Does your car audio system sometimes sound weak, especially when you crank up the bass? You might be pushing your existing battery too hard. Modern car audio demands a lot of power. When you add big amplifiers and subwoofers, your main car battery often struggles to keep up. This struggle leads to dimming headlights, weak sound quality, and even damage to your expensive stereo gear.
Choosing the right secondary battery for your car audio system can feel like a maze. Which type should you pick? How big does it need to be? These are common headaches for car audio enthusiasts wanting that perfect, powerful sound without draining their car. Getting this wrong means wasted money and disappointing performance.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explain exactly what a secondary battery does and walk you through the best options available today. You will learn how to match the right power source to your specific setup. Get ready to unlock true, clean power for your music. Let’s dive into how a dedicated secondary battery will transform your listening experience.
Top Secondary Battery For Car Audio Recommendations
- 12 Volt battery with Ah: 22, RC: 28 minutes
- Absorbed Glass Mat (electrolyte is suspended in fiberglass)
- Spill proof, sealed, valve regulated and vibration resistant
- Ultra low internal resistance
- Mount in almost any position
- AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) - The most cost effective way to meet high charging demands from any 12v sources. Extreme amperage draws and hold strong voltage through the most demanding of times
- NON SPILL DESIGN - The batteries can be mounted upside down or in multiple configurations without worry. This 18 AH Battery is great for all applications
- HIGHEST CONNECTIVITY - Bolt M5 terminals for secure connection also giving multiple options for add on terminals and busbars for the highest connectivity and conduction
- HIGH BURST RESERVE - The battery can maintain high volumes of amperage draw while efficiently holding voltage. This can be used as a car battery, motorcycle battery, ATV battery and so much more
- HIGH FLOAT CHARGE - This AGM car battery has a high float charge so your lights stay brighter, your electronics run stronger, and you have more reserve power and voltage altogether
- Energie PR1600 1600 Watt 12 Volt Power Cell
- 12 Volt Power Cell
- Capacity: 35 Ah
- 12 Volt
- 600W Max Support
- 6mm threaded terminals
- Advanced AGM Technology
- Sealed Non-Spillable Design (Allows mounting in any orientation, even inside the passenger compartment;); Patent Pending I-BAR Integration (Introduces many terminal mounting options for each battery model;)
- Leading edge Lead-Tin AGM Technology (Helps resist problems related to high charge and high heat;); Direct Fit Design (Allows direct fitment into most OEM battery locations;)
- Ultra-Thin Lead Plate Design (Provides more lead plate surface area for highest in market instantaneous discharges;); Leading edge Lead-Tin AGM Technology (Helps resist problems related to high charge and high heat;); Direct Fit Design (Allows direct fitment into most OEM battery locations;)
- Sealed Non-Spillable Design (Allows mounting in any orientation, even inside the passenger compartment;); Patent Pending I-BAR Integration (Introduces many terminal mounting options for each battery model;); Tightly Packed AGM Design (Provides unsurpassed resistance to vibration;)
- Energie PR1900 1900 Watt 12V AGM 28 Ah Capacity Power Cell Battery
- Amplifier Wattage: 1900 Watts
- Capacity: 28 Ah
- High-Output Max Amps: Capable of delivering up to 2000 Max Amps and features a Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) rating of 564 CCA, providing robust starting and instantaneous power for demanding electronics.
- Versatile Power Plant: Designed for dual-use applications: functions as a main battery to support 1000 Watts of accessories (like inverters or LEDs), or as a secondary battery to power up to 2000 Watts of larger systems.
- Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Technology: Built with sealed AGM construction, ensuring the battery is safe from spills and offers reliable performance. This design supports longevity in various operating temperatures.
- Strong Capacity & Reserve: Provides 32 Ah of capacity and 59 minutes of Reserve Capacity (RC), delivering sustained power for deep-cycle applications and supporting high-draw systems when the engine is off.
- Compact and Ready to Install: Weighs 22.26 lbs (10.1 kg). Dimensions are 6.5" Length x 6.93" Width x 4.92" Height. Includes M6 Terminal Hardware and features Right (R) Polarity.
- Reinforcement For Amplifiers or As Your Starting Battery Where Weight Is A Concern
- Viper VP-600 12V 18Ah 600 Watt AGM Car Audio Battery
- Sealed Non-Spillable Design Can Be Mounted In Any Position Without The Worry of Leaks and Spills
- Withstand Higher Temperature and Vibrations Than The Leading Brand Name Batteries.
- AGM Technology For Better Power Efficiency, Longer Life and Maximum Sound Performance!
