I have a 1600w amp and was wondering if I need a extra battery or better alternator or anything of that sort?

Question

1600w Lanzar AMP

2 MTX Jackhammers 800w each

Answer 1

No, you don't need anything not really enough power to cause power drainage. Althoug u may need another amp to help push those 2 subs..

Answer 2

If your total system power is 1000 watts RMS or more,  you will need to:

1. Upgrade the alternator to a high output alternator

2. Upgrade to a heavy duty deep cycle battery

3. Upgrade the "Big 3" - that is to replace (or add to) the power wire between the battery and alternator, the ground from the battery to the chassis and the ground strap from the engine/tranny to the chassis with at least 2 AWG wire.

Failure to do this will result in the early death of the alternator  as it will eventually fail.

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A second battery is never a good idea as it's an added strain on the alternator to charge two batteries AND supply power for the car. The ONLY time a second battery is useful is if the audio system is to be used with the car off.

A capacitor is only good so far as the audio system isn't trying to pull too much from the electrical system. A cap doesn't provide more power, it's designed to 'stiffen' the voltage to the amp, nothing else. If the current isn't there, a cap won't help.

The alternator must have at least 20% more amperage power than the entire vehicle and sound system combined for a cap to be of benefit which is ironically the same requirements for an amp to be efficient.

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Answer 3

No, u shouldnt need anything

Answer 4

yea you will probably need a new alternator.

Answer 5

your good that amp only puts out about 400 watts rms

Answer 6

Most likely yes if its true 1600RMS power you will need to upgrade your alternator.

Now.. Lanzar is NOT cea compliant so I HIGHLY doubt its true 1600RMS.

Hey, it might even be 800RMS you will never know thats why I only will ever buy a cea compliant amp.

But if your lights dim severely and your RPM drops severely at idle, yea your going to need a high output alternator, or if your alt is making weird noises, go upgrade it but for now see what happens.

Answer 7

The way your system is right now, you don't really need to worry about it, because that amp will only be putting out 800rms at most, and chances are you are going to push your amp into clipping, and blow your subs long before your car get injured.

Sorry, but it's the truth.  Seen it 1.867 Million times.  Decent subs, crappy amp, ego issues that cause you to show of to your friends, and BAM!... subs blown, problem solved.

The best solution is to get rid of that amp, pick up the MTX amp designed for your subs, upgrade the alternator, battery, ground strap, and possibly add a second battery and power isolator if you plan on running them when the car is off.