when and why do i need a capacitor?

Question

im putting a system together and im wondering if i need a capacitor. i got one 10" pioneer sub and a 300watt amp will i need it or pass on it?

im trying to avoid light flicker but i dont wanna waste money either.

Answer 1

I'll answer your question the same way I would for someone running 10,000 Watts

Don't buy the cap and spend that same money elsewhere on your electrical system (battery(s), cabling, "big 3", and alternator).

Answer 2

I just realized how many computer nerds are on here haha.

The truth is you really don't need a cap for your install the amount of watts your running shouldn't be a problem or strain the electrical system on your vehicle. The problem is when you install a system with a high current or big amplifier that will draw allot of amps from your electrical system your alternator can not keep up with the load eventually you'll kill the alternator, in a system like this as the alternator never gets a break.

I hope I have kept this simple and to the point. Here is a little side not for your future install. Turn the gain on your amp all the way down turn your radio up to a level you'll be listening to more often then slowly turn the gain up on the amp until the subs distort or sound like BLANK! then turn it back just enough so they don't distort and you'll have system that will run for ever.

Answer 3

If you are only working with one 10, and 300watts, you don't really need the power cap, but if you plan on adding to your system, then you should install it now. You need a power cap when you exceed 500 watts or more, but adding a battery and an isolator can give you more to work with.

Answer 4

Haha, Ricky, you must have never seen the inside of an amplifier. Amplifiers can't amplify without capacitors: they're full of capacitors. As a matter of fact, they are full of exactly the amound of capacitance that the amp needs. So, yes, you need more than one capacitor. You need however many came in the 300 watt amp you've bought, and no more.

Answer 5

The capacitor is needed for the very low bass notes on a sub-woofer. If you are not kicking a big sub. then you don't need a power cap. ( with out a capacitor a big sub can blink your lights at night and even damage an alternator.)
Like I said if your not kicking a big bass sub-woofer you can skip the power cap.


Yours: Grumpy

Answer 6

You don't need one. You never NEED one. If they were required to run an amp, the amp would come with one, or at least say you HAD to have one. I have never used one, don't plan on using one either. My next system is going to be in the 1300-1500 watt range, and I do not plan on using one.

Answer 7

that size amp shouldnt require a cap, your gonna need a cap never, the first upgrade to your electical system should be a bigger alternator, adding extra battries and caps is only gonna make your alternator have to work harder to keep them charged which is gonna cause premature failure because its getting over worked

Answer 8

No cap is required for the watts you're running.
_______________________________________

"I just realized how big of an idiot grande alacrán is on here haha."

So ignore grande alacráns' second part of his answer.

The gain is to be matched to the output Volts RMS of your HU.

If this is not done the correct way, damage may ensue. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Here is more on the subject of "gain":

http://www.bcae1.com/gaincon2.htm

Answer 9

Just follow the instructions that came with the stuff you bought.

Answer 10

try it out and see how it sounds
if its not good enough
the cap will give you more thump