sup guys...
I have a 2001 civic, and I'm just putting the finishing touches on a new system in it. An Alpine 400 watt rms sub amp, and a clarion 4 channel at 60 rms/channel, running only 2 energy components up front so far, no rears. And no cap.

2 problems...

1. The (stock) alternator died today. It may have been on it's last legs anyway, putting out only just above 12 V around the time I started working on the system. Was this a sign of impending death before I even had the system really running?
Can a system like mine kill an alternator? If it did, would a cap have helped? ("someone" told me that was why it died...). Also, anyone know of a reputable place I could get a HO alt installed in the Mississauga area? Or will I be fine replacing it with the stock 70 amp alternator?

2. Just before my alt died, and I suspect it could be related, I stupidly reversed the power and ground on my alpine amp, blowing both 30 amp fuses on the amplifier when i reconnected the battery. I'm on pins and needles waiting to see if my amp is damaged. but I won't know till i get the car fixed, and pick up a couple of fuses. Could I have damaged the amp?

I was driving to crappy tire to pick up the fuses when the alternator died....just a coincidence?

sorry. I'm a noob. And I was getting tired when i hooked up the amp.
be gentle on me boys.
thanks in advance.