Very Serious CAPACITOR Querstion ...

[Sutliff]

How come, as I have read around, sooo many folks poo-poo on the idea of utilizing caps?

I have a system comprised of a single, "normal", under-the-hood acid battery, & a 3-channel amp that is rated for 500W, but tested at 633, ... And as I am re-assembling this system, in part, in a new vehicle, I fully plan(ned) to wire back in my 1-ferrad SoundQuest cap. Should I not?

I run 4awg POS & NEG straight from the BATT - through 60amp breakers - to the trunk. Run a pair of components, & two 12's.

I would love some informative insight(s) on this deal. The deal being should I just NOT run the cap, or use it.

Secind BATT install is NOT possible at this point in time, & the alternator put out120amps.

Thank you, ... I am trying to learn as much as I can here.

Be well,

[Watch the bass]

Cap´s are usefull if you have a solid rock electrical system. Before you buy a cap, do the Big 3 in 0/1 gauge, chase you lead acid batrt and get a AGM batt and than you can think about a cap. Now you know that the cap can be only a ditch on a top notch.

[C-Fizzy]

A small 1farad cap will not help your system, it would actually be a strain on your electrical system. Now if you were to have, say, a 40 farad cap, THAT, would help.

Good?

[Noel989]

From personal experienced i wouldnt use it but you maybe hooked it and do a comparison to see witch one is better with or without

[Sutliff]

I apologize for not stating that I AM doing the Big 3 as well.

And at this point in time, I do not have the money on hand for a "Yellow Top", or the like. What I have, is what I have. Though make no mistake, I want, & will do everything I can, with what I have, to make this operate at peak efficiency ... I even have me a DD-1. :thumbsup:

Thank you to anyone else who contributes to this thread, or someone who chimes-in again.

[Hotdog]

here is a quick reference for you. hook your system up and play it loud. If your lights dim the cap will not do you any good. If your lights do not dim then the cap will be alright to use.

with 633 watts you should be fine

[AB18VFL]

...why cant you use a battery?

[Sutliff]

@Hotdog: I thought the idea was IF a cap was/is used, the chance of "dimming" headlights was reduced? At least that has been the phenomenon I have discovered. If you could clarify what you meant, I would be genuinely, greatfully thankful.

@AB18VFL: What do you mean? Was I vague in my OP?

To clear it up, I meant to say, it is NOT in the cards right now for me to install an AUX BATT in the trunk. I have to use the Duralst lead-acid under the hood, & that is it for this build, at least for now. BATT & ALT will be upgraded in the future ... likely by this fall.

By the way, greetings from a few miles north of Syracuse, NY, USA.

[deeje]

Basically a capacitor does you no good unless your electrical is already up to par which in that case you don't really need it either. Just don't use it you'll be better off and with under 700 watts you should be fine anyways.