when do you need a capacitor?

[jron]

at what point should you use a capacitor in your system? i have a 1200watt amp, should i get one?

[ToplessBMW3]

Yeah I would, takes stress off the alternator when your amp is pushing a sub pretty hard. $100 investment that'll save you trouble later on

[BMW318iS]

Actually, capacitors are worthless and put even MORE strain on your system...

[luvdabass]

Topless is wrong, BMW318 is right. A cap is just another thing that your alt has to charge. Until you start getting up over say, 1800-2400 watts, your normal battery and alt should be able to handle the load. After that, you will want to look into upgrading the power and ground wires for your battery, and alt, and maybe then buying a Optima battery....if you are going to get crazy....like multiple 1000 watt amps, then you will want a bigger alternator, like maybe a a 190amp or more. But as for your 1200 watt amp, you should be fine.

Forget about the cap.

[TJ_m3]

The only thing that a capacitor does is help on big bass hits to not dim the lights.