The Hindu Business Line : Keep the music flowing

I HAVE been using a Santro (LE) for the past couple of years and have been satisfied with the car — be it mileage, driving comfort or air-conditioner efficiency. I have a Sony music system in my car. I am planning to install an amplifier and a sub-woofer to enhance the stereo's output. I have been recommended a 4 x 4 amp and a 1600W sub-woofer (again Sony). I have noticed that in other cars, where an amp and sub-woofers have been installed, the amplifier tends to heat up very quickly and actually becomes very hot after an hour of driving. My queries are: Is the above combination recommended for installation in the Santro? Is the heating up of the amp to be expected? And will this affect the battery life and are there any safety concerns (other than the distraction from the loud thump of music)?

Hari Krishnan

The car audio that you have been recommended by the music equipment dealer appears to be a four channel, 4-ohm amplifier and a 1,600W PMPO output rated sub-woofer. With this configuration, along with the regular Sony music system (with pre-amp) that you already have installed, your can bridge the four available channels in the new amp down to power only a single channel — that of the sub-woofer. This way, all the power from the amp can be maximised to power a single speaker or woofer.

If you are a bass freak, then you may want to connect two parallel-wired 8-ohm sub-woofers. This keeps the twin sub-woofers' total impedance at the same 4-ohm level, but increases the sound pressure level. But then again, you may have to replace your current glass windows, with Plexiglas lest they shatter with that kind of bass output.

Of course, a compromise will also have to be made with stowage space in the boot being eaten up by the sub-woofer. The ideal location for the powered sub-woofer is the boot or the trunk. The best place to locate the amp is again the boot or alternatively, as the Santro's boot space is quite small, the area under the front seat can be used to fit the amp.

All mobile music amplifiers will heat up during operation, just like any other electronic or electrical appliance and music system. The higher the output rating for the amplifier, the higher the power consumed and the heat that it will produce. While it is but natural for the amp to get a little hot during operation, excessive heating can cause malfunction or, worse, permanently damage the amp. Most amplifiers will come with heat sinks that absorb and dissipate heat.

There are two issues to consider when it comes to avoiding excessive heating of the amplifier. The first, of course, is that of providing enough space around the amp to allow easy dissipation of heat. Avoid mounting the amp upside down (under the dash) and ensure that the heat fins in the sink are left uncovered for effective dissipation of heat.

The other more important issue is that of power consumption and the availability of sufficient reserve power from the car's alternator to run the new amp. The car's battery and alternator are configured by the manufacturer to handle all the power consuming gadgets such as the lamps, rear defogger, cigar lighter, wipers, and so on, and also provide for a few add-ons like a moderately powered music system which comes loaded with a pre-amp. However, an additional amp for powering a sub-woofer will need lots more power, especially in a small car such as the Santro.

Going by your configuration, your amp will consume almost 35 amperes of additional power that cannot be supplied by the Santro's current set-up.

Running the amp with a lower rated electrical charging system will lead to dangerous heating of the amp. So, you may have to change the car's alternator and replace the current one with a higher rated, heavy-duty alternator to safely power the amp. In terms of safety, the point to remember is that as part of the wiring for the amp, a fuse should ideally be installed near the battery terminal where the wiring begins, even though the amp will usually come with its own set of fuses. Also, while installation is being done, check if the grounding has been done properly.

Frankly, the amp and the sub-woofer that you are considering may be a shade too powerful for a car the size of the Santro. But it is obvious that you are fan of big bass. Keep the music flowing; just make sure that you don't pump up the volume too much.

Queries may be sent to: q&a@thehindu.co.in or by post to Q&A, Business Line, 859/860, Kasturi Buildings, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Portfolio management service — This can pay off for the well-off

Prosperity handlers

Equity market in 2004: Sizzling across the board

The hits and misses of 2004

Dividend yield strategy — BSE-100's dogs finish on top

Reliance Industries: Uncertain still for shareholders

Alliance Equity: Invest

PruICICI Power: Hold

Is it the right time?

Prudential ICICI Mutual declares Rs 2.50 as dividend