Im looking at this model because its only $125 with free shipping. Is this good enough to start the tC? Will it be good enough for a modest stereo system like mine (only 700w rms)?

http://www.cardomain.com/item/STISPV44

 

Honestly........I think it shoud be ok. It's pretty powerful. 660 cold craning amps. I know that optima batteries have always been a beloved battery by true audio and car enthusists! non-spill and vibration resistant - sounds like my ex-girlfriend -hehe

 

3 guys including myself had these at the shop, all were dead within the year.
Before that I had an Optima I abused for 500+ miles driving with a bad voltage regulator on my 200 amp streetwires alternator. Was cooking it at 18+volts and melted it a bit around the terminals.
What happened to that one? Kept working great for 4 more years and was going strong when i sold the car.
Optima!

 

I agree, I'm a big fan of optima batteries. They can withstand a lot of abuse, and you can mount some models in different angles. Very popular in the competitive car audio scene.