Caps DO make a difference! - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Rmyers · 10-17-2002, 05:10

A while back I got advice from some people here that capacitors don't make a difference and are only for show. I just connected up my 1.5 farad cap and I instantly noticed at least 1 and a half times louder! Just wanted to say Caps DO make a difference!!!!!!!!

gmanEA · 10-17-2002, 06:32

Rymers, I got your sms, thanks for that its great to hear (i couldnt reply, no credit and im tight ass to get a plan). Its really great to hear your system is working well with the cap.

What does your system compose of now, and how is the cap set up in it ?

Rmyers · 10-17-2002, 08:21

It's virtually unchanged,

15" RF Power HX2 sub
Alpine V12 MRV1507
Focal utopia 165w splits
JVC mp3 player
Stinger 1.5 Farad cap (thanx again!)
Yellow top dry cell optima battery
EF alternator, (havn't had time to put it in)

And I'm purchasing a second MRV1507 which should be installed in about a week!

Over the summer holidays I'll be makin door pods similar to yours aswell :)

LTDHO · 10-17-2002, 22:54

Is the increase in volume measured by ear or SPL meter.

I run a 1 Farad, not for show, but never did a before and after. I heard cap's are really for SQ systems than SPL..

Rmyers · 10-18-2002, 12:42

I can physically hear the difference, I'v never had my car measured before (which I regret since I could have compared the difference the cap makes) but I will be next sunday at freeway car audio. Is anyone from hear going?

eb_5litre · 10-19-2002, 13:57

How can a capacitor increase your stereos volume ? From what I understand.. a capacitor is just a cylinder that stores power, it relieves the stress/drain put on your cars battery and provides your stereo with instant power, as opposed to straining your car battery and stuffing your alternator in the process.

Amplifier = Amplified power and volume.
Capacitor = Energy storage device.

Rmyers · 10-19-2002, 15:29

Well from what I understand it would keep the voltage delivered to the amps constant. With every bass beat the volts drop as the amp drains power, the capacitor keeps the voltage even, therefore supplying the amp with constant power.

My amp does about 600wrms at 12V, while at 14.4V it does 900wrms. It's then safe to assume that the higher the volts are kept, the more power the amps will put out.

This is my understanding of what a cap does, correct me anyone if I'm wrong, anyway I don't care how it did it, but it certainly made a hell of a difference!

laminge · 10-19-2002, 15:38

Rmyers

You are correct, but you will find rather than a performance boost, your system is now benefitting a quality boost!

Haing run subs with and without caps, I do understand what your experiencing!

eb_5litre · 10-19-2002, 19:45

Rmyers, yeah I see what your getting at. I can only go off my experiences, I cant comment on the effects of a cap on my system because Ive never run it without one.
I was advised to get a cap because my alternators keep dying (i'm onto my 3rd)... my alternator charges at around 15volts (displayed on the volt meter on instrument cluster) so I guess i'm getting the most out of my amps all the time.