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Audio Systems/Will I need a capacitor and or an extra battery?

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Expert: - 7/11/2011


Question
Hello, I have a 2001 Ford Expedition. I am hooking up two 15 inch kicker comp subs parallel @ 2ohms needing 1000 watts of power. I am going to send it a little extra power by using a 2500 watt mono amp. Should I use an extra battery or a capacitor or both? I had a vehicle with the same audio set-up except the amp was a mono 800 watt and had the vehicle too dim. I don't want the previous results with the dimming lights.

Thanks In Advance,

                   Tony B.

Answer
Best is a heavy duty alternator and big/high capacity battery.  Two batteries are dangerous to the electrical charging and voltage regulator system sometimes.

Adding the big cap will help low frequency response, but will not stop the dimming of the lights totally.  It is not a substitute for an extra battery unless you have no subs; but you do have subs so you will get better bass response with the power cap, but not better 12v performance from the Ford.

Let me know if there is more to your story!  

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Cleggsan

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Audio Design Engineer; systems, loudspeakers, cd/dvd players, etc. I am knowledgeable in all high end audio equipment and installations. MAKE SURE YOU GIVE A MAKE AND MODEL NUMBER AND CAR IF IT IS AN AUTO QUESTION. Note: I am getting some who ask good questions that take a lot of time to research but then the questioner fails to read the answer. Please don't ask questions unless you are seriously looking for an answer. If you find an answer to your question otherwise then let me know with your reply. Thank you.

Experience

Have been associated with audio design, standards, testing and component systems for over 40 years.

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Life Fellow Member of Audio Engineering Society Life Senior Member of Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers

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Review technical manuscripts for IEEE Spectrum Write occasionally for high-end audio publications

Education/Credentials
BSEE/MSCS/MBA

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Past Employee/advisor to several well known audio products manufacturers

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