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Do I need a capacitor? Amp cutting out

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Old 09-16-2010, 02:10 AM
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Do I need a capacitor? Amp cutting out

I just got my new sub. It's a soundstream T5 - 900 rms continuous. I have it connected at 2 ohms on my Alpine MRP-M1000 which is 1000w @ 2ohms.

I have 4 gauge power wire. At higher volumes it cuts out. I'm also running a 4 channel Orion amp at 55% gain @ 65 rms/channel.

I have the suspicion it needs a capacitor. I'm not a guru with electronics but that would be my guess.

What do you guys think? and what would you recommend.

Thanks ahead of time.
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Old 09-16-2010, 05:13 AM
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Check all your wiring, sounds like maybe a bad ground... instead of thinking you need a capacitor, scratch that idea and read up about "THE BIG THREE" *echo* then go out and upgrade... I like to make it a habit to fasten a ground wire with a bolt/flat washer/lock washer/nut instead of just a sheet metal screw, over time those tend to come loose.... if you turn your the gain down on the amp does it still cut out at higher volumes?
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Old 09-16-2010, 06:34 AM
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Yes, do "big 3" and you should upgrade wire gauge at the same time. For them two amps, I would lean toward 2ga minimum maybe even 1/0 for future investments.

This route is cheaper than most caps and stands a better chance at fixing your issue correctly.

Oh, and on a side note: With most amps now days, there is no reason to have your gains set @ 1/2. If you do, you are very likely introducing distortion or clipping.

Last edited by DeadlySones; 09-16-2010 at 06:38 AM.
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Old 09-16-2010, 11:09 AM
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Originally Posted by DeadlySones

Oh, and on a side note: With most amps now days, there is no reason to have your gains set @ 1/2. If you do, you are very likely introducing distortion or clipping.
What do you suggest as a maximum gain setting?
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Old 09-16-2010, 11:12 AM
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depends on many factors. Usually about 1/4 depending on your HU and the features you have turned on. Only way to tell for sure is to use an O-scope. My gains on highs are barely above the min and sub is just under 1/4.
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Old 09-16-2010, 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by DeadlySones
depends on many factors. Usually about 1/4 depending on your HU and the features you have turned on. Only way to tell for sure is to use an O-scope. My gains on highs are barely above the min and sub is just under 1/4.
Great stuff. I'm doing some reading as we speak about the purpose of gain. This is excellent. Thanks for the help guys.
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Old 09-16-2010, 03:53 PM
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3 realistic possibilities for the problem as described:
1- over current shut down of the amp
2- Power supply low voltage shut down of the amp
3- over heating shut down of the amp

A capacitor will not solve any of these

solutions for the problems in order of the problems:
1- wire your woofers correctly
2- tighten connections tool tight not finger tight metal to metal (no paint), get a decent battery use a multimeter to identify where the wiring issue is
3- assure there is air flow around the amp and it is mounted correctly
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Old 09-24-2010, 03:27 PM
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big three or a h/o alternator , maybe 2nd battery
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Old 09-24-2010, 05:20 PM
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he appears to have left the building
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