Why not to use a capacitor?

[Ronjon17]

Hello All,

I posted on a different thread with my setup and some guys were telling me I should remove my capacitor and didn't explain why. I asked an no response - so I thought I would throw the general question out there... when should you not use a capacitor? And are there any negative effects of using one?

Here's my setup previously:

Boston Acoustics SR-60 Front Components

BA SR-65 Rear Door

BA RM-9 Rear Deck

2 10" MTX Subs

MTX 4 Channel Amp

Kenwood Mono

3 Farad Cap

My MTX 4 Channel died (it was a very old amp). Just purchased a Boston Acoustics GTA 1105. I'm gonna see how it sounds powering the whole system. From my research it should be sufficient for the interior speakers, but might not be enough fo the subs. If it sounds good, I'm going to sell the Kenwood Mono and just have 1 amp for a clean setup.

So if I just have the GTA1105 - any downsides to having a cap? What are the reasons for getting rid of it? Not looking to win competitions here, I liked how the system sounded before the amp died and if I can get it equivalent or better, I'll be happy.

Click to read more...

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

Read this: Capacitor Info

 

[supermaxx123 10+ year member]

WHy did the amp die?

 

[ColterDC 10+ year member]

when should you not use a capacitor?

All the time.

If you've got a sufficent power supply (Alternator) and your battery is working properly, there's no need for a cap whatsoever.

Cap = Bandaid

 

[Why So Cereal? 5,000+ posts]

love those boston comps u have there.

I dont see anything particularly "wrong" with having a cap. But with that setup, I dont see why you'd need it. They can be somewhat effective depending on your needs but for the most part, if your running heavy setups like alot of guys on here, then its useless. With the power youre running, it also seems useless. Your stock electrical should be fine.

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

love those boston comps u have there.I dont see anything particularly "wrong" with having a cap. But with that setup, I dont see why you'd need it. They can be somewhat effective depending on your needs but for the most part, if your running heavy setups like alot of guys on here, then its useless. With the power youre running, it also seems useless. Your stock electrical should be fine.

Maybe you should read my link...

Read this: Capacitor Info

 

[-01limited- 10+ year member]

and I dont see you being able to run those subs and your front stage all off that one amp. You'll be starving everything.

 

[SicAudio 5,000+ posts]

used correctly a true capacitor setup will condition the power into the amplifier by smoothing the ripple effect. using a cap as a substitute for power is the wrong way to implement 1. if you have more electrical than you need then a cap can be beneficial, however w/o an RTA you will never notice the difference.

 

[Papermaker85 5,000+ posts]

used correctly a true capacitor setup will condition the power into the amplifier by smoothing the ripple effect. using a cap as a substitute for power is the wrong way to implement 1. if you have more electrical than you need then a cap can be beneficial, however w/o an RTA you will never notice the difference.

Wow someone got it right..

 

[CHEMMINS 10+ year member]

In a sq system, it can help. In a spl system....not much point.

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

Touch the pos and neg to your tounge on the cap and then answer your question

 

[akheathen Premium Member]

what model was that mtx?

 

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

If you are running a "sq" system and your amps don't have adequate capacitence in their power supply you've really screwed the pooch in amp selection.

If you think it's a fix for voltage/current issues, try this test, run your amp at normal listening levels then pull the 12V from the capacitor and see how much "reserve" power it has in it to supply power to your amp.

 

[05trailblazer 10+ year member]

man was that sh1t informative! or what?? i guess ill just get like 2,200 i farad cap's so i't can equal a batt

Maybe you should read my link...

 

[05trailblazer 10+ year member]

just use a cap as a batt voltage meter there