what kind do you use? and are you able to tell the difference? i'm thinking about getting one and don't know if i need 1/2 farad, 1 farad or higher? i'm also gonna be getting a digital too.. any help will be great!

 

what kind do you use? and are you able to tell the difference? i'm thinking about getting one and don't know if i need 1/2 farad, 1 farad or higher? i'm also gonna be getting a digital too.. any help will be great!

 

I'm no expert, but probably some more details on your amps (brand, wattage) and alternator will be helpful to those who are.

I don't have the background on the 'why' on mine... installer recommended based on my setup, but know what / where they are.

 

IMO, don't bother with anything less than 1 farad. I have one, but I still get dropping of voltage when I crank up the system hard. The wiring impedance to/from the amps/cap matters more than the cap itself, as well as the cap's internal resistance.

 

put a optima battery in the trunk forget about the caps!!!!

 

ok so at least a 1 farad.. i'm definately doin' digital 'cause i'm doin' a custom install where i can read it.. and thanks dave - i have a factory 2000 GS4 alternator, MTX TA7801 AMP (i think) 1000W - i have factory navigation head unit, factory pioneer speakers, RF punch HE2 subs (12")..if i put a battery in the back, where would it be mounted and such? would it be better gettin' the battery vs. the cap(s)?

anyone know if i need more than one cap?

 

just a thought, have you already done a grounding kit or improved the factory ground that your battery has right now with a thicker guage wire?

 

yes i have the teck kit grounding kit.

 

It's been a while since I mesed with audio stuff, but, I think the rule was 1 farad to 1 thousands watts of power.

You can also find performance audio "batteries". They are not like your typical engine starting batteries, these release the power a lot faster to the amps when needed. Usually these are wired in with the stereo equipment.

-Bill

 

so getting a battery is better than just gettin' a cap?

 

Getting an HO alternator would do more than a battery or capacitors. A capacitor doesnt do much if it cant be recharged quickly enough.

 

hmm.. how much do alternators run?

 

i would definatly get 1 farit or more

 

There is a special battery. But depending on the power requirements, sometimes it is better. You may be best off with a couple farad worth of caps.

-Bill

 

Some of you guys should get your alternator, battery and cap straight, they all serve a different purpose.

Cap: provides a quick burst of power to your amp(s)
Additional battery: is only needed when you plan to listen to your system w/ the engine off, however, if you already have a weak alternator, it will now have to charge up two batteries.
Alternator: recharges your battery, I used to tell my customers that its the last resort because its usually the most expensive upgrade.

Most systems don't even need an aftermarket alternator, i'm not saying its bad to have one, but sometimes its a total overkill.

The cap, since its the cheapest upgrade, should be the first upgrade.

vin