Hi all! First post. I've been doing a lot of research - forums, groups, manufacturer directly - I still do not have a good answer about how to move forward. Hang with me, I'm going to be as detailed as possible. I appreciate all insightful responses.
My current setup:
-2020 Lexus ES350
-72ah AGM in hood.
-130a Stock alternator (300a ordered and waiting)
-Big Four with OFC 0awg
-Fosgate T1500-bdCP pushing two CompQ 12"s (rated at 1800+ at 1ohm, yes underpowering slightly)
-Gain Set using AC's recs for LC2i and DD-1 for amp itself.
Right now my car sits at 14-14.1. Upon big bass drops, I can see this drop to about low 12s and occasionally 11.9. Right now I have adjusted the gain accordingly and listen accordingly so I do not drop as much. Average listening puts me at 13.6-14.1.
I plan on adding:
-Two either Alpine MRV-f300s or S-a32fs (still deciding - ultimately adding another 500w-600w)
-Helix DSP.2
-Upgrading main power to a 0awg, into fused distribution block.
-The aforementioned 300a alternator.
ANYWAY. Now time for the question: Do I NEED a second battery in the trunk.
-I have spoken with several people (granted they're all from various facebook groups, forums, etc (much like you reading this now)). They say no. They say with the total approximate 2300 watts of power, my 300a alternator, big four, and hood AGM will suffice.
-I have spoken with Autotech directly over the phone (they are the ones making my alt). They said I absolutely NEED TO. The woman suggested that if I do not have the proper reserve (quoted me 50ah/1000w, which varies from different sources), I will overwork my alternator and it will fail. She actually suggested my alternator would fail after weeks or months. She also suggests that I will still experience voltage drop because of my voltage regulator. I do not want to bypass this as I do not want to risk messing with the car's electrical features. She says there is a bypass option at 14.8 volts. She states my cars charging/battery warning light will display, and of course unpredictable about how my car's electrical features will operate will an elevated voltage. Do you think the 14.8v is okay to set as a charging voltage? I want to maintain as much power as I can while first and foremost ensuring safety and car longevity.
So from you, my beautiful people, will my electrical (300a/big4/AGM hood) sustain the demands of my ~2300w goal system? Or will I actually need to add a trunk battery. I am staying away from lithium. Thank you all for your time and thoughtful, insightful responses.
