For my two amps, would it be better to use a capacitor or a battery isolator?

Question

the amps are the eclipse four channel xa4000, and the kicker monoblock sx1250.1.

Answer 1

For once munkeyhead2_16 actually states a valid opinion, presents plausible facts and doesn't have the asker doing something stupid.

I'm impressed.

He is mislead on two accounts though.

"and they only act as a resistance force in between your battery and amp"

While a capacitor has resistance, it's not enough to even make a difference. Additionally, what resistance there is, it's not between the battery and amp, but actually between hot and ground since a cap is wired in parallel with the amp and battery.

The power wires are the "resistance force in between your battery and amp" even though it is again, not significant enough to matter.

Here is more on caps:
http://www.bcae1.com/capacitr.htm


"(battery isolator) is used to hook up an additional battery as a backup if your main one dies"

Not so. A battery isolator will let you completely discharge the additional battery without discharging the stock (starting) battery.

Here is more on isolators:
http://www.bcae1.com/battiso.htm


A note on the capacitors.

This debate whether a cap does any good or not has plagued us since they were put on the market. Some say to put your money to better uses, others say it reduces power drains on the vehicles electrical system while improving power stability.

My thoughts aren't about dimming headlights or power stability, but rather longevity of your amp and electrical system. My theory is that MOV's (metal oxide varistors) in the power input of an amp, operate much like a suit of armor electrically protecting the amps internal circuitry from voltage spikes. This "suit of armor" can only take so many hits before spikes begin to leak in (they break down, it's their job). This is why you're supposed to replace your surge suppressors every 2 years.

Stiffening capacitors are used as a sort of electrical shock absorber to help maintain a constant voltage and smooth out ripple as best it can. Spikes are also greatly reduced due to this process. This passes much weaker spikes to hit the MOV's which extends their life. If you extend the life of the MOV's, you also extend the life of the amp electrically.

Think of it this way...

How many fans are in a typical car?

You have the AC/Heater fan and one or two radiator fans. These cause noise in the cars electrical system.

How many relays are in a typical car?

You have the horn, AC, fuel pump and fuel injector. There may even be others I have'nt mentioned.

My point is, each one of these devices when toggled on or off cause spikes in the electrical system. Some relays may have diodes built in to prevent backfeed, but most of them don't.

As I said before, this is all just a theory of mine and currently I have no true method to put it to a test. Yet!

Answer 2

There is a huge discussion in the car audio community about capacitors, weather they do good or are really just useless. I believe that capacitors really are really unnecessary, and they only act as a resistance force in between your battery and amp(s). I don't think you would require a battery isolator either since it is used to hook up an additional battery as a backup if your main one dies, go down to your local car audio shop and pick up a distribution block, that has built in fuses, this will split one cable into two safely (as long as you install it right). The fuse size should match the same size as the fuse on your amp(s). So in this question with the information that you provided I would say neither a cap or an isolator. If your worried about your electrical system not having enough power buy a bigger alternator, I think you will be highly satisfied with that for your power needs. If you have any extra details or info email me at [e-mail]

Answer 3

A battery isolator is to be used with a second battery in the trunk not alone. It isolates the power to run the amps off the battery you install in the trunk when the car is not running or if the key is not turned forward.

I would recommend a battery or 2 farad cap! if your pounding the hell out of some subs!

Answer 4

If you want a cap, get it. It is not NEEDED. If it were the amp manufacturer would include it, or at least say it is needed. VERY few people have a need for a second battery. A second battery is really pointless if you don't intend to listen to the radio with the vehicle off.

Answer 5

sure it would be affecting your alternator. The alternator is the time-honored source of present day on your automobile not the battery. including amplified equipment creates extra rigidity on the alternator. hit upon a stable respected automobile audio keep and verify into getting a extreme output alternator. Your community automobile areas keep con not help you right here as they don't deal in genuine extreme output alternators besides the reality that they are able to get an upgraded style yet which will nevertheless not be adequate. The wiring from the alternator to the battery, battery to chassis, and chassis to engine block additionally might desire to be upgraded to handle the extra present day flow.