Anyone whos running subs using a capacitor right now? I have 2-12" Punches running a 1000W Kenwood. When it hits those loud notes, everything dims out for awhile haha. So anyone running a capacitor and does it truly stop the dimming while at the same time providing a better "thud". Id rather not drop $90 on a shiny can.

 

Don't buy a capacitor, they're a total waste. It won't stop your dimming. Period.

You could try doing the big three upgrade, but chances are it won't totally eliminate your dimming either, though it would likely help to some degree. A high output alternator is your best bet.

 

I have mixed feelings on capacitors. I didn't put one in my system. I went with dual batteries instead. I have 2 Optimas, a red top under the hood, and a yellow top in the trunk. A haven't done the alternator upgrade yet.
I can drive for about an hour in the dark, with the system cranking HARD, then my lights start flickering. (If I keep it under 53 of 62 on the volume, I'm OK. 52 the lights don't flicker, 54 they do). A capacitor would help that minimally. I need a bigger alternator to keep up with the draw.
If your lights are flickering right from the git go, your battery reserve is too low. You need more battery(s). Cap's will take the edge off the flickering, but you're running dangerously close to having a dead battery. Start with a deep cycle battery, such as an Interstate or an Optima, go to a large capacity alternator, and if they still flicker, THEN you can add a cap'. But IMHO, a cap' is just a band-aid. And they get REAL expensive. Put that hard earned money into a better battery.
BTW, doing the "big 3" is the FIRST thing that should be done. That in of itself MIGHT cure the problem.

 

Running extra batteries won't stop light dimming on loud notes. Extra batteries are for reserve capacity (playing the system with the car off). Dimming occurs when you draw more power than the alternator can supply, so the battery has to pick up the slack. The alternator keeps the system voltage around 14V, but when you over draw it, and voltage drops to that of the batteries, which is 12.6V no matter how many batteries you have.

Deep cycle batteries generally respond slower to sudden loud hits due to their design, so often times running a deep cycle battery as your only battery can make dimming worse.

 

Im running 2 extra batteries and a 2.5 farad capacitor and have no problems at all, even running it at car shows with the car off. The batteries in the rear are specialy made for stereo systems though. The name brand is Northern EV-31, and I love em!

 

a capacitor will help, but minimally, your best bet is a new battery, then alternator, and so on, an extra battery will help a little because its drawing more of the power drain of the main battery thats powering most of the vehicle

 

 

HAHA
Yes!! lol

 

lol what is that from? i know ive seen it before but cant think of it

 

Ya anyone wanna explain the glowing box or am i just gonna be left in the dark here