Stiffening Capacitors...does brand matter?

[Bires]

I've been running without amps and subs this winter, and will be rebuilding my stereo this spring, including adding a 1F capacitor.

As a physicist, I don't see a reason why a cheaper (brand) capacitor would perform *practically* different than a more expensive one, but I would like to hear about some real-world experience before I buy one.

[hapoo]

Well, once that crappy cap explodes in your trunk, you as a physicist will see.

[DarkFury]

Honestly.. "how crappy" is crappy?

Now I'm not saying that you need a cap with a digital voltage display on it (the top of the line stuff), however I would recommend that you go with one of a somewhat trusted stereo vendor.

But that's just the way I'd do it. :thumb:

[shocky123]

Well I'm not sure what the return policy on capaciters is, but I'm sure you might be able to 'take them home' and 'return them the next day' saying you didnt need them

As for the reason why caps might cost more?
most likely brand name, along with all the other bs markups that occur in the car audio industry.. my god it's ridiculus.
Whether or not that's important, I'm sure you can figure that out quite easily by doing a test or two on the caps, my guess is the 'better made' cap.. which may or may not be the more expensive one, would have a better impedence for stereo applications?
as far as what is a 'better impedence'?? man I finished physics, and got the hell outta any 'real' applications physics may have to the world... i ran off to quantum physics lol.
but yeah, I dont know what values you get would be better, but I'm sure somebody with an Elec Eng major might be able to help ya out, afterall a stereo system is a very simple circuit, which probably only involves solving (3 or 4?) equations to tell you how a cap affects your system... I could technically do it, but I'm lazy as f#$K

also.. tolerance is likely a factor, check the back of the package, you may find there may be a +-10% tolerance.. or even a 20% tolerance on some really cheap models, in which case you're definitely not getting what you paid for.

good luck,

~Kyle's Brake & Muffler Shop

[sizemic1]

Just remember..for every LED or volt meter you add to your stereo system, you INSTANTLY gain 1db.

[guiseppewv]

Just remember..for every LED or volt meter you add to your stereo system, you INSTANTLY gain 1db.

That is like when you add a sticker to your car you gain 1 HP. :D

[shocky123]

That is like when you add a sticker to your car you gain 1 HP. :D

3 if it says NOS or
"Heavy magnets weighing down trunk so I tore out the inside of my car"

Though personally, I like to keep at least n+1 guages for everything, I have one for my seat belts.. how many are buckled.. have a few to tell me what gear I'm in, and others to tell me what gear I would be in if I downshifted.

~Kyle Racing.. vroom