P500d sounds weak

[dpitts66]

I have a P500d with 1 cvr dvc running at 2ohms. It had lots of power when installed. Now the bass is weak and destorts early. The sub could handle all the power if it didn't distort. I tried it in my buddies car with simular setup and it sound better but his old el 300 sounds better and hits lows alot better. I have 4 guage wiring kit

[heavyduty]

Originally Posted by dpitts66

I have a P500d with 1 cvr dvc running at 2ohms. It had lots of power when installed. Now the bass is weak and destorts early. The sub could handle all the power if it didn't distort. I tried it in my buddies car with simular setup and it sound better but his old el 300 sounds better and hits lows alot better. I have 4 guage wiring kit

For starters, 2 gauge wire is recommended for the P500D. Second, the amperage draw of the ELA1300 is half that of the P500D. If your vehicle's electrical system cannot adequately provide an additional 80 amperage draw on top of powering all of the other vehicle accessories, any amplifier will distort easily, this not being unique to the P500D.

[dpitts66]

So, do you think that a wiring kit will solve the problem or is my charging system is weak? It reads 13.8v on my meter. The bass does not sound good at low volumes either but the amp does not go into protection mode. I have a 12v 18hr sla battery that I could install close to the amp if that would solve the problem. By no means am I bashing the amp. I know that it is a good amp. Thanks for your help!

[heavyduty]

Originally Posted by dpitts66

So, do you think that a wiring kit will solve the problem or is my charging system is weak? It reads 13.8v on my meter. The bass does not sound good at low volumes either but the amp does not go into protection mode. I have a 12v 18hr sla battery that I could install close to the amp if that would solve the problem. By no means am I bashing the amp. I know that it is a good amp. Thanks for your help!

The proper gauge wire size will always help, however, if your charging system is not up to par, you could have the largest cable, most expensive capacitors and slave batteries installed and still have the same problem.

To get an ideal picture of what your charging system looks like you need to measure the voltage with the vehicle under normal conditions. This means with the normal accessories on, air conditioning, lights, stereo, etc. After you get a baseline measurement then turn the volume up and compare both measurements. If your alternator cannot keep up with the demand no amount of capacitors or slave batteries will solve the problem, only add to it. Remember, a capacitor only stores energy, and while a battery does add available amperage to the system, your alternator still has to work on keeping the additional battery charged, as well as the main battery.

[dpitts66]

I have tested the charging system in this fashion and it stays at 13.8v. My question would be why would it change after playing fine for a few months. I have checked all connections and they are fine. The amp has never went into protection mode. I am thinking about buying another amp to see if there is a problem with it. My buddy is talking much trash because his old el-300.1 hits alot harder and its a piece of crap with no bottom plate and wood screws holding the wires in place. It sounds incredible!!! LOL