Question on Volts for amps

[LightningStryk7 10+ year member]

I have the Alpine MRD-M301 Amplifier and it says its rated at 350 watts rms @ 14.4v and 250 rms @ 12 volts. On my amplifier dispaly for Volts it always shows 12 volts. Is there any way to increase the voltage? I guess this is also more general for all amplifiers that have a 14.4 volt rating and a 12 volt rating. Im just wondering why they also give you the watts @ 14.4 volts unless theres a way to increase voltage.

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[aphinney 10+ year member]

higher output from the head unit and better alt and batter will help..

 

[jujumantb 10+ year member]

Head unit pre-out voltage has noting to do with what he is talking about.

When your car is running, your alternator puts out anywhere from 13.8-14.4 volts to your amp give or take, you are probably only looking at the amp's volt-meter when your car is turned off, in which case all the power is coming from your 12volt battery.

 

[LightningStryk7 10+ year member]

so your saying that my amp belches more power when my car is on?

 

[Randy Savage 5,000+ posts]

Yep.

Alternators charge at ~13-15v...with the car off, the battery will sit at ~12.5v or so

 

[jujumantb 10+ year member]

so your saying that my amp belches more power when my car is on?

precisely

 

[LightningStryk7 10+ year member]

thanks alot guys.