Originally posted by LoneRanger Power supply = multiple batteries, high current alternator(s), upgraded wiring
A JBL 1200.1 needs 120 amperes of current draw to reach it's full potental at 2 ohms (i'm using this amp as an analogy because it's the one I know the most about). Let's say your stock alternator and battery are pretty beefy and will supply this amount of current even with every other electrical part of the car running (headlights, interior lights, cruise control, etc.). What happens when you add a second 1200.1? They have to share this power. So now they're only drawing half the needed current each (60 amps).
The result: The amps will only perform to half their potential. It'd be the same as only having one 1200.1. To make both amps put out their rated power, you need to supply them with 120 amperes each (120x2=240). The current draw runs up around 150 amperes if you run them at one ohm.
Now let's think in terms of a 1600w amp. It's certainly going to draw more power from the charging system than a 1200w amp (probably between 150 amperes and 160 amperes per amplifier, maybe more if you're running a low ohm load) so you'd need at least 300 spare amperes besides the current your car needs to run it's basic functions. In all reality, you'd need a charging system that puts out about 370 amperes of constant power to achieve the 3200 watts you desire and still have enough left over to keep your head lights from dimming. To achieve this, you'd need two very large high current alternators and at least two deep-cycle batteries. The alternators run about $250 each and the batteries are about $150 each. That's $800 for just the equipment, and you'll still have to machine a custom bracket to hold two alternators. Then figure in the cost of upgrading all your stock wiring to 0/1awg (about $2.50/foot), and it pushes the total up to about $900 (still not counting the cost of a custom machined double-alternator bracket.
Now you see why it's very expensive to compete in the high power classes //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif