1200 watt amp, Capacitor needed or not?

Question

1200 watt sony xplod amp and 1 12 inch 1200 watt sub. For a week I had it in with no capacitor, the amp went directly to the battery. After that setup I went through 2 batteries and an alternator. The day I got my new battery and alternator, I was having the battery tested and noticed a wire was sparking like crazy. Turns out it was my engine/transmission ground and 2 inches of it was exposed on both sides, no insulation just wire. So I electric taped it up, hoping that will hold until my new ground wire kit comes in the mail. I am afraid to run my system again, even though I know that it was probably just because of that ground wire that I ended up losing 2 batteries and an alternator. When I do get the ground kit, do you think I need a capacitor for a 1200 watt (1200 peak watt, not rms) amp? Everybody says I should be fine but I dont know

Answer 1

A cap should be the last thing you need they just draw more current from the battery. If you are worried get upgrade the big 3 wires, a better battery and a new altenator.

Answer 2

I have that amp.

What you are missing is the level you and your friend have the amp set at.

The purpose of the gain is to match the signal volts RMS coming from the source (CD player, etc.) to the input of the amp to prevent clipping (damage by over powering).

Here is a guide that will help you set the gain correctly http://www.box.net/shared/uchv4dbk88

You'll need a multi-meter (AC voltmeter, $15 from Radio$hack), Microsoft Excel and a way to burn an audio CD from an MP3.

If you don't have Excel, use this link http://www.box.net/shared/nkkw1dhk4g

The most that amp can push is 500 watts RMS in bridged mode or 250 watts RMS X 2 (per channel).

"I've read that when you have 1200 or more RMS watts, then you need a capacitor. "

The truth on that....

If your total system power is 1200 watts RMS or more,  you will need to:

1. Upgrade the alternator to a high output alternator

2. Upgrade to a heavy duty deep cycle battery

3. Upgrade the "Big 3" - that is to replace (or add to) the power wire between the battery and alternator, the ground from the battery to the chassis and the ground strap from the engine/tranny to the chassis with at least 2 AWG wire.

Failure to do this will result in the early death of the alternator  as it will eventually fail.

Here is a guide that will calculate what size alternator and power wires you need  http://www.box.net/shared/uchv4dbk88

You will need Microsoft Excel. If you don't have Excel, use this link http://www.box.net/shared/nkkw1dhk4g

A second battery is never a good idea as it's an added strain on the alternator to charge two batteries AND supply power for the car. The ONLY time a second battery is useful is if the audio system is to be used with the car off.

A capacitor is only good so far as the audio system isn't trying to pull too much from the electrical system. A cap doesn't provide more power, it's designed to 'stiffen' the voltage to the amp, nothing else. If the current isn't there, a cap won't help.

The alternator must have at least 20% more amperage power than the entire vehicle and sound system combined for a cap to be of benefit which is ironically the same requirements for an amp to be efficient.

See my site for more info http://spkrbox1.spaces.live.com

Answer 3

well when you have a system anything over a 1000watts requires you to have a cap so it doesn't draw strain from you alternator and battery when the bass hits the energy from the cap is used so yes get one

Answer 4

If its 1200 peak you should prob be alright, try it out and see if the lights dim if they do then consider your options.  It really depends on your alt output, and if you have a new alt it should be producing good power.