Capacitors

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Jun 7, 2001 | 03:16 PM

beartracks

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Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 6,648

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From: Albuquerque

Capacitors

Any opinions on adding a 1/2 Farad cap. to the stereo amp power line? I see these advertised in Crutchfield as a base enhancer. I'm running an Alpine 4x30watt rms amp.

1977 Ford F-100
400m/c6
280,000 miles
Stock on the outside
modified/rebuilt everything

Jun 7, 2001 | 08:18 PM

youngy29

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Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 41

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From: Memphis

Capacitors

Don't let Crutchfield sell you something that you don't need. Capacitors are indeed what they say, bass inhancers. Not necessarily sound inhancement, but extra voltage for a amp that needs it for power surges. I used it for a MTX D class amp that pushed a JL 12w3 at 2 ohms. I liked the results for that amp. As for using a cap for your 4 channel amp that only is used for mids and highs, is just a waste of money. Your electrical system in your vehicle has plenty of power to spare to run your small amp, it's not taking much power and not putting out much either. Save the extra $$ and buy something cool for your truck.

Regards,
Michael

Jun 8, 2001 | 08:05 AM

odinmurphy

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Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 307

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Capacitors

I don't think a Capacitor is quite right for your set up. Capacitors work in the aspect that they can supply instantaneous power to your amplifier. If you are listening to a song with strong, hard bass your stock electrical system may not be capable of keeping up with the demand that the subs are placing on the amp. So in comes the capacitor to fuel the amp in the milisecond interim when the stock electical system isn't adequate. Capacitors charge and release engery extremely quick, so that is why they desireable in this aspect. If your amp does not have all the power it needs, you won't get the most bass out of your amp.

Just my opinion.

Good Luck

Murph

Jun 8, 2001 | 09:59 AM

beartracks

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Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 6,648

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From: Albuquerque

Capacitors

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 08-Jun-01 AT 11:00 AM (EST)[/font][p]Thanks, that's about what I thought. I don't have subs (ran out of room in the cab)but I do have two Stillwater kicker 12"s behind the seats.

1977 Ford F-100
400m/c6
280,000 miles
Stock on the outside
modified/rebuilt everything