Is dropping down from 14.0 to 13.4 normal when the bass hits? I am only running about 350 x 1 rms for my sub and 80x2 rms for my comps.

 

Yes. And if that is all you drop, then you are doing good.

 

your fine.

 

At what voltage drop should I be concerned about? Lower than 13.0?

 

Lower than 12V is when it start be a problem. It means that either your alternator is not charging your battery fast enough or the battery cannot charge up high enough. Usually the battery will be a problem first. I have been running about 1100W in my Mazda P5 for over 1 year now with no battery problems or light dimming problems whatsoever. I am sure I am running at about 13V with the system on and lower than that with bass hits. If you are a little concerned, make sure you upgrade your cables...the Big 3

 

since you aren't runnin with over 1000 watts it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a .5 farad capacitor to eleviate voltage differences. a full farad wouldn't be bad either. check all your cables and also the battery. may have to go to an optimum red or yellow top.

 

Cap won't do anything. It is just another strain on the electrical system. If your alternator cannot keep up the charge on the battery, it certainly won't help to add more strain on the alternator. I am not running a cap in my car and have never had an issue.

An Optima battery is a good idea when the time comes to replace the battery. If your battery is not weak, then no need to do so prematurely

 

You're exactly right about the capacitor. This is a very common misconception with people who are new to car audio. They think because their lights are dimming that a capacitor will just magically solve everything!

If anyone knows anything about basic electronics, in DC, a capacitor acts like a switch or a battery. In this case, it's acting like a second battery. Well wait a minute! I only have ONE alternator?!?!

So, if you are theoretically adding a second battery, your alternator needs to be able to keep up with the charging, and if it's already on its way out to begin with, you just spent $100 or so where you should have bought a new alternator... or battery.

I myself have a Optima redtop and love it. Awesome battery, never had a starting problem or anything since I bought it!

Just my little rant... sorry!!!

drew

 

you shouldnt worry about the battery....just have a high amp alternator....once the car is started you could take the battery out if you wanted b.c the car is running off the alternator...the extra battery will help out a lil but its only gonna help out alot if your using it when your car is off