Stereo & Electronics - Volt meter running @ 14

So i see my volt guage and it sometimes reads at 14, is this normal cuz iam running 2 12" subs and a 1200Watt amp. I was thinking of going for 2 10" subs and a smaller amp and some good speakers.

14 volts is good. What are you worried about - that it's too high?

14.5 is what your alternator is putting out with car on accessories running like ac or subs. Thats what it is suppose to put out.

just thought my alt was gonna crap out cuz some guys on hear say a big amp and subs will eventually crap out a alt.... well thanks guys

The stock Alts are decent size in our cars. I think the 93 is 125amp and the 94+ is either 135 or 145amp. Which is nice, since I can just upgrade mine by going newer :D Start to worry when it's around 15v. You can always have it tested free at Autozone, and Checker/Shucks/Kragen while it's still in the car.

the only thing an amp can do to your charging system is drop the voltage while playing.....if you listen to your stereo while the car is not running it strains the charging system alot more than normal and if you are still having voltage drop while the car is running you might want to think about adding a secondary battery.....some people might suggest a capaciter.....but they really dont do what everyone thinks they do.....everyone thinks they keep your headlights from dimming and save your charging system......which the definition of a capaciter is to resist a change in voltage.....but they dont work that great and if you are using an extremely high powered amp its always better to go with another battery (only if its a really seriosu setup) if its like a small 1200 watt amp that doesnt really put out that much like a sony or something....make sure the speakers are hooked up at the correct resistance....and that your charging system is currently in good working condition and not worn, and if everything is good you can try adding a cap.....back when i was at best buy i tried one in my old t/a with my setup and it didnt help.....but now that im at a higher end shop.....we dont even sell capaciter's if that helps

14.4 is considered ideal but most cars run 12.5-13.8 range