Ksan, ....newb.... you are out of your mind saying something to me like that. Literally out of your mind and your buddy above you just tried to tell a guy that wasn't getting proper air exchange to his subs to fire them in a different direction.
When I say something, take it to the bank. Don't think I'm guessing about it. Don't bother referring back to something you read on the internet somewhere. Write it down and remember it.
I was one of the first 25 people to sit in the buick Grand National. I helped build Lanzar's white explorer. I put together transmission line box designs still being built today before CAD was being used to do it.
I'm only saying this once because I was there when the book was written, and I'm not arguing about it so this is the one post I'm making on this:
You are misusing the capacitor. It's hard to properly use something if you don't know how to use it. It has nothing to do with what voltage your system runs at, that is what your battery and alt are for. Capacitors are filters. Farad caps are useless to bass heads and were never intended to be used with any type of SPL/DB Drag style system. A capacitor does not supply constant voltage to the system, that is what the alternator and battery are for. Farad caps are made for people who play quick, sharp, punchy music such as rock for instance. The capacitor absorbs the initial voltage spike from the amp which is very quick. The capacitor charges back up and supplies the system on the next jolt. It is not made to supply constant voltage needed by the SPL vehicles. It is only for micro bursts which have nothing to do with how big your battery and alternator are. We are combating an initial bouncing spike.
Voltage spikes have a "bounce" to them. They go negative in voltage, then back to positive. The only way to absorb the negative is to add a capacitor. The capacitor absorbs the negative side of the spike. The flip side of the spike is a potential surge on the other side of the bounce. *If this were a digital circuit we'd use a de-bouncing switch to avoid false triggers.
The problem comes when trying to tell a bass head what a capacitor is for. It's an SQ thing, don't worry about it. SQ systems (and I mean real one's not "look I bought an EQT") need solid voltage and no line spikes which can induce noise into the system.
A good rock and roll setup like the OP wants, will do well with a farad or two in line. OP, Have fun and enjoy! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif
Well, let's address this. With a good electrical, what is the cap needed for? The battery can provide those minute surges so long as it isn't beyond the capacity of the battery to provide. You aren't going to exceed those limits.
If the voltage is solid already (which it does not need a cap for), it won't have line spikes.
I'm an SQ guy. You aren't talking to a bass head. If I was a bass head, I wouldn't be running a single IB subwoofer, on 250 watts.
Now, you are misunderstanding what I've said. If you are going to argue a point, PLEASE make sure you understand it correctly. And please, PLEASE, don't start making assumptions about who you are talking to. Because you have an overinflated ego of what you know, that does not mean you are automatically superior, and can afford to skim over what some other guy's opinions are and count them wrong. Stop assuming what you learned from someone else twenty years ago is automatically correct. You're also assuming I'm guessing. I honestly don't care where you've been or where you've claimed to have been. I'm currently studying my degree in electrical engineering, myself.
In addition, the OP also pointing out that opening up the trunk into the cabin did absolutely nothing. Point in case? Obviously there's something wrong with your advice. It does not mean that there isn't enough air. That argument fell through, along with most of what validity you hold.
I never said a capacitor supplies voltage. It balances it to a steadier voltage. They act as filters, but not in a power line here - it can be used as a filter in certain occasions, and quite frequently is, but in the actual run of power, a capacitor is wasted when the battery can provide an equivalent voltage without any extreme stress. The caps take in the voltage, charge, and then release it as needed when overdrawn. However, this also produces a lower overall voltage. When you start running through rock beats, the power stored inside is released in the first one. Repeated beats afterwards are suffering now from the battery being forced to not only supply them but recharge the capacitor.
As the charging curve is exponential, it takes much longer to charge than release. It creates a drain on the battery. Now, for these micro bursts you say it is needed for, the battery can provide the power. It doesn't need the assistance of the capacitor, the amperage on the batteries is more than enough for any reasonable setup.
A cap can be used in certain occasions when you need to keep the voltage above a certain level in high powered applications, or if you need to filter out engine noise in other applications. A proper use is filtering out any extraneous noise in the signal wires.
However, this is not where it is needed. It may work, but that is a long way from needing it. It won't provide any noticeable benefit to a system in the application you've said.
As for the OP, the Phoenix Gold component set is going to be good for you. It's cheap, and much better than other sets at that price.
