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Ok. I keep reading on amps that in order to receive full potential you need 14.4v. Whne I check the meter on what kind of power my amp is running at, it always says 12v. I know the battery is 12v as well so how do I get the 14.4? Is that hooked straight to the alternator or is there a capacitor or something? anyone know?

 
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When the car is running, you have 14 volts... WELL, actually anywhere from 13.6-14.7 is normal.. When it's really cold out, somedays I even see 14.9.
While the car is off, then you have 12 volts.

 
Rep Power: 279

SWEET!!! i was going to get a amp rated higher at 12v but i guess i can look at max now that i know my car is capable of putting out 14v. thanks a lot man.

 
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There's also the whole regulated vs. unregulated power supply thing. Probably nothing that you need to worry about though.

 
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Ha, I remember way back in the day when manufacturers' biggest advertisement for amplifiers was "Regulated power supply."

 
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Yeah, I think Sonys new big thing is their sub amps aren't regulated. More POWER!!! haha

 
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No I don't even know for sure if thats true. I thought I saw that somewhere in their new brochure but I couldn't find it today at work when I was looking for it.

 
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just buy any quality amp, and you'll be fine. the voltage ranges aren't really important as they're designed for cars. it really only applies if your car was a 24V system or something else, but those are typically industrial vehicles.

 
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thanks for the help guys... ima stick to the amp i wanted and hope everything goes good =D

 
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Ha or the good ol' 6v Jaguars!!!

 
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Don't forget positive ground. rofl

 
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Oh those are the best ones.. What makes it even better is TELLING a customer they have a positive ground and then you have to explain what it is and why it will cost them an extra.. well, lot of cash. Actually, that's a good time to sell a deep cycle battery and an alternator.. Someday, I think I might join the sales world instead...