12V vs. 14.4V Amp Confusion

[LeadFoot]

I'm the proud new owner of a 99 Solara V6 SE 5spd with 42000 miles on it. I'm getting ready to make my first upgrade which is to put a new sound system in it. I'm currently looking at putting a set of Focal Polyglass components up front powered by an Alpine t320 amp. However, in looking at the specs of this amp I am confused. It gives one wattage rating at 12V and another at 14.4. How do I hook it up in such a way as to power it with the full 14.4V? What wattage can I really expect RMS. Are there any recommendations for Amps in this price range? Thanks for any help.

[pro956]

I'm the proud new owner of a 99 Solara V6 SE 5spd with 42000 miles on it. I'm getting ready to make my first upgrade which is to put a new sound system in it. I'm currently looking at putting a set of Focal Polyglass components up front powered by an Alpine t320 amp. However, in looking at the specs of this amp I am confused. It gives one wattage rating at 12V and another at 14.4. How do I hook it up in such a way as to power it with the full 14.4V? What wattage can I really expect RMS. Are there any recommendations for Amps in this price range? Thanks for any help.

nice components
expect the wattage to be between the given power at 12v and 14.4 volts
your car batter will run at about 13.8 volts
the only way you can change this is by upgrading the alternator, battery, connections, and wire size

i'm not sure what price you're getting on that alpine amp, so let us know that and we'll recommend others...

[LeadFoot]

I've found the amp for $150 shipped. I'd be willing to pay slightly more if it were really worth it.

[B_Master_Flash]

The reason they give a rating for 14.4 and 12v is because 14.4v is the absolute highest possible input your amp could see, and in theory 12v is the absolute lowest. The alternator runs at 14.4v and the battery is 12v (the voltage of the battery has to be lower than the thing that is charging it) The alternator in our car can put out a max of prolly just under 100 amps, the more amps you are pulling the lower the voltage will be, and you can have a temporary draw of over 100 amps, the battery will supply the rest of the current, although its bad for your alternator and your battery.

[Jon11582]

Generally, the car makes 14.4V when its on, and 12V when the engines not on. What he saids right about the alternator and the Battery, one of which runs on 14.4V and the battery on 12V. Our alternator puts out 80A though...its pretty weak. You generally dont want to be pumping more juice out of your alternator than it can give at any moment, since it can weaken the rest of the circuit (one common effect is headlights dimming) and if you keep it constantly running more than the alternator puts out, youll eventually drain out the battery. Many people get capacitors for thier high-draw sound systems to avoid this.

[B_Master_Flash]

Many people get capacitors for thier high-draw sound systems to avoid this.

Capacitors are actually an extra load on your electrical system, the amp is the only thing that benefits from it.