Do you need loud car audio with a huge bass response? If yes, you must be thinking of upgrading the alternator. After all, the intensity of the sound solely depends on the power of the alternator. But how to upgrade alternator for car audio? What size alternator do I need for car audio?
First, the power demand of the car and the stereo system must be measured. An aftermarket amplifier or subwoofer can significantly increase the energy demand. Other car accessories like – Auxiliary lights (HD or LED lights) and electric fans also consume extra energy. Once you have determined the amperage demand, calculate the extra amperage you need. It will help to achieve the preferred sound quality with precision.
It’s best to ask a professional to assist you in this regard. However, in our content, we have highlighted essential tricks for choosing the right alternator for the car stereo system. We have also picked the 2 best alternators as well. So, hang on with us till the end and enjoy!
Contents
What Is the Role of an Alternator in Your Car Audio System?
In your car audio system, the alternator is mainly responsible for energy production. It basically charges the engine and runs the whole audio system. Usually, the built-in alternators are not powerful enough to produce high-fidelity sound. If you want to enjoy the loud sound, a high-power amp is a must. However, the power adjustment is really necessary in that case. Otherwise, a power deficit may lead to severe consequences. Your car may show unwanted issues like – dimmed headlights or flickering dash lights.
When Should You Go for an Alternator Upgrade?
The alternator is the center of energy in your automotive system. So, if your car’s energy demand increases, going for an upgraded alternator becomes necessary.
- Have you installed high-power amplifiers and subwoofers in your car audio system? If so, they can increase the energy demand for your car. So, you will obviously need a high-output alternator. Otherwise, a power deficit will lead to conditions like – dimmed and flickering lights.
- Are you an offroad driver? If yes, you might think of installing additional LED or HID lights. But they can consume the extra amount of power. Thus, upgrading the alternator becomes a must!
- If you are using an upgraded cooling system, you will need to upgrade the alternator as well. After all, electric fans can severely load the electrical system.
Why Should You Upgrade the Alternator? Let’s Consider It’s Benefits First!
High-output alternators are certainly beneficial in various ways. It can distribute electricity effectively to numerous components and accessories as per the vehicle’s demands.
- High-output alternators are indeed better in amperage supply than regular built-in alternators. Thus, it increases the stability and performance of the vehicle overall.
- Your vehicle can easily cope with additional upgrades or aftermarket modifications.
- Besides, a high-output alternator ensures a consistent power supply. So it can significantly reduce the risk of voltage drops and system failure.
- It can also preserve the battery life of your vehicle. After all, high amperage output will reduce the obvious load on the battery.
How to Upgrade Alternator for Car Audio?
You just can’t randomly go for an upgraded alternator. You have to consider various factors like current energy demand, energy consumption of automotive accessories, preferred amperage, etc. Let’s check it out step by step!
Determine the Capacity
How To Determine The Right Amp For The Alternator?
First, the power demand of the car and audio system must be measured separately to determine the amperage of the alternator.
For that calculation, you can use an easy formula – amps x volts = watts.
So, Amps = Watts/Volts.
From this formula, we can say that – an alternator of 2000 watt capacity will add 150 amps to a 13.5V electric system.
In an engine-driven car, the air conditioner consumes the most wattage. The Second parasitic load is due to the blower motor. Here, we have highlighted the wattage of the car’s common electronic components.
| Headlights | 100W to 200W. |
| Air Conditioner | 500W to 1000W. |
| Electronic Fans | 100 to 300 W. |
| Sound System | 200 to 2000W. |
| Blower Motor | 400W to 800W. |
You can also use this formula to calculate the total amperage usage of the car. It will help to determine the extra power needed to achieve the preferred sound quality. However, be aware! It’s only a rough estimation. We will specifically recommend asking for professional assistance to figure it out.
Rated Output vs Idle
High alternator output or rated output basically refers to the amount of electricity produced at high revolutions per minute (RPMs). So, it indicates the engine activity at high speed.
When the engine is in idle mode, it basically functions at low RPM. Thus, the electricity production will be a fraction of the high-rated output. That’s why you will face issues like – light dimming/flickering when your car is idling in traffic.
After all, when the engine is idling, the energy demand is much more than the production rate. So, you can lower the audio when the engine is at low RPM. Otherwise going for a high amperage alternator is the best option.
What Amp Alternator Do I Need for Car Audio?
The amperage of the alternator solely depends on the demand of your automotive system. Usually, a high-output alternator can provide 250 to 300 amperage to empower the car and the stereo system.
Mechman Alternator
Mechman is a leading brand renowned for its robust alternators. It can easily endure heavy electrical loads by providing amperage from 150A to 370A.
Declo Remi Alternator
Declo Remi is famous for its premium alternator. Their new model, Delco Remy 55SI, comes with a robust brushless design. It can produce 420 amps at 12 volts.
Read More : What Size Alternator Do I Need for Car Audio?
FAQ
1. Do you need to upgrade the alternator for car audio?
-Yes, if you have upgraded the car audio system with an amplifier or subwoofer, getting an alternator is a must. It can provide the extra energy you need to operate the car stereo system.
2. How much amp alternator do you need for car audio?
-It may differ as per the demand of your automotive system. An 80 to 120-amp alternator is enough for non-automotive appliances. However, automotive systems usually consume more amperage. It may increase further depending on the vehicle’s accessories. A 250 to 300 Amp aftermarket alternator will indeed be enough to support a modernized car stereo system.
Final Words
How to upgrade alternator for car audio? I bet it’s really a tricky question for every newbie out there. You just can’t choose a random amp alternator. You must go for a specific amp alternator that will fill up the amperage demand. I believe our content has helped you enough in this regard. Our recommended brands are also famous for their quality and performance. So, get the right alternator for your car audio system and enhance its overall stability.
