Dual Amps Question
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Edina, Minnesota
^^ I agree. Certainly, it’s desirable is to avoid the extra expense and hassle of installing a capacitor, but sometimes you may want this. As you say, the circumstances vary for users.
If it saves installing an oversized-custom alternator only to support the amps, then it is definitely worth the effort.
--Spike
If it saves installing an oversized-custom alternator only to support the amps, then it is definitely worth the effort.
--Spike
At the same time it makes more sense to run a sufficient electrical to support ones system than installing a band aid fix known as a capacitor.At every additional power level take the necessary steps to support it,higher gauge wire, Big 3,additional battery and H.O alt. Imo capacitors have no place but thats just my opinion
New Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,337
Likes: 204
From: Edina, Minnesota
At the same time it makes more sense to run a sufficient electrical to support ones system than installing a band aid fix known as a capacitor.At every additional power level take the necessary steps to support it,higher gauge wire, Big 3,additional battery and H.O alt. Imo capacitors have no place but thats just my opinion
If the only requirement is supporting occasional draw from the external amp(s), a capacitor might make sense. If the power draw is more continuous and continual, you might need a better alternator (which may require upgrading wiring, fusing, etc.).
I experienced this with my off-road vehicle that had an electric winch, high-output lights, and add-ons such as a compressor for filling tires after airing-down. Obviously this goes ridiculously past what a capacitor can do, so I added a better alternator. But, doing this required an upgrade for the wiring, adding a power management system, and a lot of other considerations.
The main point I’m making in this post is to caution people that you cannot simply and only upgrade your alternator and expect good results without installing a wiring structure that supports higher output. I think you also say this in your message I quote above.
--Spike
At the same time it makes more sense to run a sufficient electrical to support ones system than installing a band aid fix known as a capacitor.At every additional power level take the necessary steps to support it,higher gauge wire, Big 3,additional battery and H.O alt. Imo capacitors have no place but thats just my opinion
Capacitors are not bandaids - they are part of the circuit board of nearly every electrical component produced that I can think of, ranging from things to go in your car, to things that don't. They serve a very specific function. Whether people (or shops) use them/recommend them correctly is a different discussion.
To say that they never have a place, ever, is like me saying you never need a quality, CD player with a good D/A converter, because an IPOD can hold exponentially more music and takes up less room. They reality is they are different things for different purposes depending on the circumstances under which you plan to use them.
Supporting mods are part and parcel of any installation....audio related or non. Depending on the setup, a properly sized/installed cap may be one such supporting mod.
Last edited by Z1 Performance; Jun 2, 2010 at 06:32 PM.
It's not that simple of a concept, but you explain it well.
Why would you run 3 amps when you can do the same with 2. Your output in nooo way needs a H.O alt which I can bet puts out much less under load than a real h.o. I would never trust my electrical(alt) to an audio shop go to a reputable company. RF p1's,p2's and p3's suck your setup doesnt quite make sense
P3 subs. Read before commenting and don't get mad you can't afford my setup. Modding cars is not for everyone.
http://www.woofersetc.com/p6117/P3D4...-Subwoofer.htm
Last edited by Shizzmaster2k; Jun 3, 2010 at 09:38 AM.
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And BTW being jealous over someones stereo system in their car is laughable. I am not 17 anymore.
Last edited by dave079; Jun 3, 2010 at 09:44 AM.
I have been there and done that. I have been through more systems than I can count. Affording and money it is not an issue. I spend my money on other things like my house and vacations. I have outgrown huge sound. All I said is you dont need a huge alternator for what you have.
And BTW being jealous over someones stereo system in their car is laughable. I am not 17 anymore.
And BTW being jealous over someones stereo system in their car is laughable. I am not 17 anymore.
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After reading a few threads recently and looking at all of the money I spent hooking up my car, it definitely wasnt worth it. Its cool at the beginning but my priorities have changed as well. I have to admit, some of the things I spent my money on was not worth it but you live and you learn I guess.
Not to thread jack but I think I'm going to sell my 350z and my G35 coupe. It's definitely time to wise up and start thinking about bigger and better things. Good luck OP on whatever route you take. Just make sure you make the more logical and financially smart choice!
lol I'd be about as jealous if you were dating a 300lb woman.
Exactly how much do you know? I mean... the JL 500/1 handles ohm loads different than most amps but since we obviously don't know anything. I'll use my old sub amp for as an example. If I ran one 4ohm sub it would push 450watts... if I ran two 4ohm subs, it pushes 900watts... ZOMG it doubled
Oh by the way... an audio setup isn't made up by the subs alone. P3's aren't exactly baller subs and just because they can handle 500 watts each doesn't mean much to me at all.
As far as affording your setup... I've been through way too many.
What a noob! I have 2 mono amps to power each individual sub and 1 4 channel amps for the speakers. When you attach one amp (in my case, jl 500/1) to two subs, it divides the power. Since I couldnt find someone to trade me a 1000/1 for my two 500/1, I just used those amps to power each sub so I would get 500 watts per sub. Also, how is my setup bad going with rockford p3 subs? I listed the link below for the specs of the
P3 subs. Read before commenting and don't get mad you can't afford my setup. Modding cars is not for everyone.
P3 subs. Read before commenting and don't get mad you can't afford my setup. Modding cars is not for everyone.
Exactly how much do you know? I mean... the JL 500/1 handles ohm loads different than most amps but since we obviously don't know anything. I'll use my old sub amp for as an example. If I ran one 4ohm sub it would push 450watts... if I ran two 4ohm subs, it pushes 900watts... ZOMG it doubled
Oh by the way... an audio setup isn't made up by the subs alone. P3's aren't exactly baller subs and just because they can handle 500 watts each doesn't mean much to me at all.
As far as affording your setup... I've been through way too many.
Last edited by blasian; Jun 3, 2010 at 09:56 AM.
lol I'd be about as jealous if you were dating a 300lb woman.
Exactly how much do you know? I mean... the JL 500/1 handles ohm loads different than most amps but since we obviously don't know anything. I'll use my old sub amp for as an example. If I ran one 4ohm sub it would push 450watts... if I ran two 4ohm subs, it pushes 900watts... ZOMG it doubled
Oh by the way... an audio setup isn't made up by the subs alone. P3's aren't exactly baller subs and just because they can handle 500 watts each doesn't mean much to me at all.
As far as affording your setup... I've been through way too many.
Exactly how much do you know? I mean... the JL 500/1 handles ohm loads different than most amps but since we obviously don't know anything. I'll use my old sub amp for as an example. If I ran one 4ohm sub it would push 450watts... if I ran two 4ohm subs, it pushes 900watts... ZOMG it doubled
Oh by the way... an audio setup isn't made up by the subs alone. P3's aren't exactly baller subs and just because they can handle 500 watts each doesn't mean much to me at all.
As far as affording your setup... I've been through way too many.
Lol! I thought it was funny too. It's been a long day at work for me as well. I work in IT but I'm fortunate the CEO of my company allows internet access and doesn't block employees from using it.
Hoping to be moving soon.
