Does it matter what kind of Amplifier Capacitor you get for your amp?

Question

My amp keeps going in protection mode and turning off my subs i thought it was overheating but ive noticed my lights were blinking when i turned up the volume. i have a ultralinear 1600watt amp powering 2 10'inch MTX audio subs.

Answer 1

A cap will NOT stop dimming lights.

If your total system power is 1000 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.

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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.

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Answer 2

No, the type of capacitor doesnt matter but i would recommend you getting the same kind as your amp. Your amp goes into protect mode because it cant feed the subs the power they need.  What gauge power wire are you using you may wanna get at least 4 gauge and a 2uf cap. That should solve all your problems..

Answer 3

It does not matter what kind of capacitor you have; they all do the same thing. The only things to look out for are your power needs, and how many farads the capacitor is. Your capcitor acts as a backup power source in case your amp is drawing more power than your battery/alternator can provide. Those long and low bass notes usuallyuse the capcitor. Long story short, more farads=more available power.

Edit-- I WOULD NOT get a capacitor from an electronics suppliers warehouse. Audio capacitors are special in that they can discharge the energy VERY quickly. Normal capacitors cannot do this, and will not perform the same.

Answer 4

I would recommend using an electronic parts supplier warehouse because you can get a 2uF cap for $15 instead of paying the ridiculous amounts that "name brand" suppliers like Kenwood and MTX ask for. Those things can run over $100. And all they are is a sticker stuck on the same cap you can get direct.