When to use a capacitor?

Ok I will be running three amps total, one is a four channel amp. An MTX RT4240 will give 45 watts per channel at 12.5 volts, and 55 watts per channer at 14.4 volts this will power a pair of mtx component speakers and a pair of 6X9's. Then I will be running two MTX RT2200 amps which give 50 watts per channel at 12.5 volts and 85 watts per channel at 14.4 volts each amp will power two MTX 10" subs the subs will just be wired normally as will the speakers. Now i know that these are not the biggest amps but its still three amps and i dont know if they will draw two much power or not. Also I will be running 4 gauge power lead into a distribution block and from there i will run an 8 guage power lead to each amp. --Thanks A.J.

a capacitor isnt going to provide more power, it just stores some power for when you have a small shortage then it lets some out... if you're worried about not having enough power, get a better alternator. not a capacitor

you should usually only use a cap if your at 2000 watts or above. The rule of thumb is 1 farad for every 2k watts.

onebullet......theres no rule of thumb for caps, as they are worthless. get a high output alternator and upgrade your grounds. battery to chassis, alt to battery, and block to chassis. This will make as big of a difference just doing the "big 3" ground upgrade as a cap and its 10x cheaper.

add batteries you will be much happier.

time out - Caps DO serve a pourpose; storing energy for breif musical bursts. what does this mean? It means that a cap has a use in your car ONLY if you are concerned about SQ (sound quality) AND (this is a BIG and) if you charging system [alternator] is up to snuff.

for instance if you have a 300amp HO alternator and only a 1000w rms on bass, and on the loudest bass note your voltage stays at 13.8v or higher, then a cap would work. what does it do? It provides instantaneous voltage for the amp before the alternator can respond to the amp's need. This means that on say a loud kick drum hit, the amp wont be temporarily starved of voltage at the onset of the punch. Caps are only there to help soundquality IF your charging system is capable of supporting everything.

A cap WILL NOT rectify light dimming as a permanent solution...

caps are not worthless if used correctly they help you hit lows without straining your system but get a yellow top and alt along with cap if you worried about power

i ran a cap the last time i had my stereo hooked up and it just helps with clairity

exactly yota. but how many people are using it for THAT reason?

Thanks guys i really appreciate the input. And just to clarify i did question it for sound quality because i know what they are there to do but i just had to check. And i do know they arent just there to keep my lights from dimming. But i re read my post and i did kinda sound like a new guy. I just wasnt sure if the three amps would draw to much at one time. I like the idea of upgrading the grounds but i also like the idea of getting a high output alternator.