I saw the biggest voltage drop imaginable tonight at work. One of the customers at the store I worked at just dropped a MegaSystem in his Accord, and used in between 2-4KW RMS foe amp power in the whole system. It sounded great (he said it hit 142DB, and I believe it) but the voltage dropped so hard I can barely believe that his car even runs and drives at the volume he listens at.
He has a digital cap (obviously worthless) with the voltage reading. It started at 13.8 volts, and it was at a low 10 volt reading BEFORE the bass hit. Then the bass hit, and it was fluttering from 8-9 volts.
Man, I thought the voltage drop in my ride (1-2 volts with everything on at full power) was severe......
Replies (13)
swez on 06/17/2007 12:48:17
That is severe and it will probably wind up killing his ALT and may take out his BAT as well.
Did this guy use heavy gage power lines for ground and power feeders? (1/0 gage is good up to 300 ampears of current draw continously with minimal series resistance losses)
Swez
PS It does prove a few things too. His electrical system can take some serious abuse. The Cap is useless.
30Hertz on 06/17/2007 14:37:21
Give it time....it'll kill his alternator, battery and probably his amplifier will go poof.
On a side note: 142dB with 2-4kw of power isn't really impressive =P. Its not bad, but if he rebuilt the enclosure it would go up. What type of subs was he using? I'm not familiar with the "MEGASYSTEM". My very 1st ported enclosure with a 15" XXX and 1600watts was hitting a 148dB on the TL at 33hz GRIN.
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 06/17/2007 15:49:01
Oh, I am sure his Alt will have a short life. He is running some sort of MTX subs, but he has other ones to put in, the guys that built his box screwed it up, so he is stil using his old subs. Also all of that was going to the 4 channel as well. That was combined.
He was running Moster Cable 0AWG to the D bloch and 4 Ga out of that, am not sure if he has even done his big 3. Still, for the city that I live in, thats a BAD system. My ghetto rig is one of the better all around systems around here. Rare that I hear one that really blows mine out of the water.
Honestly, for the money and wattage, I'm not too impressed (dude has invested 6 grand that he is verry proud of) and I know personally with 6 grand I would do a hell of a lot better than that.
One note on the MegaSystem.......You should know something about it 30, 148 Db's would probably take out anything in my area. Competition is not existant (at least that I can find, but certanly no USAC, DB Drags Ect.) no the market for carzy boom around here isn't much. When I get about a grand together, I can defintely do waay batter than that guy.
trunkisloud on 06/17/2007 21:07:03
i wouldnt mind hittin 142db....nothin to sneeze at....but im not into comp either....and not a lot of it goin on around my neck of the woods.....so someone could be top dog around here with those numbers....and you could get some major gear with $6,000...but why would one spend that much.....theres ways to make major sound with little money...my cousin put 2 roadmaster 8's from walmart in a folded horn enclosure and it beat like some healthy 12's in the back of a beretta with little power pushin it.....i had a single ma audio 12 in a 1.5 cft ported enclosure and it was bouncing full 1 liter cokes off the roof...i have video.....the amp and sub were 75 bucks ....a tad less than 6 grand.
30Hertz on 06/17/2007 21:22:15
Now what the heck did he spend 6k on...the car as a whole? or just the system. If he spent 6k on MTX gear.... I feel very sorry for the guy. For 6k you can buy top notch gear (for whatever application your going for) or at least have someone design you a top notch install and hit good numbers.
142 dB is ok...not horrible but certainly not admirable, at least not around here. Now if he was hitting that with a single 8", I'd be ok with it GRIN
You can easily spend LARGE amounts of money doing competition SQ, or SPL systems. However 6k for a street beater is ridiculous IMO unless your going for a show car system (not meant for SQ, or SPL competitions. Even still, it would have to be some 'so-so' equipment in a pretty elaborate install. True, Shops charge at least $60 an hour, but to spend 6k,,,,it would have had to be a big one.
Sorry, just hate to see people spend that much money for an ok number.
CLAP
-30
Victor on 06/18/2007 04:26:41
I wish i had clients willing to spend such kinda amount,, would have done a wonderful system ... $6000 is a very handsome budget...
it cud get you some top notch products, some great looking custom fibreglass install as well as electrical upgrade and high quality cabling..
what a waste of money to reach a uneventful goal of 142db's..
a single 10 if handled properly with 1Kwrms amp and a well designed horn loaded BP can easily take that SPL reading..
Victor...
jamesp on 06/18/2007 09:42:31
It amazes me to read Car Audio Mag's Good, Better, Best articles that have appeared in the last 2 issues.
The "good" setup in the recent edition has only a modest 4 ch anp and a low end, single 10" JL in the box setup....They use the factory speakers...for only 1500 bucks
The better setup gets a decent set of comps up front, coaxials in the back and a better ready built JL in the box w/, I believe 1 amp...price around 3500-4500 and keeps the factory HU
The best gets great comps, 2 amps and a single top of the line JL 12" subwoofer, and a very nice A/V head unit. The price is 13,500 dollars.This setup requires 2 interfaces to use the aftermarket HU. This system duplicated by a pro from CK who shopped carefully, would still be expensive but probably cost 5K or so(just a blind guess) This shop lists sports stars and maybe some music industry types as its clients. I see why.
