Car Batteries or Capacitors: Which Should I Install? | Car Audio Tips

Looking to add a capacitor or upgrade your car battery, but not sure which to get? In this video, Sonic Electronix explains some of the details about adding batteries (such as an XS Power or Kinetik Power Cell) vs adding capacitors.
While upgrading or adding batteries is the best solution, there are many that prefer to install capacitors when they upgrade their car audio system. As a general rule at Sonic Electronix, "When in doubt, choose a battery".
Battery vs. Capacitor Knowledge Base:
knowledge.sonicelectronix.com/...
Car Batteries (Power Cell): www.sonicelectronix.com/cat_i2...
Capacitors: www.sonicelectronix.com/cat_i6...
Sonic Electronix: www.sonicelectronix.com/

[@samanthaticehurst2971]

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[@mashedpotatoes5323]

Are you just a brain dead human or a bot?

[@nachosNipples]

???

[@JohnAVasquez]

Making use of the kzbin.infoUgkxcJ22tnHH9l1vjdIdEIG27iOG55P7LXI8 reconditioning plan, I just saved 2 auto batteries from being completely junked. The guides were very simple to follow. I wish I would have found this years ago! You may use the guide to recondition any battery type

[@Huskyman113]

it would be a good idea to add that when adding an extra battery/batteries it puts excess strain on your alternator. Personally I think a high output alternator should come before adding a second battery.

[@SonicElectronix]

It is no problem. Car audio is not easy to get into and we know that, so offering help is the least we can do. :)

[@SonicElectronix]

A good place to always start is the battery. A Kinetik HC1800 would be a great choice for you to start out with. You would just have to make sure it fits in your stock battery location or use it as a secondary. If that doesn't cure light dimming issues then do the big 3 upgrade. Your last resort would be a capacitor. As far as wiring goes the NVX XKIT42 is an amazing amp kit that is true silver-tinned copper wire for better power transfer.

[@SonicElectronix]

You would need the D1200 from XS Power, it will definitely help to stabilize your voltage.

[@SonicElectronix]

What is the make and model of your amplifier?

[@SonicElectronix]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge John!

[@SonicElectronix]

What does it drop to once your lights dim?

[@stratmemph1]

dd50. The Memphis pr1000.1 is one of my favorite amps because it is under rated and can put out 1200-1300w consistently and very efficiently. What I would recommend if you are still experiencing that type of voltage drops is to get your alternator and battery tested first to make sure they are good, and if so then you could upgrade your alt. You don't need a monster alternator upgrade for that amp, but an extra 50-100 amps would set you off right.

[@SonicElectronix]

Thank you for the suggestion, it would be good to do a capcell video. We shall add it to our list of videos to make. We have a ton of ideas lol. And yes, let us know how those XS batteries are doing, great choice! :)

[@SonicElectronix]

We would recommend that you go with the Kinetic HC2000 for this system.

[@SonicElectronix]

It will help cure voltage drop up until 12V. The alternator outputs 14.4V and if your alternator isn't strong, it will drop to 12V on a bass hit and be stabilized by the battery. This will definitely help but you won't get full 14.4V power without a larger amperage alternator.

[@SonicElectronix]

You must get a battery isolator to prevent the stock battery and power cell from swapping voltage and draining each other. You can run the XS D3400 on a stock alternator but it will be constantly struggling to keep both batteries charged, especially if you have the XS one drained from use without the vehicle on. You run the risk of burning out the rectifier on your alternator more quickly.

[@SonicElectronix]

Did you upgrade your battery to ground and engine block to ground cable as well? That might help. Once the bass hits, the rectifier in the alternator has to adjust to up the output to compensate for the bass hit, this takes time to do, longer than a bass hit which is why you have dimming. A capacitor will help with this, but at the same time, it does take power from your system to charge itself. Ideally, you would want to be at 14-14.4V all the time.

[@staygolden84]

by the way i really apreciate that you guys take the time to answer these questions.

[@SonicElectronix]

How big is your stock alternator?

[@SonicElectronix]

They are really good at that! So long as you have a beefy electrical system so the cap doesn't end up leaching your system of power, capacitors are absolutely beneficial.

[@SonicElectronix]

The D3400 is a great replacement battery, you will notice your vehicle feels more "lively", especially if you do the Big 3 Upgrade.

[@SonicElectronix]

Yes you definitely need to boost your amperage and voltage, upgrade to a high output alternator.

[@johnreece8102]

Get a GP audio alternator, got a 180 amp alternator from them and three batteries running the system, rarely have to recharge

[@SonicElectronix]

There are a lot of good capacitors we have available at Sonic, in the end it may depend on what type of budget you are working with, you should check out the New NVX CAP along with the others.

