Ok i have a few questions, and im hopeing for some comments as well.
Here Goes
System Specs:
Eclipse 5601 8.3v pre-out HU
2 AudioBahn FlameQ 1251T (400rms)
In Single Chamber Box (each sub has own chamber)
AudioBahn 2601T Amp (420 rms Mono Chan)
SoundStorm 400x4
Ok
I have a dist. block with a 80amp fuse running the AudioBahn amp and a 60amp fuse running the SoundStorm
Both are drawning lots of power
The votlage readout on the 2601T is around 14.0v and when subs hit, drops to around 13.2-13.5 and the lights dim.
What would i be more efficient running, a Cap, or Auxillary Battery with battery isolator?
I went for sound quality with this system (yet i know about the soundstorm amp, cash is low) what type of interior speakers would be good for sound quaility at 400x4?
I was hopeing for all audiobahn, but what would make my sound quality great.
I have Monster Cable throughtout the car, 6 gage interior wireing to subs and to sub terminals. 12 gage to my interiors.
Any questions comments would be great!
Replies (5)
Romulus on 09/3/2003 13:20:47
Its a 99 ford escort LX
Tray on 09/3/2003 14:15:09
Well, let's start at the beginning.80a + 60a = potential current draw of 140 amps. Being that you have a 99 escort, I am assuming you have an alternator that is probably between 65 and 85 amps, being very generous on the upper end.
Next, cap vs aux batt. Neither will solve your problem here. The aux battery would help more than the cap would, but when it comes down to it, you'll still need a bigger alternator.
As for your amp. I am guessing you have the Soundstorm F400.4? If so, it is rated at 400x4 MAX. 200x4 RMS, and realistically I would guess it's only around 160x4 in usable power.
What size wiring are you running from the batt to the dist. block. Should be at least 2awg here, with the two power hungry amps.
What size/type of battery are you running? Improving this to one with a high CA rating could aide a little.
Have you upgraded the alt to batt, and batt to ground cables?
In order to get good SQ, I'd suggest a set of 6.5" components. You will need to make an adapter to fit them with the 6x8 hole, or expand the mounting location, but you will get a better sound (in my opinion) than coaxials, or a 6x8 component set.
As far as speaker recommendations go, I'd suggest looking elsewhere than Audiobahn. I've seen many deals for higher quality gear, at much better prices. Example
http://www.thezeb.com/caraudio/specials_speakers.html
or
http://www.carstereoworld.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CSW&Product_Code=DSE-216&Category_Code=MBQ
or
http://www.carstereoworld.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CSW&Product_Code=CSc60t&Category_Code=Cry
Romulus on 09/3/2003 15:40:07
Yes, the F400.4 Soundstorm.
I am running 2awg wireing back to the dist block.
If i were to upgrade my altenator, to say...120amps (if fezable) would i have any other power issues with my factory wiring?
Its still a stock battery, i know i need to upgrade it soon, what would you recomend?
And i would put in a aux battery, what would you recommend?
Tray on 09/3/2003 17:08:33
You should look into a 130 amp alt. I know they make them for the Ford Trucks, and don't know if they'd fit into your engine bay, but would be a good upgrade if possible.
As far as battery, if you are a member of Costco or Sam's Club, they have Optima Red Tops for just over $100.
Otherwise, look for the largest CA (Cranking Amps) you can find. CCA is not as important, but is usually stated in larger writing on the batts.
If you were to add an aux batt, I would definately recommend a gel cell battery (like the optima, or other).
As far as any power issues, no as long as you had a voltage regulator to run max 14.4 volts to the system, you should have no problems with the factory wiring.
Swez on 09/3/2003 17:31:00
All I can add to Trays comments are to install larger ALT/BAT & BAT/GND wires. The stock wires you have now are probably #8 or 10 gage at best. (Use #4 gage at min.)
Not enough wire diameter to handle all that current flow well or safely. He asked the question for that very reason and it will be important no matter what size ALT & BAT are used.... more current to feed the hungry little monsters in your hatch or trunk.
Bahn makes some pretty decent SPL subs and amps... very reasonably priced until you get into the monster amps. Their line of car speakers are well built and designed for moderate power handling. Banh is an oddball in that they rate their interior speakers in RMS power per pair. Make a note of that!
The amp you have now... SS F400.4 , if it really can do 200 RMS per channel, good luck finding speakers that can take that level of power without cooking. That's one area you can cut power consumption too... use less of this amp... like 75-100 RMS is plenty and there are speakers out there that can manage that.... but generally not cheap.
