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Whats this problem sound like?

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Old Jul 14, 2002 | 09:44 PM
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Default Whats this problem sound like?

I power my system with and ADS 80 x4 and my sub with a 500/1. When I really crank it and the sub really starts to punch, I reach a point where the sub doesn't distort at all - it just stops. if I turn it down a notch, the sub kicks back in. Seems to me like the (stock- C5) alt isnt putting out enough power for the sub amp. Gain is set at 60%. What do you experts think?
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Old Jul 15, 2002 | 05:26 PM
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Default Re: Whats this problem sound like? (webdzynes)

What is the volt meter reading when the problem occurs?

Sounds like the amp is going into thermal overload/short ciruit protection. Also Jl amps don't like anything under 11.0 volts. :crazy:
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Old Jul 15, 2002 | 07:36 PM
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Default Re: Whats this problem sound like? (JoeyG)

I don't have a volt meter but the DIC is reading 12.2 - 13.2 fairly consistently.
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Old Jul 15, 2002 | 10:26 PM
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Default Re: Whats this problem sound like? (webdzynes)

I don't have a volt meter but the DIC is reading 12.2 - 13.2 fairly consistently.
Is it reading 12.2-13.2 fluctuating, or is it dropping down to 12.2 when the bass hits at peak. A full volt drop like that is gonna kill your alternator with continued use like that.
If your just sitting in a parking lot or at a stop light showing off, theres really not going to be that much of a problem. But if your driving down the road at 1000 rpm's or greater and this is occuring, theres probably a problem with the regulator in your alternator. :cheers:

"I may not have all the answers, but I've probably pissed someone off that has."
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Old Jul 15, 2002 | 10:34 PM
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Default Re: Whats this problem sound like? (JoeyG)

It sounds like heat clipping or lack of available power, requiring the amp to shut down for the caps to recharge. You may want to add a one farad cap if the heat is ok. You should be able to put you hand on it and not get burned if you know what I mean.
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Old Jul 15, 2002 | 10:51 PM
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Default Re: Whats this problem sound like? (webdzynes)

The DIC reads 12.5 most of the time, even with everything off and the car traveling at 50MPH. The amp stays quite cool so it doesn't seem to be overheating. I did notice the DIC dropping to as low as 12 on the stronger base hits. I thought this might be the amp "clipping" but I don't really know what that is..
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Old Jul 15, 2002 | 11:22 PM
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Default Re: Whats this problem sound like? (webdzynes)

The DIC reads 12.5 most of the time, even with everything off and the car traveling at 50MPH. The amp stays quite cool so it doesn't seem to be overheating. I did notice the DIC dropping to as low as 12 on the stronger base hits. I thought this might be the amp "clipping" but I don't really know what that is..
That is pretty low actually. Should be in the 13.0-13.8 volt range. Is the air cond and other accesories on as well?

It's not really the amp clipping just starving for power. Clipping is actually when a signal is produced at the maximum output level possible with lowest audible quality.
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Old Jul 15, 2002 | 11:34 PM
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Default Re: Whats this problem sound like? (JoeyG)

You need more power probably. Cap should do the trick since it seems you are making enough most of the time, just need a little more for bass hits.
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