How do people get higher voltages to power their amps?

[Falder 10+ year member]

I read about people saying their amp puts out (for example) xxx watts at 13.8 volts.

Now this 13.8 volts they're referring to, is it just the voltage their battery is at when the alternator is charging?, or do they have a external voltage regulator that is set to put out the 13.8 volts for their amp alone?

Tried searching and I couldn't really find anything.

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[IgnoreMe 5,000+ posts]

I read about people saying their amp puts out (for example) xxx watts at 13.8 volts.
Now this 13.8 volts they're referring to, is it just the voltage their battery is at when the alternator is charging?, or do they have a external voltage regulator that is set to put out the 13.8 volts for their amp alone?

Tried searching and I couldn't really find anything.

cars run on 12V systems.

car off, this means about 12.8V. car on, the alternator holds it up higher.this means about 13.8-14.5.

not a "higher voltage" at all.

 

[bad @SS chevy 10+ year member]

Some aftermarket alts. You can adjust the Level of voltage.

 

[Falder 10+ year member]

Alright, I just needed to be clarified, and yes I know that a fully charged battery is actually 12.8v. Not looking for rep but I'm a mechanic so I understand that. Thanks.

 

[IgnoreMe 5,000+ posts]

Alright, I just needed to be clarified, and yes I know that a fully charged battery is actually 12.8v. Not looking for rep but I'm a mechanic so I understand that. Thanks.

when they say they get this power at 13.8V its is usually because thats how the manufacturer rated them on the test bench. the manufacturer can keep a steady 13.8v to match what is likely in a car and get a wattage result.

if you see someone say they tested it and got xxx wattage @ 13.8 volts, just means that their voltage dropped to 13.8 (assuming they started out higher) and then they used the voltage and amperage that they measured to get a wattage result @ that voltage.