capacitor?

I suspect that caps get such scorn is because what they do isn't readily apparent to the ear. Even in a vehicle with 'the big three' upgrades, you can still get a significant voltage drop from alternator charging voltage to battery voltage when the amp momentarily draws more power during bass hits. Even if the alternator isn't charging at max output, the alternator isn't fast enough to catch the increased load on the system, so voltage will drop. The cap helps to slow down the voltage drop. It starts working as soon as the voltage starts to drop; a battery doesn't do anything till around 12v. The cap is designed to slow the decrease from 14v to 12v.

When I read about someone who had dimming headlights, installed a cap, now the headlights don't dim anymore - isn't that a fix?.. Not to some people. You hear about how caps increase the load on the charging system.. does that make any sense? I've yet to have someone explain it; I've had people say things, but I've yet to have someone really explain it with electronics/electrical theory included.

I believe caps do what they are intended to do. Will caps make an audible difference?.. probably not. Will they make a measureable difference?.. yes, but it depends on how and what you measure. I suspect that's the problem.. people expect more than they should from them.

Just my thoughts..

Jim

That is a good point, Jim. Though much cannot be blamed on consumers that think the cap can do more than it is meant to. Much of that blame has to go to the manufacturers. Their advertising makes it sound like "Are your lights dimming when you crank your car stereo? Get our cap and you won't have to worry about that anymore!!!". And that's plain BS! They, and soooo many shops (not all, mind you) are pushing them as the thing that will save your electrical system. That is where the problem starts. You get Joe customer walking in knowing only enough to be dangerous, and they get caught up in the hype thinking the cap does everything except what it was meant to do because it's a sale, it's money in their pocket.

*flakman steps down from his soapbox*

Thank you Mad, nouse, and Flak. I had no way on figuring out how to say that.

Thanks again!