WTB capacitor

[fogelmclovin 10+ year member]

I need an inexpensive capacitor. It's for a 520 RMS amp do it doesn't have to be huge but I do prefer at least 1 farad. I'm looking to spend less than 40 shipped. Obviously I don't care if its used, just not one that's thrashed and 2 years old.

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[blong131 10+ year member]

go for a trunk batt

 

[brchd]

sure are a lot of companies making them just for 'looks'

 

[silvercookie 5,000+ posts]

jeepintin i was just trying to give a general idea.

 

[fogelmclovin 10+ year member]

***breaking News***
You don't need a cap... If you took some of your nooblet wisdom and did a search you would have found it.

I did a search, I see more articles to say I should have one.

Why You Can't Do Without A Car Audio Capacitor

Mantius Cazaubon

Mantius Cazaubon is a successful author and publisher of http://car-stereos-guide.com , a resource for information and tips on buying car stereo and audio products online.

A capacitor is a bit similar to your car battery; it stores electrical energy. But unlike a battery it doesn't produce its own power, it simply stores it. A car audio capacitor will help you get the most from your amplifier. It will store power for release on demand, delivering it to your amplifier just when it's needed.

Your car amplifier requires a lot of power to play loud music, especially when there's lots of heavy bass. Without a capacitor your amplifier will be robbed of power by parts like your lights, engine, and air conditioner.

So what happens when your car audio amplifier doesn't receive enough power?

A common occurrence is dimming lights. In such a situation the light will follow the beat of the music. The light will dim each time a heavy bass note sounds. If you were to turn off the lights, your car stereo system would suddenly sound louder and the music would be cleaner.

Your amplifier is simply trying to use more energy than the electrical system can supply. If a capacitor had been present there would have been enough energy to power your amp. That electrical energy would have already been stored.

When you want to reduce headlight dimming, improve bass response, and increase the power of your amp, a stiffening capacitor is a must. Equipped with capacitor and an adequate power supply, your system will get every bit of current it needs. Voltage drops will be a thing of the past.

 

[fogelmclovin 10+ year member]

go for a trunk batt

Yeah, I know.

I am on a really tight budget. So, I'm just trying to get the system in before a Nov 15th road trip to Pittsburgh.

 

[Foote 10+ year member]

i feel different about the whole "you don't need a cap'' theory...If capacitors did not help somewhat then why would amplifier manufacturers use them on the circuit boards on their amps? they ALL use them. If caps had no energy storage value, or fast discharge and recharge rate, they would have no electrical use. Then i could see ppl saying you dont need them.....has anyone read the recent test in PAS mag about the metering with and without the cap test?

id like to see that test...link?

 

[93EXT 10+ year member]

Do 0 guage big 3 upgrade and run o guage to your amp, if your lights still dim get a HO ALT, not a cap for a bandaid.

 

[Foote 10+ year member]

Do 0 guage big 3 upgrade and run o guage to your amp, if your lights still dim get a HO ALT, not a cap for a bandaid.

band-aid mentioner = band-wagoneer.

 

[22mountaineer 10+ year member]

You dont have it squared away bro.. You are speaking of getting one and you have everyone saying no and you dont want to be embarassed on here... I understand, but this isnt half as bad as I have seen the guys jumping on people. They are flat out telling you no. At least these guys are working with you. Now that you have them tryign to help you rather than a smartass, please gain the knowledge from these men. Everyone has to start somewhere, we all understand that. But rather than turn your head, ask more questions and ask for examples and you will get the basic knowledge that you need.

Good luck on the system but you need some think a little more, possibly an alt or an extra battery... A cap is a big bandade, they can only hold so much and distrubute so much and its back to ground zero with the stock electrical.. All a cap does is what it can do for that split second and then its like its not there when you are only 1/4 through that specific bass note..

Please take these guys advice.. They know there shit, we have all been there asking the same question you are but in the end we know otherwise.. We all remember where we was asking this same thing.. Again GL

 

[93EXT 10+ year member]

yeah, ok? o0. bandaid is something I read about 7 years ago...

Who else mentioned bandaid in this post?

Or are your panties in a bunch because you have a 6 Farad cap and probably a stock alt... lol

 

[Foote 10+ year member]

yeah, ok? o0. bandaid is something I read about 7 years ago...
Who else mentioned bandaid in this post?

Or are your panties in a bunch because you have a 6 Farad cap and probably a stock alt... lol

I dont really feel like getting into this again. But usually when I see someone use the word "band-aid" to describe caps I usually draw the conclusion that they base there "knowledge" on what they read some random guy say and have done nothing to test it for themself for experince; thus, a "band wagon-er"

no offense though.

 

[billabongcr 5,000+ posts]

quit busting his balls. hes got alot on his plate, and wants to enjoy some bump.

yall were there once, so quit bring pricks and explain what needs to be done. grow up kids.

 

[twisztdauthorit 10+ year member]

I have a 3 farad power acoustic cap i can sell ya. PM me for pics and price.

 

[93EXT 10+ year member]

I dont really feel like getting into this again. But usually when I see someone use the word "band-aid" to describe caps I usually draw the conclusion that they base there "knowledge" on what they read some random guy say and have done nothing to test it for themself for experince; thus, a "band wagon-er"

no offense though.

So, your assuming I don't have one? I have a Brax and Helix cap that I've owned since I first got into car audio. Ive tried it in 3 systems, All those cars eventually I took it out and bought a HO alt.

So now I use the cap on a power supply in home for playing cd players in the garage.

 

[Foote 10+ year member]

So, your assuming I don't have one? I have a Brax and Helix cap that I've owned since I first got into car audio. Ive tried it in 3 systems, All those cars eventually I took it out and bought a HO alt.
So now I use the cap on a power supply in home for playing cd players in the garage.

Thats why i said no offense...cuz I dont know for sure rather you have experince. That term "band-aid for electrical problems" just really strikes a nerve to me...in annonynce. Because it is USUALY coupled with band-wagoners...which i hate.