Consumer Electronics Association is working on a new amplifier measurement voltage standard. Some guy is insisting it should be 14.4V because that is "typical." Gee, really? Can you tell me YOUR voltage, and how measured? Preferred is at the amp power terminals, engine at 2000 RPM (best case), otherwise engine idling.
Thanks!
P.S. Any comments about other cars you've measured are helpful too.
Typical charging system voltage is 13.8 - 14.4 volts
When selecting amps you should keep an eye on how they are rated.
Most amplifiers will put out more power at higher voltages, I know a guy who wired Three 6-volt batteries in series to get a 18volt source it his amps really ran hard for a week then they cratered.
The Brands that I buy usually have both, the 12 volt rating and the 14.4 volt rating. While some Other brands will only put one. If they put the 14.4 volt rting and you plan to run your stereo without the engine running you won't get the full output thet you are expecting.
Many companies will rate their equipment in unreallistic conditions. They'll run an amp at 24 volts in a freezer (to keep it cool), then tell you the output at this operating level. These companies may not tell you the conditions under which the amp was rated. While it would be a great output, I don't think you'll run the amp in your car at 24 volts, you couldn't keep it cool enough.
