To Cap, Or Not To Cap That Is The Question.

[BIGB6456 10+ year member]

So if you are going to install amps (2) that are running 200-400w and 400-600w. Do you use a cap or one the new "CAP KILLERS" battery things. I always used a cap for larger power and now I am being told not to bother and to throw it in the trash. And that I should get a cap killer.

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[xtremebassjunky 10+ year member]

use the battery.

i never use caps, just use batteries...

the hc 600 which is what I am pretty sure you meant does a good job for my buddy who is running a jl 1000/1 and a 400w 4 channel, the little kinetik did a good job of keeping his lights from dimming.

 

[jmanpc 5,000+ posts]

 

[Bloodstalker999 10+ year member]

The Big three

Yellow top battery

Works wonders for your electrical system

 

[blackbonnie 5,000+ posts]

extra battery and big wire FTW

 

[Radioflyer97 10+ year member]

the primary purpose of a cap is to discharge a large amount of energy quickly usually to your sub amp(s). If you're charging system is able to keep up with your sound system's average current demands, then getting a cap is perfectly acceptable. (I would avoid the "killer caps", their design is completly different from a regular cap and won't function the same way)

If your chargng system CAN'T keep up with the average power demands, you need to fix that first. Depending on the current shortage, you might be able to get away with somthing like the big 3. If you're 30+ amps short consistantly, you may want to consider a second battery or larger alternator.

 

[BIGB6456 10+ year member]

I have a 2007 VW GTI so I am not sure how its alt. I think I am going to pick up a US AMP MERLIN M41 to run a rainbow 3 way comp set and use my PPI PC2400.2 to run a 8" sub.

 

[blackbonnie 5,000+ posts]

i wouldnt even worry about a cap then, if i were you i would just upgrade your stock battery to maybe a kinetic or optima and you will be good. you wont be running much power so you will be good. if you can afford to run a new battery, then just upgrade your big 3

 

[Thieroff 10+ year member]

God, there's a thread about this every other day.

Same thing over and over

"Should I get a cap?"

"Caps don't work."

"caps really do work."

Personally I'd save the money from a cap and just put it into upgrades on my electrical system, if at all possible.

CT