big_man_tree

yeah basically i got this sub for 200 bucks before i had my car, and its been sitting in my basement for awhile as a tv stand, i figured its time too hook it up, ill see how it sounds with a basic amp and cap, midz, highs, and take it from there

big_man_tree

not really looking for the best system, just something that will make this sub pump, and wont blow up on me within a month, i kinda want to get a really nice head unit though, touch screen, gps, plays movies lol,

IT Hz

iTrader: (1)

As stated in previous post do the "Big 3" this will be important for getting the current required to the amp, use at least 4 guage wire for your cable upgrades. Going the cap route if you decide to add one, ground the amp through the cap so there is only one ground.

big_man_tree

yeah i do plan on getting a cap, okay cool thanks, hopefully ill actually set this all up this time, im pretty sure i will though,

momax_powers

On the contrary i use maxwell ultracapacitors 6x 2.7v-3000F ....these caps actually make a difference but caraudio caps are useless junk, just a weak bandaid that hinders yours amps eventually

Look at all tge spl and sq champions at every event... None use a cap and if you suggest them to use one you will be laughed at

edit: you wont get any improvement until you get into 100+F cap (usually ultra or super caps) range and a 100f car audio cap cost several 100s of dollars...not very budget friendly especially when a cheaper battery with tons more reserve would be more beneficial

IT Hz

iTrader: (1)

We are not talking true SPL here, nor competition. When your at that level yes you use multiple batteries and alternators, I have many friends who are world champions in SPL. Team Riprock (Mark and Mike) , James Chevrette, Will Lievers just to name a few. Funny thing Richard Clark who has never been defeated in SQ and is a true guru actually uses caps in his SQ car.

momax_powers

capacitor myth

Car Audio CAPACITORS: Why They DON'T Work
Capacitor

momax_powers

ask him what he uses it for.......bet you he not using it for fixing low voltage drops***, which is the problem in question that OP will most likely face

momax_powers

This is the capbank i put together and use ... It equates to 16.2v capacity and 500farad. The reason these will actually make a difference is the low ESR and obviously higher storage capacity. Ive even replaced my starting battery with this bank for a few weeks(just alt and caps, no batteries).
A true 1 farad car audio cap will give you 12watts for a fraction of a second and then turns into another load the alternator has to continue to replenish

IT Hz

iTrader: (1)

You have valid points, I'm not going to question the integrity, but for this application the cap will do the job as long as the electrical of the vehicle and the wiring is to par. I've used caps myself and on customer vehicles and they do what is needed. The important key here is "inexpensive". Adding an extra battery is more dollar involved then adding a cap when it comes to the big picture ( Is there room in the vehicle for a secondary battery?, material cost for putting the battery in, wiring to charge the battery etc etc.) Adding a secondary battery is more $ then the cap.