QuestionI Have 3 Type R 12in Woofers on a Brutus 2000 Watt amplifier. I also have the amplifier hooked up on a Red Top 800 cc gel cell Batt. My complete audio system's running off of a factory radio. Everytime the bass starts to hit hard the bass cuts off from time to time. Do think that it could be the Hi low converter. The High's continue to play. I'm really not sure what it could be I need advice. I have a 01 Aurora What could it be?
AnswerThe amp is starving for power. The alternator is the power plant of the car. The ONLY purpose of the battery is to start the car and run the accessories with the engine off, that's it. A stock alternator can't keep up with those demands.
If your total system power is a 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 (you have that)
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 you replacing them anyway as the alternator will eventually fail and the amp will continue it's problem.
Here is a guide that will calculate what size alternator and power wires you need as well how to set the gain correctly http://www.datafilehost.com/download.php?file=6d26c621
You'll need Microsft Excel to use it. If you don't have Excel, use this link http://www.box.net/shared/nkkw1dhk4g
Other info:
A second battery is never a good idea as it's just an added strain on the alternator unless you plan on running the system with the engine off.
A cap 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 esle. If the current isn't there, a cap won't help.
An example where to find HO alternators http://www.4alterstart.com/highoutputalternators/
