steveo55

I bought a JL W7 13.5 AE planning on getting a 1200x1 jl amp. Ive read they need a lot of juice. Im worried it will damage the alternator. I was running alpine type X with alpine 1000x1 amp no problems. The JL looks and sound way better just need the new amp.

CriMe

Hi Steve, I'm interested in this as well. I actually have a 12w7 with the HD1200/1 and HD600/4 pushing my mids. Upgraded to an AGM battery already but the Interior lights do dim pretty significantly when the music is loud. Can anyone point us in the right direction for reliable brands / vendors for HO alternators?

steveo55

Hey thanks for responding. So how do you like the HD 1200x1 amp. Im torn between that one and the slash 1200x1 model. Im running my old amp still but its for sure not hitting as hard as it should. Im also getting a bunch of rattles from the trunk. I think im going to have to take the car to get dynomatted

CriMe

The HD1200 and W7 combination literally blew me away. It provided a lot more bass than I was expecting, and more bass than I can ever see myself needing. I'm really happy for the remote level control because I surely would have been deaf by now . The sound is surprisingly accurate and tight for a ported 12". Before this, I had a 10w6v3 with a XD600/1. I have not had any issues with the HD1200 and the small footprint is awesome.

Based on some research, I reached out to "Irragi" alternators for a quote on making a HO alt for my vehicle. I will await their response and see what they have to say. If they are able to build one, I will pass the details on to you. They seem to be a very reputable company with a proven track record.

CriMe

Well Steve, I never received a response from Irragi, and I also reached out to Excessive Amperage, and I didn't get a response either. So I added a second AGM battery in my trunk with a PAC-200 isolator, and I am happy to report that this resolved my dimming issue, and my system sounds perfect now. Before, with my electrical system under high load from my sub & amps, my tach would 'dance' down to around 520, and my lights would dim to the point where it looked like they would shut off. Adding the second battery has resolved all of this. Good luck with your system, and let me know how it turns out.

isfdude

iTrader: (11)

There is nothing wrong with a higher amp alternator. You might want to get a big capacitor too as that plays a big part in stabilizing voltage.

specONE

iTrader: (3)

His second battery is already acting as a "capacitor".
Additional capacitor for him would be redundant.

But be careful with the additional battery (or capacitor)
What you end up doing is stressing the stock alternator even more so.
Imagine, Alternator is designed to keep factory vehicle running, factory battery topped off.
And now You added a power hungry amplifier sound system that is putting strain on the factory alternator that already has to keep the car running and topping stock battery.
And then you go ahead and added one more (secondary battery) for it to deal with .

Capacitors (in your case the secondary battery) are considered "band-aids" to the problem. Higher output alternator is the real solution to dimming lights.

steveo55

Thanks to both of you guys for your help

isfdude

iTrader: (11)

With whatever you do keep us on the forms posted.