Do I need a cap for my system?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 17
From: NJ
Do I need a cap for my system?
I recently did the system in my 99 C5 and I am running 2 amps. When I crank it up, the one amp cuts off then comes right back on again. Once I go louder they both shut off then come back on. I had a spare amp laying around so I tried that to see if it was the amp and it did the same thing. A friend of mine said I might not be supplying the amps with enough power so he suggested a cap to keep the power a constant. I was wondering if this would help?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 29,017
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From: Clemson University SC
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It sounds like your power/ground cables are too small for the load you are trying to draw through them. Upgrade them to the largest cable that you can(I used 2 guage from Lowes at 36 cents a foot, and I run about 1100 watts rms) within reason. You don't need to go crazy and get 1 gauge or larger(unless these two amps are huge).
I would go with 2 guage to be safe, plus you have room to upgrade later.
I would go with 2 guage to be safe, plus you have room to upgrade later.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,024
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From: Long Island New York
Originally Posted by TheWacoKid
It sounds like your power/ground cables are too small for the load you are trying to draw through them. Upgrade them to the largest cable that you can(I used 2 guage from Lowes at 36 cents a foot, and I run about 1100 watts rms) within reason. You don't need to go crazy and get 1 gauge or larger(unless these two amps are huge).
I would go with 2 guage to be safe, plus you have room to upgrade later.
I would go with 2 guage to be safe, plus you have room to upgrade later.
Waco,
I am about to upgrade to A Z1000D Hifonics and am fearing the same troubles 2 guage will eliminate this possibilty running this amp? Or at least minimize the possibility?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 29,017
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From: Clemson University SC
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With as short as the power runs in a C4/C5 are, you should be fine with 2 guage, but for power and ground wires, bigger is almost always better. I would go with as big as you can manage. However, 2 gauge should be plenty for that amp, plus another decently powered front stage amp. You get a good break on power requirements with that amp becuase it is a pretty efficient class D amp(about 70-80%+), while I'm running 1100 watts of class a/b power(about 60% efficient 
).
).
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 17
From: NJ
I am running 2 small amps.....US Acoustics 4 channel and 2 channel, nothing too crazy. My main power line is 4 gauge and the junction block t's out to 8 gauge. My ground wires are both 8 gauge. Maybe the larger 2 gauge supply will help and then use the 4 gauge from the junction block......maybe this will help??
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 877
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From: Kansas City
I vote for trying to run larger wire.
Personally, I was persuaded to run 2 wires each 4 guage. I'm really happy that I did. I have the ability to pull enough juice for just about anything.
If the 4 guage is already run, why not just run another wire? You would save on buying a distro block and more terminals
Let me know how it goes...
Personally, I was persuaded to run 2 wires each 4 guage. I'm really happy that I did. I have the ability to pull enough juice for just about anything.
If the 4 guage is already run, why not just run another wire? You would save on buying a distro block and more terminals
Let me know how it goes...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 17
From: NJ
I tried today to just run the main power wire to only the one amp and it still didn't work. Here is what I think might be a problem.....I followed my power wire to the main fuse panel next to the battery, not the battery itself. So I hooked it up directly to the battery.....was too tired to start the car up again to test it but i will keep everyone informed.....hope it worked!!! 
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 17
From: NJ
NO good......I tried my new power setup last night and it still cut off. My lights were also dimming when the bass was hitting, maybe I do need a cap and also run larger power cables and grounds.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,682
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
You don't need a cap. Those amps are small. My guess is that you have a bad ground. Test it with a meter. If you are still having trouble, add a dedicated 4 gauge power supply for EACH amp and dump the disto block. I ran over 1400 watts this way with only a flick of the lights at extreme volumes.
