What Size Alternator Do I Need for Car Audio? – Choose the Right Alternator

Alternator works to produce all energy for louder sound with deeper bass in car audio. The power generation capacity of the alternator is more or less based on the size as well. So, it is crucial to know “What size Alternator Do I Need for Car Audio?”

An alternator size should be matched with the power requirements of a car audio system. On average, a 250—or 300-ampere size alternator is enough for any car audio system and high-powered stereo. This range of alternator power can easily provide you with bigger and louder music with a huge bass response.

This guide will describe the alternator’s required size for different amplifier watts. You will also learn the roles of alternators in car audio and the capacity Considerations of an alternator. So, let’s start!

What Is The Responsibility of An Alternator for Car Audio?

An alternator isn’t only playing an important role in the audio system. Also, the alternator is responsible for producing power for all the car’s electronic components.

For example, an alternator produces power for the dim headlights, dashboard, battery charging, and windshield wipers. Most importantly, the alternator produces power for high-fidelity sound with a huge bass response.

Required Size of Alternator for Different Watts of Amplifier

How to upgrade the alternator for car audio depends on the additional amperage demands of your car audio system. But here we are discussing alternator sizes based on amplifiers of different sizes. Many audio enthusiasts ask, “What size alternator do I need for a 1000-watt amp”? Good to know that required Power = current/voltage. Therefore, the required alternator power is 1000/14.4=70 amp.

There are a large number of car audio lovers who ask, “What size alternator do I need for a 3000-watt amp”? We can figure out the alternator size, as we mentioned before. For example, 3000/14.4=208 amp. Likewise, many audio lovers want to know what size alternator I need for the 2000-watt amp. Generally, 100 to 150 power is enough for a 2000-watt amp. Likewise, you can figure out the alternator size for 1500-Watt Amp.

Capacity Considerations of An Alternator

How can you consider the alternator power for your car audio? You need to know the electric power required for the existing car audio. High-output alternators are required to ensure distortion-free sound at maximum volume from your audio system. Here is a simple formula to figure it out. Formula: amps x volts = watts

Imagine you have used a 2000-watt amp and a nominal voltage of 13.5V. So, let’s determine how powerful an alternator you should add to your car audio. Your existing audio system needs around 150 amperage power. However, this power requirement may increase if you generate alternator power for other car parts.

Every powerful car audio system is designed uniquely. The alternator power requirement may increase or decrease based on different engine RPMs. So, it would be a good idea to consult with a professional car audio installer to determine the exact alternator power requirement.

What Refers to Idle vs Rated Output When Choosing An Alternator for A Car?

Every alternator has a specific rated output. The rated alternator for high-output audio sound refers to the current produced at high RPMs. This means you can know the alternator power for engine activity at higher speeds.

Now, let’s know what it refers to by “Idling” in the alternator. Idling can provide a fraction of the amperage rating than running at low RPM. Sometimes, the alternator can produce half power than the rated output power.

Due to the lower idling power than rated power we can see the flickering lights problems at stoplight traffic. For this reason, the car must take the high-output alternators.

Benefits of A High Output Alternator

Using a high-output alternator in a vehicle’s car audio has numerous benefits. So, let’s know what benefits you can enjoy from a larger alternator.

• High-amperage alternators are designed to provide more amperage, which can provide more stable and efficient performance for car audio.
• Upgrading a car audio system with a high-output alternator increases the longevity of the audio equipment of a car.
• High-output alternators have an overall positive impact on the car’s electrical health.
• Besides, it helps to reduce the risk of voltage drops and system failures.
• High-power output alternators play an excellent role in preserving the stock battery life of a car.

These are the core advantages for vehicles when using an extra alternator.

How to Figure Out A Car Audio Alternator Calculator?

There are several websites where you can put the required value and know the alternator power. Let’s have a basic idea about car audio Amperage Load Calculator.

Amp power in watts	1000	Put the total power output of your car audio in watts
Amp efficiency	1	Enter the efficiency rating for amplifier in decimal
Voltage	12	Enter the nominal voltage of your car. The standard nominal voltage is 12 volts.

After putting these data in the live alternator calculator, press on the calculate alternator and get your result.

What Size Alternator Do I Need for The 1200-Watt Amp?

As per the above discussion, you need a 150-watt alternator for car audio. This amp is sufficient to provide enough power for car audio. However, if you are using the alternator to power any other electrical component, then you can get a higher-wattage alternator. It is good to consult with a professional car audio expert before purchasing the alternator because every car is unique.

Final Words

We hope you got the answer to your query, “What size Alternator Do I Need for Car Audio?” There are several types of alternators in the market. But the size you should choose depends on the electric power demand of your car’s audio system. So, calculate the required power and make sure about the alternator size.

We have already mentioned the ways of calculating the power demand for a car’s audio-electric system. If you have further queries about alternators then let us know.