Sorry about all of the posts above...I keep hitting a key with the cast on my left hand.GRIN
swez on 06/18/2007 18:21:58
Casted hand problems? No problem bro. I cleaned them up for you.
I'd love to get involved with a guy who wanted to spend $5-6 grand on his install. He'd get the best gear possible, a top notch system install and be one happy camper. In turn, I'd get a nice chunk of change for the effort and be one happy camper too. LOL
Ever notice how we do things here at CK? We listen to the poster, determine his goals, a budget and offer solid product options that are sure to deliver. Many then do the work themselves and never get left in the lurch on questions and problems as they pop up.
Yes, some guys will hunt around for a local installer and in some cases, that works out OK. But as we have read so many times, too many installers do a very poor job and troubles go out the bay doors, only to come back again or we help the poor guy fix it himself w/ guidance from the CK team. (I have seen a lot of shabby work and wound up fixing the mess for many as well)
What's my point? A guy who's not afraid to get his hands dirty, follows instructions well and pays attention to the details he gets from the CK team, often gets the best results at a substantial savings. Not only that, but he learns a good deal in the process too.
In a nutshell, most guys are able to do a fine job installing quality gears for a fraction of the cost most shops charge. All it takes is time, some careful research, a few basic tools and lots of patience. All we ask in return, is a donation to keep this site available to all. Not such a big deal huh?
Also, those who receive "extensive helps" from CK members could be considered for some kind of "tip" when the work is completed. Some offer a lot of one-on-one helps and a personal gratuity to any person(s) that go well beyond the basics to help others succeed, it seems fitting to make it worth their while too. (Or is that folly thinking on my part?) LOL
Swez
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 06/18/2007 19:49:59
He did spend the 6 g's on just the system. Mind you, he does have a flip out DVD unit, and those aren't cheap, awsome wiring and lots of it, big high power amps, a useless, but really pretty cap and paid retail for all of it.
I rerally wasn't too impressed with what he got for his duckets, but I figured I should share the MAJOR voltage drop taking place.
MrBrownstone on 06/20/2007 15:15:13
142dB with 2-4kw not impressive?
depends upon the frequency
30Hertz on 06/20/2007 15:44:21
If it was at 25-30hz...maybe ill be impressed............
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 06/21/2007 00:54:03
Really, for the money and power, I wans't impressed. Still one of the loudest in my nappy little neck of the woods
MrBrownstone on 06/21/2007 12:36:22
If it was at 40Hz, I'd be impressed.
Most SPL rides are at ~60Hz
He has a digital cap (obviously worthless) with the voltage reading. It started at 13.8 volts, and it was at a low 10 volt reading BEFORE the bass hit. Then the bass hit, and it was fluttering from 8-9 volts.
Man, I thought the voltage drop in my ride (1-2 volts with everything on at full power) was severe......
Replies (13)
swez on 06/17/2007 12:48:17
That is severe and it will probably wind up killing his ALT and may take out his BAT as well.
Did this guy use heavy gage power lines for ground and power feeders? (1/0 gage is good up to 300 ampears of current draw continously with minimal series resistance losses)
Swez
PS It does prove a few things too. His electrical system can take some serious abuse. The Cap is useless.
30Hertz on 06/17/2007 14:37:21
Give it time....it'll kill his alternator, battery and probably his amplifier will go poof.
On a side note: 142dB with 2-4kw of power isn't really impressive =P. Its not bad, but if he rebuilt the enclosure it would go up. What type of subs was he using? I'm not familiar with the "MEGASYSTEM". My very 1st ported enclosure with a 15" XXX and 1600watts was hitting a 148dB on the TL at 33hz GRIN.
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 06/17/2007 15:49:01
Oh, I am sure his Alt will have a short life. He is running some sort of MTX subs, but he has other ones to put in, the guys that built his box screwed it up, so he is stil using his old subs. Also all of that was going to the 4 channel as well. That was combined.
He was running Moster Cable 0AWG to the D bloch and 4 Ga out of that, am not sure if he has even done his big 3. Still, for the city that I live in, thats a BAD system. My ghetto rig is one of the better all around systems around here. Rare that I hear one that really blows mine out of the water.
Honestly, for the money and wattage, I'm not too impressed (dude has invested 6 grand that he is verry proud of) and I know personally with 6 grand I would do a hell of a lot better than that.
One note on the MegaSystem.......You should know something about it 30, 148 Db's would probably take out anything in my area. Competition is not existant (at least that I can find, but certanly no USAC, DB Drags Ect.) no the market for carzy boom around here isn't much. When I get about a grand together, I can defintely do waay batter than that guy.
trunkisloud on 06/17/2007 21:07:03
i wouldnt mind hittin 142db....nothin to sneeze at....but im not into comp either....and not a lot of it goin on around my neck of the woods.....so someone could be top dog around here with those numbers....and you could get some major gear with $6,000...but why would one spend that much.....theres ways to make major sound with little money...my cousin put 2 roadmaster 8's from walmart in a folded horn enclosure and it beat like some healthy 12's in the back of a beretta with little power pushin it.....i had a single ma audio 12 in a 1.5 cft ported enclosure and it was bouncing full 1 liter cokes off the roof...i have video.....the amp and sub were 75 bucks ....a tad less than 6 grand.
