1000W system: do I need more than Big 3?

[Golitan11]

I have an Alpine Type-R SWR-12D4 subwoofer (1000W RMS) and an Alpine MRX-M110 amplifier (1100W RMS) and after a lot of research, I don't know if I will need more than doing the Big 3 (when I will install it and drive it). I know most of you don't like capacitors and prefer Big 3 but will my Toyota Matrix 2004 will be able to handle this? If Big 3 really act like a big straw will it drain the battery faster than before (but have better power flow)? I just wanna know if I absolutely need a new alternator or battery, or if I can just stick with Big 3 (or nothing), that's it. Thanks.

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[Better-Action 10+ year member]

You could run 1k without the big 3. Caps aare worthless if you want more power, actually does the opposite.

Might as well di the big 3 anyway just to get that power flowing easier, but honestly you could get away with not doing anything special. Just proper size wire and a solid ground.

 

[Golitan11]

Ok great thanks. Anyone agree with this?

 

[Ahmed Johnson]

Yes. I agree with him.

 

[SounDrive Pro Seller]

You could run 1k without the big 3. Caps aare worthless if you want more power, actually does the opposite.

Might as well di the big 3 anyway just to get that power flowing easier, but honestly you could get away with not doing anything special. Just proper size wire and a solid ground.

Seeing how his stock alt is 80a, this isn't a very wise recommendation. I would personally want an upgraded alternator if it was a viable option -- if not at least a stock sized AGM battery under the hood. I would also do the big 3 in a mininum of 4ga wire just to help.

If you do go the AGM route, invest in a decent trickle charger and throw your car on the charger every once in a while, especially if you've been riding around at full tilt.

 

[Golitan11]

Do you think Big 3 will be enough? If not in what way it will affect my system? There will be a big difference between 0-gauge and 4-gauge wires? Thanks.

 

[SounDrive Pro Seller]

Do you think Big 3 will be enough? If not in what way it will affect my system? There will be a big difference between 0-gauge and 4-gauge wires? Thanks.

There won't be much of a difference between 4ga and 1/0 since there's only 80 amps of current in your car. Personally I'd only go with 1/0 if the money isn't a big concern or if you plan on upgrading your system to be larger in the future. Also, get a voltmeter for the dash and run a wire back to your amp. I personally like the Stinger voltmeters (AudioTechnix voltmeters are the same exact thing and are $22 shipped). You can report back what your voltage looks like and see if you need any upgrades beyond the big 3 or not.

 

[Golitan11]

From what voltage is it considered bad? What it will do to the system if it goes below? Thanks for your nice help.

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

From what voltage is it considered bad? What it will do to the system if it goes below? Thanks for your nice help.

any thing below resting battery voltage ,12 volts is bad ,and can cause clipping and blow the subs and or amp

 

[naughtyca 10+ year member]

invest on a volt meter first to see where your voltage are at, I have 3 of them, one connected to cig lighter, one for sub amp and one for mid and highs amp.

you probably just need 1 for sub amp. connect your volt meter to the sub amp to see the actual voltage of the sub amp

 

[psych0ticnemes1 5,000+ posts]

I have an 07 Vibe, which is basically the same car. With the big 3 and only 1k ish, you should be fine. However, if you like to play your system loud for a long time, I would upgrade your starter battery and add a good size battery in the back. Then you'll be golden.