Power Up Your Ride: The Complete Buying Guide for Secondary Car Audio Batteries
Adding a big stereo system to your car sounds great, but it needs serious power. Your car’s regular battery might struggle. That’s where a secondary car audio battery comes in! This guide helps you pick the best backup power source for booming tunes without draining your engine’s starter.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a secondary battery, look closely at these important features. They tell you how well the battery will perform.
1. Capacity (Ah Rating)
- What it is: This stands for Ampere-hour. It tells you how much energy the battery can store.
- Why it matters: Bigger amps and more subwoofers need higher Ah ratings. Bigger numbers mean longer playtime without draining your main battery.
2. Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)
- What it is: This measures how much power the battery can push out quickly to start your engine, even when it’s cold.
- Why it matters: Even though this is for audio, a good CCA ensures your car still starts reliably. Some audio batteries focus less on this, so check your needs.
3. Cycle Life
- What it is: This is how many times you can fully drain and recharge the battery before it wears out.
- Why it matters: If you play music with the engine off often, you need a high cycle life.
Important Materials and Types
The stuff inside the battery changes how it works and how long it lasts.
Lead-Acid vs. AGM
- Flooded Lead-Acid (Traditional): These are cheaper but often need maintenance (adding water). They can leak acid if tipped.
- Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM): These are the top choice for car audio. AGM batteries pack the acid between thin glass mats. They handle deep discharges better and do not spill. They cost more but offer superior performance.
Case Material
Most quality secondary batteries use tough, sealed plastic casings. These casings protect the inner workings from vibration and heat, which are common in a car environment.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good batteries last a long time. Bad installation or poor design shortens their life.
Quality Boosters:
- Low Internal Resistance: This means the battery can deliver power very quickly to your amplifiers without overheating. Good AGM batteries have this.
- Heat Tolerance: Cars get hot! Batteries built to handle high temperatures last much longer.
Quality Reducers:
- Deep Cycling a Traditional Battery Too Often: If you frequently run a standard lead-acid battery down completely, you damage the internal plates, reducing its life significantly.
- Improper Charging Voltage: Using the wrong voltage from your car’s alternator or a separate charger ruins any battery over time. Always use a charger designed for the battery type (AGM or Flooded).
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the battery changes what you should buy.
Use Case 1: Daily Driver with Loud Music
If you listen loud while driving, you need a battery that supports your alternator well. An AGM battery that handles high current draw is perfect. It keeps your starting power strong while feeding your amps.
Use Case 2: Car Shows and Stationary Listening
If you often park and play music for long periods (like at a car show), you need massive storage capacity (high Ah). You rely heavily on the battery, not the alternator. AGM is strongly recommended here because it resists damage from deep draining.
A good secondary battery lets your amplifiers work at their best. It stops your headlights from dimming every time a bass note hits!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Secondary Car Audio Batteries
Q: Do I need a secondary battery if I have a big stereo?
A: Yes, usually. Big stereos pull more power than your car’s stock battery and alternator can safely provide, leading to dim lights or weak performance.
Q: Can I use my old car battery as a secondary battery?
A: You can try, but it is not recommended. Old batteries lack the deep cycle life needed for audio use and might fail quickly.
Q: Where should I install the secondary battery?
A: Install it in the trunk or the rear cargo area. Keep it as close to the amplifiers as possible for the shortest, thickest power wires.
Q: Do I have to connect the secondary battery to the main one?
A: Yes. You should connect them using an isolator or a battery management system. This keeps the audio battery separate so it doesn’t drain the starting battery.
Q: What is an “isolator” for car audio batteries?
A: An isolator is a device that lets both batteries charge when the engine runs, but it disconnects them when the engine stops. This protects your starting battery.
Q: Are secondary batteries heavy?
A: Yes, especially the high-capacity AGM types. You must ensure your car’s suspension can handle the extra weight.
Q: How do I know if my battery is fully charged?
A: You need a voltmeter. A fully charged 12V AGM battery should read about 12.6 to 12.8 volts when resting.
Q: Does the secondary battery need its own fuse?
A: Absolutely. Every power wire running from a battery needs a fuse close to the battery terminal to prevent fire in case of a short circuit.
Q: Can I use a lithium battery instead of AGM?
A: Lithium batteries offer great power and light weight, but they are much more expensive and require very specific charging systems. AGM is simpler and usually enough for most users.
Q: How long should a good secondary AGM battery last?
A: If you treat it well and don’t over-discharge it often, a quality AGM battery should last 3 to 5 years under heavy car audio use.