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im not replying to you mainly im more replying to kiki. but if you installed your amp inproperly id say its damn good it lasted that long. when did you get this amp and were did you buy it?

Wow, I don't know if your insulting me because I said it wasn't very impressive that is only lasted over a year, but it is quite obivious that I didn't know much about the electrical system when I installed it. I am calling them not to yell but just to ask if they will replace it and now that I know a little more about the wiring I don't blame them. But thank you for the completely pointless comment on a helpful thread (and yes, this reply is also pointless.)

hmm the amp died and its hifonics fault but there isnt sufficent current to supply the amp blame the manufacturer for impropper installation.

Sweet, thx 4 the info. I will read the links and ask any more questions I might have. I don't plan on rewiring my system right now, since I am in college, but this summer I will have time if I have to.

here's some info on charging systems, regarding the stuff you didn't know (alt, battery, isolator, etc)

http://www.bcae1.com/capacitr.htm
http://www.glasswolf.net/caraudio/capacitors.html
http://www.glasswolf.net/caraudio/charging.html
http://www.betteraudio.com/geolemon/newmain/battcapalt/
http://www.bcae1.com/charging.htm
http://www.bcae1.com/chargin2.htm
http://www.bcae1.com/battiso.htm
http://www.glasswolf.net/caraudio/batteries.html
http://www.the12volt.com/info/recwirsz.asp
http://www.optimabatteries.com/

silver cobra wrote:I apologize if I sounded angry, I just posted this topic to get some names so I could do some research on price range and on every other forum I have gotten names except this one. We still need to contact the company I got the amp from and see if they will replace it, I don't know if I even need a new one yet. I would like to know what a "stock" electrical system is, and how it affects the amp. I have a 1995 Toyota 4Runner and don't think I have done anything to upgrade the electrical system. I have a good battery, but that's all. What does upgrading the electrical system consist of?

well here's the thing.
there isn't always a single best amplifier for every solution.
the more details we know, the better we can help you find the best solution to your dilemma.


I don't like to give half-assed bandaid solution responses to people, not knowing the whole situation. It leads to bad advice, and I have a certain professional reputation to protect.
I apologize if I am unable to simply suggest a bunch of amplifiers blindly, based on "I need 1500 watts. name some amps."

Unless you replaced the alternator, with a higher powered one, then its not upgraded. If you lights dim during every day use, then you shoud look into one. If they don't dim with everyday use, than you should be ok, but it won't hurt to upgrade.

Good job on doing a good ground. ALOT of people don't put enough effort into it.

I would go thru and upgrade your big three (battery pos to alternator) (Battery negative to chassi ground) and (Chassi ground to engine block, or alternator chassi). You won't really get more output from your alternator, but it will free things up if your loosing to much power from the normal reisitance of the factory lines, and it will prep your system for any upgrades in the future.

As for brands, MAKE SURE you know what you need power wise, and check out the faq section. The Good, Bad and the Ugly will get you going in the right direction.

While you there, check out some of the other stuff, and then hit us up if you have any questions. It will give you a better understanding of your whole stereo in general.

if all you want is a loundry list of brands that people yell off because they "heard" good things about the brand, those other forums may be fine for you.

here, we are trying to educate you and figure out your exact needs before recommending anything. sorry for caring.

and i too would recommend something like 1000-1100w rms for you. thats all your subs need, and possibly less depending on the enclosure their in. speaking of which, what size and type of enclosure are they in anyway?

and finally, you need to reallize that amps in general should be transparent. when operated within their recommended limits, you shouldn't be able to tell an audible difference between amps producing the same power. the difference in price comes from build quality (which reflects longevity), features ( how much extra stuff they crammed in their like crossovers, equalizers, lights, power regulators, etc...), and power ( which hopefully is measured at a voltage your car can produce).

inexpensive amps aren't always bad if all you need is the basics.

in conclusion, if all you really want is a list of brands, check out the faq forums here, specifically the good, bad, and ugly list.

I guess I need to read my own thread. Glass, you asked about an alternator, dedicated battery and isolator, 1/0AWG power and ground lines. I am pretty sure I have an alternator, I don't know what a "dedicated" battery is, and have no clue what an isolator or 1/0AWG power is. My ground lines are good though. I just did a little research to find out what to get (which I appearently didn't do enough) so I don't know much on this topic.

I apologize if I sounded angry, I just posted this topic to get some names so I could do some research on price range and on every other forum I have gotten names except this one. We still need to contact the company I got the amp from and see if they will replace it, I don't know if I even need a new one yet. I would like to know what a "stock" electrical system is, and how it affects the amp. I have a 1995 Toyota 4Runner and don't think I have done anything to upgrade the electrical system. I have a good battery, but that's all. What does upgrading the electrical system consist of?