Hey

I'm going to be installing a system in the next week or so... 1000 watts rms 2000 max and I have 2 questions..

1. Do I need a cap? I thought it was essential but then somebody posted a link on here about how pointless they were. If somebody could just give me a quick rundown on the benefits of caps that would be great.

2. What gauge wire and fuze size should I be using? Does anybody have any places to pick up a cheap (but decent quality) wiring kit online?

Thanks in advance
Andrew

 

Easy answer.........caps are pointless if the big 3 is done.....& you have a good battery & a high amp alternator.
Zero gauge is always best & the fuse should be double the amps being pulled.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm not crazy about doing the big 3 because I'm not really planning on driving this car for more than a year or two... If I'm not planning on upgrading, would a cap be a good idea?

 

Save your money and buy a 200 watt amp....if you're gonna do it wrong , go small.

A 1kW amp will draw 100 amps or more or it won't do 1 kW, so why try?
Do the Big 3 and scrap the cap.

 

Last time I checked the Big 3 was MUCH cheaper than buying a cap. And it really isn,t that much more wire than you would also have to use on a cap.
Cheaper, better, DO IT. You can,t lose.

 

So I'm better off upgrading wiring, even though I'm definitely not replacing the stock alternator and wasn't planning on replacing the stock battery? And if I do the big 3, then I don't need to worry about the cap?

What kind of length of wire in total are we looking at roughly for a compact car big 3 upgrade?

 

https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_11221/204440671PRSD3000SPLOwnersManual.pdf

Here is a manual for a 1000 w rms amp.

Follow instructions. Obviously, if you have more than 1 amp, you need a distribution block.

 

The big 3 is far better & cheaper then a cap even with stock battery & amp.

Caps are really more for show factor & a waste of cash.

 

Alright. Scrap the cap. Now where do I go about picking up 30 feet of 0 gauge wire? Edmonton area would be great but if I have to ship it in I guess I will. Any suggestions?

 

Lots of shops in Edmonton.... Certified, FX Audio would have or could get quickly for you I'm sure..

As far as Caps are concerned.. I believe in them, only because if you put them in and your stereo sounds better - then they work. If it doesn't sound better, it didn't work.

My best example on this one - small 200 watt RF Amp (Punch 40 ix if memory serves) - 4 gauge run to it with all the grounds upgraded etc.. added a 1 farad cap inline - bass cleaned up, front end was better etc..

Biggest ish I see most guys doing with caps is not enough being put in, and buying cheap caps.. As well you need to feed that cap, so if the wiring isn't up to snuff when you try it, it probably won't perform as you may expect.

As with anything else, if you have everything right and you put something in and it doesn't sound better and you have check your install and set up - then take it back out and get your money back.