Install a cap or not?

[chinsk]

Right now I have a 93 Ford Explorer XLT 2wd. I have a Sony Xplod CDX-5000X [http://www.epinions.com/483388_Sony_Mobile_CDX_C5000X_CD_Reciever] head unit connected to 4 Infinity Reference Series 5x7's [http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-0IVHvAEHar9/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=10&g=51900&I=1085752CF&o=m&a=0], I bypassed the factory amp so they are being directly powered by the head unit. I would like to add a Sony XM-2150GSX 150x2 amp [http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-0IVHvAEHar9/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=110&I=158XM2150&o=m&a=0] to power a Sony XS-L1036 sub [http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-0IVHvAEHar9/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=10&g=67600&I=158L1036&o=m&a=0] and I am debating wether I need to install a cap or not. Right now everything in my car is factory except for the head unit and speakers. What is your guys opinion on the power requirements here?


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EDIT: I cant spell.

 

[Hartman]

Given your system components is it necessary? No. But it will improve your system a bit in turns of cleaner bass, but it is not a long term solution for fixing power shortages. My system is running completely off the stock electrical system and I have no cap. I've never had a problem.

 

[Beastb15]

Tis true, I too would also say no on the cap. A cap is just another draw for your alternator. The first thing I plan to do is get a bigger alternator in terms of fixing my power problems.

 

[ChuckyD]

I'de say no too... i have a similiar setup with panasonic stuff, about 300 watts RMS amp and a Kicker sub. No problems at all in over a year!

 

[chinsk]

Good deal, what I like to hear. As far as the car battery, do I need to beef it up or should I be ready to rock with the normal setup?

 

[ChuckyD]

If it ever dies... then worry about it.
Mine hasn't yet

 

[Brian's98XLT]

There should be no need for a cap with that amp.

 

[coolchris]

im planning on running 4 12's either off 1 JL 1000/1 or 2 JL 500/1 amps. will i need to do anything power wise?

 

[VairKing]

Chris, my recomondation would be to get everything installed first, then run it, and see how the trucks electrical system does. If it keeps up, and the batt. gauge doesnt move much while idleing, I wouldnt worry about it. If it does move a lot, I would get a larger alternator first, then a cap.

 

[coolchris]

how much would a larger alternator cost?

nevermind i just did a search on it... looks like a 200amp alternator from mralternator.com will run me 235 bucks. thanks for the info.

 

[ChuckyD]

Im with ryan...
Or if you really want to spend your money, just get both

 

[Van I.]

cap or not

My rf amp doubles output wattage at 14.4v. The battery will only put out 12v or less.
Would a cap let me get the most out of my amp?

 

[chinsk]

Just to give an update. I just got done with the install about an hour ago. Ended up using an RF HE 10 inch sub instead of the sony. I mounted the amp on the back of the short side of the split sear in the back and ran the wires thru the carpet so you cannot see them at all. Then put the sub in front of the amp so the amp is not even visible. Then pull the slide cover over the whole setup and you cant even tell its there. I have a few tweaks I need to do. I MAY need a cap because when my car is idle the battery drops from the R to the N in normal. But when I get goin the batter goes back to the R where is usually was. First I got a dual voice coil sub but my friend blew a voice coil on it and we i decided I wanted a single voice coil anyway and swapped em. (Go best buy service plan). Now I just need to figure out how to filter out the lows from my door speakers in a cheap fashion.

 

[ChuckyD]

are the door speakers amped? if so get a crossover
You can turn down the bass on the HU if you have seperate subwoofer controls
or you can get Bass blockers... but they kinda suck

 

[chinsk]

Nah, I am powering the door speakers off the HU which does not have a sub pre out so I need to come up with something creative here.

 

[B94Sport]

Re: cap or not

Originally posted by Van I.
My rf amp doubles output wattage at 14.4v. The battery will only put out 12v or less.
Would a cap let me get the most out of my amp?

Unless you are running the system with the truck's engine off, or your alternator is not performing correctly, you should be getting 14-15 volts out of your battery. Mine's running at 14.55. A cap would not change your power output in terms of watts. The only way to increase wattage is to buy a more powerful amp or up the voltage it receives.

 

[brianwvu]

I'm the one who needs the cap... pushing 1100W RMS into two 15's makes the voltage guage move and the headlights dim every time the bass hits.