescort]

you really wouldnt have to upgrade just add a capacitor to the mix up. either way two 12's off a 800 isnt that bad. its all in how you wired your subs you can get them from 8 ohms to 2 ohms depending how you wire them. be careful not to mess the wiring up if you drop it past 2 ohms your gonna blow you amp. sorry for rambling on im learning this stuff for work.

what do you do for work?

adding a cap is a waste of money. a redtop optima is 120 dollars at most. a cap is anywhere from 60-100 for a 1-3 farad size. you are only as good as your original power supply. so that stock battery that only does (500cca) is going to hinder you. so buy a redtop (1000cca) or better battery and run a good power main such as 4ga or larger. an 99 times out of 100 you will have no dimmming issues. if your not running multiple amps and large sub power loads that is a different story.


NEUMAN

[MrMazda92]

I'd love 2 10s right now, my single 12 just takes up too much of the trunk... It's just too deep.

[neuspeedescort]

you have a PM MrMazda92


NEUMAN