Do I need a H.O. alternator

[shendrix777 10+ year member]

My setup is putting out about 1500 watts and when i put it up about 3/4 volume my sub amp cuts off. On heavy hitting songs it will cut off at 2/3. This problem has been plaguing me for a couple months and I know I need to do something soon cause the stress cant be too good for my amp. Anyways I was wondering what would be the fix Im pretty sure its the alternator considering my stock only puts out 70 amps. I went to one audio shop and they said the alternator is underpowered which i believe. At another shop the guy told me just to run a 2nd battery but that doesnt really make sense to me cause i dont think my alternator can handle an extra battery on top of the current one. Any help would be great and much appreciated and if it is the alternator what extra work would I have to do other than changing the alternator itself.

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[NoPh33rRaCiNg 10+ year member]

get a new alternator and check your grounds to see if thats the cutting off problem. adding 2nd battery with stock alt will kill it fast.

 

[shendrix777 10+ year member]

Ok cool thanks. I know it cuts off when the voltage drops below 12.

 

[Radioflyer97 10+ year member]

A 1500 W system should require ~104 Amps at 14.4volts at peak power. More than likely you'll never reach this level though. I'd suggest having about 80spare amps to run your setup safely. Check out http://www.4alterstart.com for excellent products, top notch customer service and good prices. I picked up a 180 amp CS144 for my silverado for less than $200