How high of voltage can you run a car audio amp on?

Daniel

New member
It seems like the sentiment is "the higher the better" I have heard of people upping it to 16 or even 18 volts; maybe even 24; something to do with batteries in a series. So, if amps can run like this; and they even run better, why isn't that made more clear and attainable or why don't they just make them so 12 or 14 volts is the highest they want to run and they just take more amperage?
 
the more amperage you draw will drastically decrease the power in your headlights, radio, fuse panel etc. the way to resolve that problem is to add more voltage. so technically if your amp can only handle 12 volts but draws more amps then you will need to raise your voltage anyways. there are many amps that perform better with a higher voltage, they are usually competative amps. and yes you would need to run batteries, capacitors, and altenators to keep everything running correctly. they make them this way so that you can run multiple amps and other equipment in your vehicle without causing a fire or any other damage.
 
no more than 18 volts, SOME amps can take 18 volts but this is the highest however only certain amps can take 18 volts, also some amps can only take 16 volts. these are the high end monsters, the one that put out 7000 rms and more, the ones that cost thousands of dollars... and nothing can take 24 volts... stay where you are now, i can guarentee you your not running 20kw+ systems where you would need that kind of voltage.
 
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