Ok so here's the setup. . .
Alpine 9855 (with amplink cable running to the amp)
Alpine SPS171a Components
Alpine MRVF545 Amp
1.5 Farad Cap w/ digital read out
2 JL 10w1v2-4

My main question is which volatge meter should I watch?
A. The one on the Headunit
B. The one on the Amp (might be the same as headunit but it's underneath the passenger seat so seeing it is a little hard)
C. The digital read out on the cap

The reason I am asking is when I really crank up the volume and watch the voltage on the head unit I get a .5v drop on heavy bass notes. The headunit will sometimes drop to 12.9v, the cap will drop to 13.6v. I have no idea how which readout I am supposed to go by. Anyone?

 

As long as none of them are under 12V, it really shouldn't matter

I'd watch the one on the amp since that would be the one affected by the voltage drop the most and it's at the end of the line circuit wise.

 

Ok, but what if it drops from 13.5v to 12.9v? Is it time for a higher output alternator? I only ask cause I have seen it do that several times in the last few months.

 

It's really no big deal at all.

Unless it's going under 12, you have nothing to worry about.

I wish mine only dipped to 12.9

 

Thanks for the info. . . I suppose I just needed to hear someone say something that I thought. Yeah, it's not a compitition stereo but it definately gives me the bass I crave. . . now for better components and subs. . . stupid money who's idea was that? ha ha ha