hey all

im being told i will need a capacitor when i do my install

(ive got a 1000wt rms monoblock running 2x400wt rms 12" kickercomps)


what do they do ? , i aint sure

also, are they worth much, which brands to get, and stay away from ?



any help appreciated

cheers

nath

Capacitors work by storing energy - high farad capacitors have a lower ESR and hence source impedence than your cabling/battery IF the cabling and battery are inadequate.

Ie. the higher the current draw, the more important that you use power cables that have low resistance (ie thick as possible).

There were two schools of though on these when I was in DB drag racing comps (years ago) - those people who though they were the answer to every question, and those who though that they were a bandaid to a larger problem. Quick bass beats were reproduced with less voltage sag (the cap smoothed the rail). BUT in DB drag racing where sinewave tones are used (as in bass discs) there was NO advantage.

So, better off spending your money on serious cabling OR another battery mounted in the boot - the reserve capacity will be increased, and you will be able to source far more continuous current than with a cap, for far less $$.

Caps are usually a bandaid for inadequate cabling...

Cheers
Heath Young

I would go for a cap in unison with the above suggested by Heath. I advocate the best, thickest and highest current rated power cabling you can go for (your system, I would suggest 2-guage to a distribution block, 0-guage if you can afford it, plus a top quality battery at least). I find that most monoblocks are fairly good with voltages but suck alot of current, and non-monoblocks usually hurt voltage more than current.

Capacitors are often used to cure the dimming of headlights etc when you have alot of current drain in your system (i.e. - a big bass hit). As Heath mentioned, they are most often used as more of a band-aid solution to the problem. Power cabling needs to be done properly, and most dont.

While expensive, I believe capacitors to be a good addition, unlike Heath. He doesn't think they are worth it, I disagree with him, but that's his opinion and I respect him for voicing it.

They can put power into your system quicker than a battery can. If the rest of your power system is up to scratch, you will get a better fidelity with a cleaner bass hit (especially if your amp(s) are running near maximum power).

Capacitors do not last forever either, they lose their 'storable power' over time like rechargable batteries. A 1-farad cap might come from the factory at 1.2 farads, and after 12 months in your install (running it hard) it might only produce 0.75-0.9 farads. A mate purchased one and after 3 years, it was not really doing anything.

If you want a Cap, stick to well known and respected car audio brands.

Once I purchase a monoblock (Aiming for a Alpine MRD-M1000) I will be ripping out my current power cabling, running 0-guage back from my 13-plate 520CCA Bosch under the bonnet to a Optima Yellowtop battery in the boot, into a 1-farad cap, into a distribution block, and running my amps from there.

No, you don't need one...provided your car's electrical system is in good condition.

IMHO Capacitors aren't worth it on most street cars. What goes into a cap must come out, but if there's nothing going into the cap, nothing comes out! Caps don't create power like an alternator; all they do is store a quickly accessible reserve. What if the music has repeated big bass hits all through the track, then a cap is not going to help much as the alternator is struggling to keep it charged. Better off putting the money towards a large 150A+ alternator that puts out decent power from idle.

The cap Vs no-cap has been going on for more years than I'll admit being alive. :)

Like the guys have said about I too would suggest a high quality battery and decent cable is all you need. Caps are good for things like SPL burps but for every day music that your ears are capable of enjoying a decent battery such as an Optima D34 (which tend to discharge a little faster than your normal lead acid cell as well) is all you'll need provided the power and earth runs are up to scratch.

Almost 20 years in the business now and with the exception of our SPL oriented customers, we've never used a cap yet. ;)

get a good battary and a cap if you run more than 2 amps it will help but you must have good wireing 8g or better for every 1000w you need 1 farad. i have a 1.3 farad candence cap cost was $300 it does a good job