Im pushing 600 watts RMS between a mono amp and 4-channel amp. I used 4awg power into a distro, then 8awg to each amp. When I only had 1 amp, I would notice on my HU that the battery voltage would stay +13.5v. Now that I have 2 amps, my voltage lingers between 13v and 13.5v, and after having driven for almost 3 hours stuck in traffic today, it was dropping down to ~12.6v.

What is the proper volage that the car needs to have?
Is falling into mid-12v bad?
Should I buy a capacitor?

Thanks for any replies...

 

your voltage is fine. Adding a cap is never a bad idea, and can help your electrical needs. While driving, if you actually go below 11 volts, you need to turn the volume down.

I have 2100+ watts rms in my car, and with the upgrades that I have done( multiple batteries) my voltage stays around 13.5-14v, but when I get a low bass note, I can drop the voltage to 12v.

Anyway, you should be fine. I dont thing the amps you have will kill your battery.

Jason

 

Installing a capacitor or thowing one as far from your car as possible will have the same impact on your system. Capacitors do not generate any energy and cannot charge to a higher voltage than is available. So in your example, when voltage sags to 12.6V the capacitor is charged at that same voltage....I don't see any benefit there!
If your amp manufacturer recommends a capacitor, I would ask them why wasn't the amp designed right in the first place. I've always wondered why consumers had no problem giving manufacturers another $100+ to make their amps work right.
You charging system should be able to handle your system with no problems.
Save your money a buy some W6v2's or something

 

x2....a cap isn't going to help keep your voltage from sagging.

Kinda odd that 600W worth of amps would decrease it though

A beefier battery would be my first step with your system.

 

^^ I agree.....Optima....

I've got 800 rms in my 2 amps and don't get anything like that.....course, I don't run that hard either...

 

I'm at 1.1Kish...and you can bet it's going to get beat to crap on my 600 mile drives this weekend

 

I had my installer put in an extra stinger battery it's actually built in under my amp. It's small but heavy!
I'm pushing over 2000watts and my lights still dim when I got it cranked.
I'm in the process of adding another 520watts to push my two sets of components. Not to sure if my electrical is going to be a ble to handle it. I might need an alternator upgrade.........
I found a good one that can give me 200amps but it's going to cost over $700.....
I spent to much damn money on this $h^t......

 

i put in this $200 capacitator and it makes my car sound so much nicer

 

I have a 1 farad lighting audio. Had it in my last car. I'll sell it to you for $30 + Shipping. It is in great shape, I just don't need it anymore.