Larger alternator for 2 12"s?

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df2x4

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He will probably need a larger alternator if he wants to avoid voltage drop under load. 1600W (assuming that's a continuous rating) means he'll be drawing quite a bit of current just to run that amp. Dual batteries will only help with reserve capacity, they won't do anything for voltage drop. Stay away from capacitors, they're a cheap and dirty band aid. A good single AGM battery capable of very fast charging and discharging (I recommend Odyssey Extremes) and a strong alternator combined with the big 3 wiring upgrade mentioned above is the recipe to follow.
 

df2x4

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These guys make some of the best high output alternators available. Sticker shock warning, they are priced accordingly.

https://www.dcpowerinc.com/

Those Odyssey Extreme batteries I mentioned aren't cheap either, but they're worth it. Whatever you do stay away from Optima. I know it's tempting because of their price and past reputation, but their quality control has gone to sh*t over the past decade or so. I killed two Optima yellow tops in less than a year before I switched my vehicles to Odysseys.
 

kennythewelder

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He will probably need a larger alternator if he wants to avoid voltage drop under load. 1600W (assuming that's a continuous rating) means he'll be drawing quite a bit of current just to run that amp. Dual batteries will only help with reserve capacity, they won't do anything for voltage drop. Stay away from capacitors, they're a cheap and dirty band aid. A good single AGM battery capable of very fast charging and discharging (I recommend Odyssey Extremes) and a strong alternator combined with the big 3 wiring upgrade mentioned above is the recipe to follow.
Yea, thats the thing. Is it 1600 peek power? ( kind of what I was thinking ) or 1600 continuous power will make a big difference, as will how hard you push the system.
 

N_nick

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He will probably need a larger alternator if he wants to avoid voltage drop under load. 1600W (assuming that's a continuous rating) means he'll be drawing quite a bit of current just to run that amp. Dual batteries will only help with reserve capacity, they won't do anything for voltage drop. Stay away from capacitors, they're a cheap and dirty band aid. A good single AGM battery capable of very fast charging and discharging (I recommend Odyssey Extremes) and a strong alternator combined with the big 3 wiring upgrade mentioned above is the recipe to follow.

Ok I will do some research on these and see if I wanna bite the bullet. I too have stayed away from the yellow tops. Thanks for the help.

It is a continuous rating.
 

kennythewelder

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Keep in mind, what ever alt you decide to use, you still need to do the big 3 , or big 5 up grade.
 

df2x4

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Yeah, you'll be fine with the factory alternator with that amp.
 

df2x4

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That's what I would recommend, yes.
 
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