Hey all,
Wanting to do an AGM battery upgrade due to larger sound system. What do I need to do for a charging system upgrade to raise the voltage in order to accommodate the higher requirements charge voltage related to the new battery type?

 

Are you getting the same sized battery? If so, you don't need to do anything. If you are getting high power amps and subwoofers then you need a high output alternator. Hope this helps.

 

Helpful yes. I am running a 500 watt mono for sub and a 300 watt for front stage. I am calculating up to 80 amp use at full blast. I have the 90 amp alternator. Going to look for something in the 160-180 amp range. New battery will be same size and generally I don't blast it out all the time.

 

Helpful yes. I am running a 500 watt mono for sub and a 300 watt for front stage. I am calculating up to 80 amp use at full blast. I have the 90 amp alternator. Going to look for something in the 160-180 amp range. New battery will be same size and generally I don't blast it out all the time.

 

Please note voltage with the car off is normally 12.6V off battery power. Voltage with car on is normally 14.4V. It'll never get much higher than this even with a high amp alternator. The difference with the high amp alternator is the ability to charge the battery while taking massive drain and hitting the subs hard. I think 160-180 amp maybe overkill for 800 watts but there should be calculators out there for what is recommended. Good luck with the setup!

 

So yeah the voltage doesn't change by increasing amperage. I am an electrician. I was more interested in upping the available current as the system will be growing over time. Just putting out feelers for what others were doing to supply the additional power needed for that growth and supply. Thank you for the direction on the calculators.

 

Did you consider installing a capacitor as well? I remember in my car audio fab days using these to help the system hit when high draw is needed.

 

I am on the fence on caps. The older high current low farad caps never seemed to do much good. I have been looking at XS Power high farad bank blocks. As stated my system will reach around 1100 watts when completed, with amps that have fully regulated power supplies. The Ioxus ultra cap has been considered, but it is off road rated and I can't risk a fire.

Not a fan of "ghetto blasting" I do a long commute and use my system as insulation to relax before and after.