Hi everyone,

Alright so the system I have right now is causing my headlights to dim with every deep bass note . I am wondering, if I choose not to get a cap, will my alternator eventually die out on me? Should I get the cap for the system? What should I do?

System:
Kenwood KDC-MP5032 deck ---- 2, 1000watt 4ch Pyramid Power amps,
2, 6"X9" Pioneer 240watt 3ways ---- 2, 6" Pioneer 180watt 3ways
2, 600watt jensen subs in a ported box.


Thanks

 

You don't need a cap.
Do a search for the "big 3" and start there.

If you're battery is old, thats also a good place to start. There's no reason you should be dimming any if at all on a stock electrical system with that setup (unless ofcourse you don't have the gains set properly and are clipping the amp when the bass hits).

 

hey, thanks for all the help.
My only question is; what do you mean clipping the amp with the gain settings? What is that, and how do I fix it?

thanks

 

First thing you're going to do is make sure your gains are set correctly. Do a search if you don't know how to do this.

Second, check your amp grounds and make sure they are nice and clean with good contact in an appropriate location.

Third, big 3 upgrade. Again do a search if you are uneducated on this.

Forth, if you still have dimming and your battery is still testing strong a new alternater is what you need. If the alternater is testing good you may need a larger amperage unit. Just adding a cap or a second battery is just going to add more of a load on the alternater and if it can't keep the voltage up now it'll just be worse with either of those and burn the alternater up that much quicker.

 

Thats a good list of steps. Keep in mind, your electrical system is only as strong as the weakest link. If your alternator is weak or not producing enough current to power your system, you will have nothing but problems no matter what you add (caps/batteries).

 

if you wish to embrace this hobby you will have to eventually move into a heavy duty, or high output alt. a stock electrical system cannot keep up with the demand of amplifier current draw. on a good day a stock alt (depending on the vehicle) with put out around 100-120 amps. now when it reaches operating temperature look for a reduction of that number up to a loss of 40% capacity.

sorry to say, its just a matter of time, i speak from experience. (burned my alt up last week).

 

Will a stock alt be fine if I were to just install a new head unit paired with 6.5's in the front with tweeters and a pair of 6x9's in the back and a 4 channel amp?

 

Your stock alternator should be able to adequately power that setup.

 

So then it's just basically the sub(s) that are the culprit for burning out alternators in select setups?