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BrianG · 12.22.2008, 04:15 AM

I don't think caps are a gimmick, but you have to consider what your system is used for.

If for all out SPL, then no, they have no use. SPL is all about a single short note "burp". Caps won't help much here. For general listening to music which is highly transient, I believe it DOES help. Caps by nature store and release large bursts of energy when required. If anything, they even out the current flow from the charging system. So, instead of 20A, 100A, 20A, 100A, it's more like 40A, 80A, 40A, 80A, or something like that. Just "irons out" those current pulses when the bass hits. And just like most any electrical device currently on the planet, the charging system "prefers" a more steady drain of current.

You could argue that a cap actually is another load on the charging system, but that's not a valid argument. With the exception of minor losses, what the cap takes in, it releases.

Do they help your amps? No, not really. They MAY provide some benefit here, but only for amps with unregulated power supplies. Mostly, they are cosmetic to make lights dimming less noticeable, and to provide a more even current draw from the charging system.

I totally agree on the upgraded charging system though, but everything has to be upgraded: alternator, regulator, and battery/batteries. But I generally don't worry about that unless I'm over 500w continuous power (that's a LOT of power for general music since the mojority of content is "peaky").

	(#47)
BrianG RC-Monster Admin Offline Posts: 14,609 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Des Moines, IA	12.22.2008, 04:15 AM I don't think caps are a gimmick, but you have to consider what your system is used for. If for all out SPL, then no, they have no use. SPL is all about a single short note "burp". Caps won't help much here. For general listening to music which is highly transient, I believe it DOES help. Caps by nature store and release large bursts of energy when required. If anything, they even out the current flow from the charging system. So, instead of 20A, 100A, 20A, 100A, it's more like 40A, 80A, 40A, 80A, or something like that. Just "irons out" those current pulses when the bass hits. And just like most any electrical device currently on the planet, the charging system "prefers" a more steady drain of current. You could argue that a cap actually is another load on the charging system, but that's not a valid argument. With the exception of minor losses, what the cap takes in, it releases. Do they help your amps? No, not really. They MAY provide some benefit here, but only for amps with unregulated power supplies. Mostly, they are cosmetic to make lights dimming less noticeable, and to provide a more even current draw from the charging system. I totally agree on the upgraded charging system though, but everything has to be upgraded: alternator, regulator, and battery/batteries. But I generally don't worry about that unless I'm over 500w continuous power (that's a LOT of power for general music since the mojority of content is "peaky").