Swez
Here Goes
System Specs:
Eclipse 5601 8.3v pre-out HU
2 AudioBahn FlameQ 1251T (400rms)
In Single Chamber Box (each sub has own chamber)
AudioBahn 2601T Amp (420 rms Mono Chan)
SoundStorm 400x4
Ok
I have a dist. block with a 80amp fuse running the AudioBahn amp and a 60amp fuse running the SoundStorm
Both are drawning lots of power
The votlage readout on the 2601T is around 14.0v and when subs hit, drops to around 13.2-13.5 and the lights dim.
What would i be more efficient running, a Cap, or Auxillary Battery with battery isolator?
I went for sound quality with this system (yet i know about the soundstorm amp, cash is low) what type of interior speakers would be good for sound quaility at 400x4?
I was hopeing for all audiobahn, but what would make my sound quality great.
I have Monster Cable throughtout the car, 6 gage interior wireing to subs and to sub terminals. 12 gage to my interiors.
Any questions comments would be great!
Replies (5)
Romulus on 09/3/2003 13:20:47
Its a 99 ford escort LX
Tray on 09/3/2003 14:15:09
Well, let's start at the beginning.80a + 60a = potential current draw of 140 amps. Being that you have a 99 escort, I am assuming you have an alternator that is probably between 65 and 85 amps, being very generous on the upper end.
Next, cap vs aux batt. Neither will solve your problem here. The aux battery would help more than the cap would, but when it comes down to it, you'll still need a bigger alternator.
As for your amp. I am guessing you have the Soundstorm F400.4? If so, it is rated at 400x4 MAX. 200x4 RMS, and realistically I would guess it's only around 160x4 in usable power.
What size wiring are you running from the batt to the dist. block. Should be at least 2awg here, with the two power hungry amps.
What size/type of battery are you running? Improving this to one with a high CA rating could aide a little.
Have you upgraded the alt to batt, and batt to ground cables?
In order to get good SQ, I'd suggest a set of 6.5" components. You will need to make an adapter to fit them with the 6x8 hole, or expand the mounting location, but you will get a better sound (in my opinion) than coaxials, or a 6x8 component set.
As far as speaker recommendations go, I'd suggest looking elsewhere than Audiobahn. I've seen many deals for higher quality gear, at much better prices. Example
http://www.thezeb.com/caraudio/specials_speakers.html
or
http://www.carstereoworld.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CSW&Product_Code=DSE-216&Category_Code=MBQ
or
http://www.carstereoworld.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CSW&Product_Code=CSc60t&Category_Code=Cry
Romulus on 09/3/2003 15:40:07
Yes, the F400.4 Soundstorm.
I am running 2awg wireing back to the dist block.
If i were to upgrade my altenator, to say...120amps (if fezable) would i have any other power issues with my factory wiring?
Its still a stock battery, i know i need to upgrade it soon, what would you recomend?
And i would put in a aux battery, what would you recommend?
Tray on 09/3/2003 17:08:33
You should look into a 130 amp alt. I know they make them for the Ford Trucks, and don't know if they'd fit into your engine bay, but would be a good upgrade if possible.
As far as battery, if you are a member of Costco or Sam's Club, they have Optima Red Tops for just over $100.
Otherwise, look for the largest CA (Cranking Amps) you can find. CCA is not as important, but is usually stated in larger writing on the batts.
If you were to add an aux batt, I would definately recommend a gel cell battery (like the optima, or other).
As far as any power issues, no as long as you had a voltage regulator to run max 14.4 volts to the system, you should have no problems with the factory wiring.
Swez on 09/3/2003 17:31:00
All I can add to Trays comments are to install larger ALT/BAT & BAT/GND wires. The stock wires you have now are probably #8 or 10 gage at best. (Use #4 gage at min.)
Not enough wire diameter to handle all that current flow well or safely. He asked the question for that very reason and it will be important no matter what size ALT & BAT are used.... more current to feed the hungry little monsters in your hatch or trunk.
Bahn makes some pretty decent SPL subs and amps... very reasonably priced until you get into the monster amps. Their line of car speakers are well built and designed for moderate power handling. Banh is an oddball in that they rate their interior speakers in RMS power per pair. Make a note of that!
The amp you have now... SS F400.4 , if it really can do 200 RMS per channel, good luck finding speakers that can take that level of power without cooking. That's one area you can cut power consumption too... use less of this amp... like 75-100 RMS is plenty and there are speakers out there that can manage that.... but generally not cheap.
Swez
Copyright ClubKnowledge 2009 * All Rights Reserved
