Help Prepare Electrical for SQ 2200D

[anger 10+ year member]

I've read a ton of threads on the topic of batteries, alts and wire gauge but haven't found any definitive answers. If there is one that relates to my situation specifically, feel free to point me in that direction.

I currently have an optima yellow top under the hood, stock 130 amp alt, NO big 3 and 4 gauge to a dist. block...and from there, 4 gauge to my RF t1000BDcp (~1000w rms @ 1 ohm) and 4 gauge to an unknown 4 ch (~50w rms x 4 @ 4ohm). Voltage dips to low 12s.

I have just under $1,500 saved up for this upgrade and want to spend wisely. Hopefully that's enough. I am pretty set on the SQ 2200D which would leave me with about a grand for electrical. This is where I get lost...

I think the big 3 is obvious, but how do I determine batteries needed? I've seen calculations based on Ah and then manufacture's recommendations contradict these formulas.

Do I need to consider replacing the optima up front when adding a different make in the rear?

And lastly (for now), how do I determine if/when I need a higher output alternator?

TIA

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[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

That's mostly dependant on your car. Some like my z71. Need a ho alt for anything over 1000 rms. some will support 2000 rms. but for that amp 1-2 good agm batts dump the optima fit a battery under the hood. And a group 31 in the back then prolly a 200 amp ho alt and your good

 

[CSCStang]

I've read a ton of threads on the topic of batteries, alts and wire gauge but haven't found any definitive answers. If there is one that relates to my situation specifically, feel free to point me in that direction.
I currently have an optima yellow top under the hood, stock 130 amp alt, NO big 3 and 4 gauge to a dist. block...and from there, 4 gauge to my RF t1000BDcp (~1000w rms @ 1 ohm) and 4 gauge to an unknown 4 ch (~50w rms x 4 @ 4ohm). Voltage dips to low 12s.

I have just under $1,500 saved up for this upgrade and want to spend wisely. Hopefully that's enough. I am pretty set on the SQ 2200D which would leave me with about a grand for electrical. This is where I get lost...

I think the big 3 is obvious, but how do I determine batteries needed? I've seen calculations based on Ah and then manufacture's recommendations contradict these formulas.

Do I need to consider replacing the optima up front when adding a different make in the rear?

And lastly (for now), how do I determine if/when I need a higher output alternator?

TIA

Do the big 3 to start with and go with 1/0 for it. I have a stock 135 alt and I'm on the stock battery. Before the big 3, I was dimming and getting drops just above 12.5. After the 3 it's not dropping below 13.8 on big bass hits. I'm running close to 2k watts atm. Try the 3 first, then add if you need to.

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

With that much power high end batteries are of little value if you don't have a current SOURCE to power the amps AND charge the batteries.

So the order of importance to me is...

1a) HO Alt

2) Big 3

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.

.

.

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3) Whatever good/extra battery (or batteries)

As long as the alternator is turning and producing output the battery's involvement in the audio system is (well, should be) minimal. They pick up brief current surges, and take over when the alternator's output is exceeded -- but if your alt is operating in that condition very often you'll be replacing it every month. Which is why I'm saying HO first.

 

[C1500martin 10+ year member]

Yea it depends on the car i have 90 c1500 similar to mylows10. Im running all Sky High 1/0 ofc agm die hard under hood and xp2500 in rear and i still dipped below 12 im running a sq2200 and a q4-120so i just bought the biggest HO alt i can afford which was 320 6 phase alt. Im still waiting on it but i really hope this would help me out.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

i agree an HO alt is the best investment. since a big 3 upgrade is required with an HO alt, the two are mutual. after that, batteries to suit.

 

[anger 10+ year member]

First, thanks for the quick input. So if results vary that much between vehicles, it seems like there really is no definitive answer. Maybe just an order of priority? I think I'll try something like mylows10 suggested and see where that puts me. I feel like that should be plenty for the power I'm lookin' at...overkill won't hurt, right? Or will it (besides the wallet)?

A couple last questions...

I doubt this will be the last sub amp I put in this truck, so, when I do purchase an alt, is there any reason to not buy the the most output I can afford? I read the 'Will a High Output Alternator Fry my car's Electrical System?' and I don't think it answers that specifically.

And lastly, any vendor/members I can help support here with my purchase? I'm not interested in used/refurb anything.

Thanks again.

 

[C1500martin 10+ year member]

Nope im sure i overkilled with my alt but its fine. As long as you install everything correct your good. Mylows10 is a great vendor here hit him up for your needs i got my alt off of him.

 

[CSCStang]

And lastly, any vendor/members I can help support here with my purchase? I'm not interested in used/refurb anything.

Thanks again.

Singer and Mechman are good ones.

 

[Dmac1991]

Nope im sure i overkilled with my alt but its fine. As long as you install everything correct your good. Mylows10 is a great vendor here hit him up for your needs i got my alt off of him.

actually it's not always good to overkill with your alt lol

 

[C1500martin 10+ year member]

actually it's not always good to overkill with your alt lol

well i overkilled for that exact idle reason the 6 phase 320 gave me the best idl performance and i live in LA so 99% of my driving time i am in traffic idling lol. but yea I'm sure i could've gotten away with a 220 conventional alt

 

[anger 10+ year member]

So, I ordered the Singer 320A 6 phase hp HO alt (thx mylows10) and am now looking at the sq3500 rather than the 2200 'cause...**** it, why not, right? Just want to run it past a few heads here before I pull the trigger. Last time I bought an amp, without advice, I payed $700+ for the RFT1000bdcp...still stoked on that.

That $800 price tag is really pushing my budget so I can't do much more. Please let me know if there's something else I should consider in that price range. I'm not interested in used equipment.

Any word on the sundown capped voltage amps???

Thanks again