Battery and Stereo Woes

S

scootdogg

New Member
Nov 10, 2010
186
Lake Norman, NC
Boat Info
2002 Sundancer 280
Engines
Twin 4.3 MPI w/ Alpha I Drives
I have a pretty beefed up stereo system installed (all JL - 4-7.7 components - 2 10" subs etc - JL 1000 amp etc.) I have to turn the gain all the way down its just not giving me the umph I would expect. When the bass kicks in the amp appears to stall but once I turn it down a little all back to "normal". This weekend I switched to another battery and it seemed like it was playing a lot better/louder/deeper but I would still get some on and off of the amp. I am wondering if this is a voltage drop or something? 3 battery set up and they are Wal-Mart marine batteries. Any ideas? I have a feeling that I need a stronger/better battery (Optima?). If so, can I just replace one or does the whole "circuit" need to be replaced.

Tks!
 
I would assume your first problem is Walmart batts. Optima are way over rated for what theyt are as well IMO. I good Group 27 should be the solver. There is a device that you can install to let you know when your voltage is dropping or your loosing your charge. If you have a weak cell in a battery your amps will shut down or go into protect mode so you don't fry them. If they start to cut out like that it's called clipping and your actually really damaging the amp. Do you have a genny? I run mine when I'm out with the stereo on just to keep the amps at full power. If you switch to Optima make sure you change the switch on the back of your converter. Lead acid and gell cell settings on the back. If you don't you will cause some major issues.
 
I had the same issue last year. You need new batteries. I used the Wal Mart ones and they are fine....fixed me right up.
 
so is it possible for me to switch just one of the batteries to a group 27 and leave the other walmart marine batteries in place?
 
If the batteries are on single circuit then yes. If the batteries are connected in any way, they will only work as good as the weakest battery. They kind of balance out when connected. Idf this is case replace all in thet chain.
 
He is right about the weakest battery. Even if you put a new one in connected together the weak one will robb from the stronger one. I personally always replace all every three years so I am not chasing a bad battery every year.
 
i replaced the 2 batteries that were in the same circuit with 2 interstate group 29 batteries. amp is still cutting out. i am wondering the amp is just not strong enough... but damn.. it should be!
 
it happens within the first minute of the turning the stereo on. amp is definitely not too hot..... ugh...
 
How long is the run of wire from your amps to the battery and what gauge is the wire?
 
That is starting to sound like you have an amp that went south on you. I had a brand new 1000 watt kicker when we first did my system and within one day it was fried. All due to one wire had a bad connection and sent an odd independance to the amp that it couldnt take. Fixed connection replaced amp and no issues since. If you run a small gauge wire say from where your batts are located all the way to the cabin you are not doing any good to the amp. I had to run two sets of 0 gauge for three amps. I have a ditribution block for the two amps that run the compoenent systems but one set dedicated to the subs. I as well would test that amp and test the speaker wires going to that amp to check the OHMs to make sure you have not gotten a bad connection somewhere, cause hey it is a boat they flex and take a pounding and thinks get shaken around. This doesn't take long to do and will tell you quick what the problem is.
 
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