SUPPLYING POWER TO THE GTI AMPLIFIER
POWER IN IS | HOW YOUR CHARGING | PROGRAM MATERIAL |
POWER OUT | SYSTEM WORKS | AND CURRENT DEMAND |
Few stock batteries can provide the current required to reproduce even
In order to get full power out of your amplifier, you must provide full power to your amplifier. That’s a basic rule
of physics. The A6000GTi amplifier can draw nearly 800 amperes when reproducing sine waves at full output. Both JBL A6000GTi and A3000GTi ampli- fiers can quickly exhaust the
The battery’s job is to start your vehicle. Running the electrical accessories is the alternator’s job. The battery isn’t designed to be a continuous source of power. It is a renewable source and is charged by the alternator when the engine runs. Battery charging can only occur when the current demand from the electrical accessories is less than the total cur- rent output capacity of the alternator.
Music is a combination of loud and soft sounds, with varying durations and rhythms that present unique current demands during amplification. For example, it may take full power to reproduce the sound of a kick drum. The peak power demand doesn’t last very long, but it is repeated over and over.
If your charging system can’t provide all the power your amplifier needs on
a continuous basis, it still may be adequate. During the sound of the kick drum, the battery can provide the extra current that’s necessary, and between kick drum beats, the alter- nator will put some of the energy back into the battery.
However, depending on the current rat- ing of the alternator, the amplifier’s maximum output power, the music content, and the charging system’s capability, the alternator may not be able to keep up over time. In that case, you’ll need to install a somewhat larger alternator for more current, or adjust your driving and listening habits, to give the alternator time to catch up with the amplifier’s current demand.
depleted over longer music intervals. Adding more batteries will provide more reserve power and current, but no mat- ter how many are installed, the alterna- tor will still have to recharge them all.
If you plan to use the A6000GTi or A3000GTi in SPL competition, the charg- ing system requirements will be much greater than those for normal music lis- tening. Be prepared to add additional batteries and alternators to provide continuous current required for contin- uous duty.
See your authorized JBL car audio dealer for help in designing and installing an upgraded charging system to support your GTi amplifier.
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