What the heck are capacitors for? Do I need one? Can someone help?

[Bm96]

So I'm looking for new subs in my car and I see these capacitors. I'm reading they are used for, and that's to conserve some power when there is more of a demand for power going to the sub at a specific time from the amp and that's understandable, but how do I know if I need one or not for my system I have now and in the future??? I've never seen them before and nobody has told me they are a necessity for your system.

Right now I have a 12" Polk Audio sub with a 500 watt Alpine amp(MRV-M500)[/url] in my car. I've had it for about 3 months and I got it all installed for me right out of the box. I just want to say I know absolutely nothing about audio equipment and I need help when looking for new stuff. My subwoofer hits very hard already and sounds great and I'm super paranoid that the dials or knobs located on the amp are messed up or cranked too high, I played a song that was bass intensive while on the highway in traffic and my whole sub started to smoke. Yes, smoke was coming from the inside of the box and smelled like burnt rubber, I had to pull over and remove the sub from my trunk first removing the blue and red wires(I have no idea what these are for or even what they are called). I am trying to get better at understanding every part of the system etc.

I was looking at ordering MTX terminator series dual 12's to replace just the one 12" I have now. It would be awesome to have another 12" in car and it looks like they have great reviews for a budget system. I am not sure if I need to purchase another amp that supplies more power than my 500W Alpine I already have?

I'm really hoping someone can help or inform me about some of the stuff I mentioned if it really doesn't take too much of your time. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif Thanks

TLDR: I'm stupid, I don't know anything about audio equipment and I need advice if I need to get a new amplifier to install new subs.

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[Ahmed Johnson]

If you decide to keep your amp and want 2 subs then get 2 ohm dual voice coils or 4 ohm single voice coils. I'm not sure of the power rating of those subs, but the 2 ohm dvc's or 4 ohm svc coils will get you the most safe power from your amp. No you don't need a capacitor

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

I've written about capacitors and the best time to use one, and I'm going to keep it simple and tell you to forget about using one. They make excellent noise filters, but if you don't have a noise problem that crosses off that reason. It sounds like you've got bigger issues than having enough power in reserve, and not even knowing what the wires are for is a big red flag. When you've done some more reading and gotten some more hands on experience then you'll be better informed.

Right now it sounds like you need help with the basics of configuring your amplifier. You'll probably blow up the MTX Terminators if you don't get your settings correct. Can you post a clearly focused photo of the knobs on the amplifier?

 

[Slo_Ride 5,000+ posts]

Ive never seen anyone go from GA to MA so quickly.

 

[Bm96]

I've written about capacitors and the best time to use one, and I'm going to keep it simple and tell you to forget about using one. They make excellent noise filters, but if you don't have a noise problem that crosses off that reason. It sounds like you've got bigger issues than having enough power in reserve, and not even knowing what the wires are for is a big red flag. When you've done some more reading and gotten some more hands on experience then you'll be better informed.
Right now it sounds like you need help with the basics of configuring your amplifier. You'll probably blow up the MTX Terminators if you don't get your settings correct. Can you post a clearly focused photo of the knobs on the amplifier?

My car is actually in a collision repair center and I will get it back sometime early next week. I was going to purchase the MTX terminators online during this time and just wanted to know if my 500W amp will be suitable to power the subs, or should I look for a higher watt amp? Thanks for informing me about the capacitors. I'm going to try and learn some of the simple parts of my system and what the wires are.
I will get back to you with the picture when I receive my car back trumpet

Ive never seen anyone go from GA to MA so quickly.

What?