I am thinking about buying 2 rockford fosgate punch 15" subs and an 1800 watt amp (also including sub box and wires) from someone that i know. I listened to them last night and they sounded amazing. My question is: Will they amp run off a stock alternator? I drive a 1999 Grand Am GT coupe (in case that helps). He told me that it is a "high-efficiency" amp, which only draws like 30 watts or something like that. Im not sure what brand the amp is either, i forgot to ask that. I really don't want to buy a HO alternator if i don't have too because i heard they are quite expensive. So basically, will this system work in my car without having to purcahse anything else? And is there such a thing as a "high-efficiency" amp?
2007-03-23 05:02:33 · 5 answers · asked by mw_03_2004 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Audio
high efficiency amp is a amp operating as a class C amp. That means that the transistors conduct less than 180 deg of a cycle. For the purest sound, you would want a Class A amp but they pull a lot of current. I would say that almost all of the amps operate class C now days.
What is the amp rating of your current alternator? 30 maps is a fair amount of current but I would think it would handle it. If it doesn't, then you will have to buy a high output alternator. So roll the dice and take a chance. Good luck.
2007-03-23 05:18:57 · answer #1 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look at the total watts RMS (not peak or MAX) of the amp, if it's more than 1000 watts RMS 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 the power wire between the battery and alternator and the ground strap.
Failure to do this will result in you replacing them anyway as the alternator will eventually fail.
Here is a guide that will calculate what size alternator and power wires you need http://www.datafilehost.com/download.php?file=6d26c621
You'll need Microsft Excel to use it.
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2007-03-23 12:37:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You said "He told me that it is a "high-efficiency" amp, which only draws like 30 watts or something like that.". I am going to assume you meant 30 amperes. Now, I am going to calculate this for you, Volts x Amperes = Watts. 12.5 volts x 30 amps = 375 watts, and that is before figuring in the efficiency of the amp. If the amplifier only draws 30 amps, it is physically impossible for this amp to produce any more than 375 watts, even if it is 100% efficient (normal efficiency is 50-80%). Check the fuses on the amp, if it is only one 30 amp fuse, you have yourself a 250 watt amp, period! when your amplifier draws more than 80 amps of current, that is the only time you need to worry about upgrading your alternator.
2007-03-23 15:46:32 · answer #3 · answered by Andrew K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes the amp will work.up to a point it dont matter how many watts its pulling its the amps look at the bottom of the amp an see if it draws more than 60 amps if not dont worry ride on if so it is a G M nothing to change the altanator
2007-03-23 12:15:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you use a capacitor then more then likely yes don't believe everyone on here trying to sell stuff for on-line company's
2007-03-23 12:10:28 · answer #5 · answered by J-roge 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