12v 14.4 V???

[vboyq]

i have seen some amps rated @ 12.5 Volts(i.e 12.5 volts-->200watts) then some rated @ 14.4 Volts(i.e. 14.4 volts-->400 watts...these ratings always have more power!), i don't understand i thought cars were run on a 12 volt battery.. so when would it ever reach the 14.4 Volts needed for the higher output?

[Rex]

Charging systems usually run at 14.4 when charging the battery, at that point, you get more bang for your buck, power wise.

Any amp worth it's salt will perform much better at 14.4 and "competition" systems use high-output altenators that can "feed" an electrical system more ampere's at that voltage and then when combined with a capacitor, the muscle's there when the amp needs it.

[IvoryJ30t]

an amp rated 200W [email protected] will put out more power than an amp rated 200W RMS@ 14.4volts

[Rex]

an amp rated 200W [email protected] will put out more power than an amp rated 200W RMS@ 14.4volts

Ivory makes a GREAT point, you should compare all amps yo're looking at using the same voltage.

[vboyq]

i am but my question is which one rating should i be looking at realistically speaking in terms of TOTAL power output, when using with the car the 12 volt or the 14.4 volt?

[ayjay]

i am but my question is which one rating should i be looking at realistically speaking in terms of TOTAL power output, when using with the car the 12 volt or the 14.4 volt?

well for the most part when you are pounding your system, you will have your car running giving you close to 14.4 volts...

[vboyq]

great thats just wat i was looking for thanx man!

[Jookmasta]

does this have anything to do with the voltage that the preouts on a deck put out? for instance, i have a p7300 so it puts out 4 volts on the 3 pre outs. but the new p760 puts out 6 volts on its 3 outputs, so then would that deck make it more likely for the amp to see the 14.4 ?

[Rex]

does this have anything to do with the voltage that the preouts on a deck put out? for instance, i have a p7300 so it puts out 4 volts on the 3 pre outs. but the new p760 puts out 6 volts on its 3 outputs, so then would that deck make it more likely for the amp to see the 14.4 ?

Nope, the "output" of your RCA's should compare with the signal "input" (voltage) range of the amp. Most amps have an input sensitivity range usually from 200/300 millivolt to 2 volts. Amps are usually said to support high level(RCA's), low level (speaker signal) or both. Fewer and fewer amps support speaker level, as fewer and fewer head units are offered without at least 1 pair of RCA's