30Hertz on 06/17/2007 21:22:15
Now what the heck did he spend 6k on...the car as a whole? or just the system. If he spent 6k on MTX gear.... I feel very sorry for the guy. For 6k you can buy top notch gear (for whatever application your going for) or at least have someone design you a top notch install and hit good numbers.
142 dB is ok...not horrible but certainly not admirable, at least not around here. Now if he was hitting that with a single 8", I'd be ok with it GRIN
You can easily spend LARGE amounts of money doing competition SQ, or SPL systems. However 6k for a street beater is ridiculous IMO unless your going for a show car system (not meant for SQ, or SPL competitions. Even still, it would have to be some 'so-so' equipment in a pretty elaborate install. True, Shops charge at least $60 an hour, but to spend 6k,,,,it would have had to be a big one.
Sorry, just hate to see people spend that much money for an ok number.
CLAP
-30
Victor on 06/18/2007 04:26:41
I wish i had clients willing to spend such kinda amount,, would have done a wonderful system ... $6000 is a very handsome budget...
it cud get you some top notch products, some great looking custom fibreglass install as well as electrical upgrade and high quality cabling..
what a waste of money to reach a uneventful goal of 142db's..
a single 10 if handled properly with 1Kwrms amp and a well designed horn loaded BP can easily take that SPL reading..
Victor...
jamesp on 06/18/2007 09:42:31
It amazes me to read Car Audio Mag's Good, Better, Best articles that have appeared in the last 2 issues.
The "good" setup in the recent edition has only a modest 4 ch anp and a low end, single 10" JL in the box setup....They use the factory speakers...for only 1500 bucks
The better setup gets a decent set of comps up front, coaxials in the back and a better ready built JL in the box w/, I believe 1 amp...price around 3500-4500 and keeps the factory HU
The best gets great comps, 2 amps and a single top of the line JL 12" subwoofer, and a very nice A/V head unit. The price is 13,500 dollars.This setup requires 2 interfaces to use the aftermarket HU. This system duplicated by a pro from CK who shopped carefully, would still be expensive but probably cost 5K or so(just a blind guess) This shop lists sports stars and maybe some music industry types as its clients. I see why.
Sorry about all of the posts above...I keep hitting a key with the cast on my left hand.GRIN
swez on 06/18/2007 18:21:58
Casted hand problems? No problem bro. I cleaned them up for you.
I'd love to get involved with a guy who wanted to spend $5-6 grand on his install. He'd get the best gear possible, a top notch system install and be one happy camper. In turn, I'd get a nice chunk of change for the effort and be one happy camper too. LOL
Ever notice how we do things here at CK? We listen to the poster, determine his goals, a budget and offer solid product options that are sure to deliver. Many then do the work themselves and never get left in the lurch on questions and problems as they pop up.
Yes, some guys will hunt around for a local installer and in some cases, that works out OK. But as we have read so many times, too many installers do a very poor job and troubles go out the bay doors, only to come back again or we help the poor guy fix it himself w/ guidance from the CK team. (I have seen a lot of shabby work and wound up fixing the mess for many as well)
What's my point? A guy who's not afraid to get his hands dirty, follows instructions well and pays attention to the details he gets from the CK team, often gets the best results at a substantial savings. Not only that, but he learns a good deal in the process too.
In a nutshell, most guys are able to do a fine job installing quality gears for a fraction of the cost most shops charge. All it takes is time, some careful research, a few basic tools and lots of patience. All we ask in return, is a donation to keep this site available to all. Not such a big deal huh?
Also, those who receive "extensive helps" from CK members could be considered for some kind of "tip" when the work is completed. Some offer a lot of one-on-one helps and a personal gratuity to any person(s) that go well beyond the basics to help others succeed, it seems fitting to make it worth their while too. (Or is that folly thinking on my part?) LOL
Swez
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 06/18/2007 19:49:59
He did spend the 6 g's on just the system. Mind you, he does have a flip out DVD unit, and those aren't cheap, awsome wiring and lots of it, big high power amps, a useless, but really pretty cap and paid retail for all of it.
I rerally wasn't too impressed with what he got for his duckets, but I figured I should share the MAJOR voltage drop taking place.
MrBrownstone on 06/20/2007 15:15:13
142dB with 2-4kw not impressive?
depends upon the frequency
30Hertz on 06/20/2007 15:44:21
If it was at 25-30hz...maybe ill be impressed............
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 06/21/2007 00:54:03
Really, for the money and power, I wans't impressed. Still one of the loudest in my nappy little neck of the woods
MrBrownstone on 06/21/2007 12:36:22
If it was at 40Hz, I'd be impressed.
Most SPL rides are at ~60Hz
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