Slightly OT: Car stereo / Amp question, Regarding Capacitors Options

[ninefourteener]

Howdy folks. I'd love to tell you I just did something outrageous to the teener, but alas, it sits in my garage, awaiting Spring. JUST DROVE IT LAST WEEK WITH THE TOP OFF...... but it got cold again (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/sad.gif)

I did however, finally complete the Stereo in the RSX.

Pioneer 8300 Head unit (fold-down face)

Sony 600W 4-channel amplifier
4 x 6.5 3-way pioneer speakers (inside)

Sony 1200W 2-channel amplifier
2 x 10 MTX 300W subwoofers (box in trunk)

Question: The guy that installed my subs just this past weekend HIGHLY recommended I install a "1 Farad" capacitor on my subwoofer amplifier. He recommended I use one on the 4-channel amp as well.

1. How much danger is my alternator in? Will it last a year? Or a week?

2. Should I get 2 capacitors? Or just one?

3. Can I get one "big" capacitor, and run both amps?

4. Any other suggestions???? What would you do with my setup??

Thanks!!!!

Matt

[914GT]

I think for most installations you're better off going to a heavier gauge wire from your amp back to the battery. The theory behind the capacitor is that it looks like a local source of charge for the amp which means it needs to be located immediately next to the amp for it to do any good, like what CptTripps said. Sort of like putting the battery right next to the amp for those high current peaks when the amp needs it. The cap helps 'neutralize' the loss in the 12V wiring due to resistance and inductance. But it needs both the ground and +12V leads short and fat between it and the amp to be effective. Caps can be dangerous. When discharged at initial power-up they look like a short circuit and have high inrush current. When charged up, don't accidently short the terminals as they can dump a lot of energy all at once. Treat it just like the terminals on a car battery. Oh, it won't hurt the alternator by not having one.