Buy HID's = No Dimming headlights... you will always experience some sort of voltage drop with a stereo system in a 12v application unless you could go with multiple batteries and charging systems that could keep up to your demands (not saying that you have a demanding system)

 

the best fix for dimming headlights... drive during the day

 

Sorry about the deleted post I misread the post i was commenting on and even then it sounded snooty so I just put it out of its misery ... I need more sleep

 

First off, what are HID's?

And second.... I really don't care about the dimming headlights, but I've heard that it's bad for my charging system if that much current is being drawn in surges when the bass hits.

I'd like to know if this should actually be a concern to me, or if it's just some random BS that's floating around.

 

High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights are those little round projector like headlights, they tend to be really bright and that blueish white coloration. They need special power converters to work (ballasts) as they are not a standard incandescent as they use an arc to produce the light. the bulbs are xenon metal halide bulbs.

The dimming lights are an indication the power demand of the stereo is greater than the power available in your electrical system. Is this a big deal... yes and no (it looks dumb) it pulls power from the battery even when the engine is running so the battery could suffer a shortened life, less power in the battery makes colt starts more difficult, it puts more load on the alternator. some cars electronics can be a little sensative to low or high voltages as well.

 

Alright that helps a lot, but because I don't have an endless supply of cash and I don't mind the dimming lights enough to change it for now, I'm going to leave the system as is for the time being. I'll upgrade the power system when I finally have the money to buy the new subs and want more out of my amp.

Another side-thought, any suggestions for 2 SQ subs that might suit my amp?

 

Wire and connectors for the Big 3 in 4 ga cost around $15......don't wait, if you are drawing that much power now the cost of a new alt and battery will be more than $15.....

HTH

 

I'd have to disagree with you on that one. He isn't drawing enough power for him to have multiple batteries. I'd do a big 3 then if that doesn't work then get 1 extra battery.
P.S. what type of vehicle do you drive?

 

Can you explain in a little more depth what the "Big 3" is? I mean I know what it involves but I mean which wires do I need to change, and where are the best grounding spots?

 

Use 1/0 wire to do this upgrade. Run 1 wire from the positive of your alternator to the positive of the battery. 1 from the negative of the battery to the body of the vehicle. 1 from the engine ground to the body.