Car Stereos: low starter charge, good battery, watts rms, 1600 watt amp

Question
I have a 1600 watt amp hooked up to 2 pioneer 12's. I recently was experiencing my car shutting off but will crank back up immediately. I think that it may be my amp so i had it unhooked from my battery. My question to u is will that size amp kill the battery, alternator, and starter in a 1993 Buick Century? Also would u suggest that i get a smaller amp or have the wirin rechecked?

Answer
Erica, Amps are not all rated properly.  If you had an amp that put out 1600 "rms" watts, you would not be able to sit in it when it is cranked up.  Actually, about 300 watts will give you a splitting headache in just a few minutes.  Most cars that you hear driving down the street are no more than 200 watts "rms".  If you are running an amp that is 300 "rms" watts or higher, you will have to upgrade your cars charging system.  From the battery to the alternator to the wiring, it will all need to be replaced.  If your amp is less than 300 "rms" watts, you may just have a bad wire somewhere.  Hope this helps, Scott