[@tonycervantes4816]

Hello of 1200 watt Kinetik is a good battery for audio ??

[@SonicElectronix]

Did you charge the capacitor first? The capacitor should go in line with the amplifier power cable, but it should have its own ground. It could be a defective capacitor.

[@ucheazuakolam8172]

Can you use both n if so would u still need to upgrade your alternator?

[@hammockcamping2500]

He misused the term 'power' and thereby misstated a couple facts. Contrary to what the gentleman stated, a capacitor certainly is a good component to increase the power capabilities of your hybrid electrical supply. It does this better than adding more battery capacity. In contrast, a battery excels at its ability to store and supply energy. This comment won't make sense to those people who can't or won't differentiate between the meaning of the words power and energy. This comment is for people that understand (or want to understand) the meaning of those two words. Understandingly, most people won't understand this because the words are used incorrectly all the time. In short, capacitors are good for supplying brief high power demands, and batteries are good for supplying longer duration energy needs. For context, and roughly speaking, a large capacitor contains approximately the same amount of energy that an AA battery contains, whereas the former can supply thousands of watts, the battery can supply only about 5 watts. Whether or not a capacitor is a good idea for your audio needs is entirely dependent on the battery, wiring, alternator and capacitor options, but good capacitors certainly provide great advantages to hybrid electrical storage systems.

[@danksushi7417]

I'm working on my first sub setup and I have 2 10" subs 1000W RMS each and a 3000W RMS amplifier and I don't know if I should use a battery or a capacitor i would assume a battery would be better but I'm new to this stuff so I don't really know whag to do

[@MrBigBlack313]

I have 2 kicker L7 with 2500 hifonics amp in a 2013 malibu . When the bass hits the lights dim inside & out . voltage drops from 14.5 to 12 what should I do ? The set up is 4gauge wire to the main battery. Help me plz

[@chitown7621]

Im about to run 3000 watts system in my 03 expedition what would be best a battery setup or 2 50 farad caps??

[@jdubb21autoworks21]

What can I use for my system I have 2 dd audio 12s and the bass kills my highs and mids

[@ignaciosoria-flores6987]

I have a teramp 3000 watt and two 12 inch vfx skars. When ok turn the volume up a certain amount. The amp shuts off. Would a 3300 capaciter help? Or do i need a second battery

[@MetalCranium3]

any thoughts on the Shuriken batteries? i want to replace my starting battery with one

[@jaureguixp]

I have an Alpine mp500d with a 12"JL Audio TW3. once I installed everything I noticed that the lights were dimming. I know that the battery is a best option but I don't have room for that. I wanted to get a Capacitor but they say don't work. so what do I do?

[@SonicElectronix]

The enclosure is everything. A speaker moves air so it makes sense that the type of enclosure it is in determines how much air it moves and how it sounds. You know the secret to audio, the box. :)

[@joelwwwww]

im getting minor dimming from headlights when at high volume, should i put in a cap or upgrade battery

[@SonicElectronix]

The D3400 is a very beefy battery and will work just fine as your starter battery and sound system battery, so long as you have enough juice left to start the car after a long listening session. Know that you should perform the "Big 3" upgrade if you get this for maximum current transfer. It's designed for 2500W systems and up, as well as 1000 cranking amps, so it is a bit overkill for your situation.

[@thestonedhedge77]

Is it okay to Just Add The battery With Out Removing my Compassiture. Or do i Need 2 Remove the Compassionater. Thank You

[@BigBodi936]

will my stock alternator (145amps) be able to charge a optima yellow top and a xs xp950?

[@Jeffdachefz]

thanks! would a small 850 amp budget kinetic battery suffice or do i have to get a stronger one for 1500 rms?

[@jessejames6687]

If i were to upgrade my battery to a more "beefy" type shouldent u also upgrade the alternator as well?

[@pabloocampo9954]

How’s it going guys, I have a Rockford fosgate R1200-d amplifier and 2 punch p3d4-10 subs im installing the following weekend, do you guys recommend a capacitor or a secondary battery? And which one do you recommend?

[@ronaldmagallanes8843]

I have 1 pioneer amp rated at 800 rms and1 sony explod amp rated at 500 rms for my mids what gauge of wire and cpacitors should I buy?

[@cammims7645]

I have a kicker solo x 18 going in my 2007 Yukon Denali and I'm going to be using a digital design M3 3800 Watts Max so 2800 watts at 1 ohm I only have a 250 watt alternator, it's been like 5 months without Bass I hope I'm good for now if I start seeing dimming XS power welcome to the family

[@SonicElectronix]

Definitely upgrade your alternator and add a car audio solid state power cell. A yellow top is good, but if you want to run your system while the engine is off, consider some NVX, Stinger, and XS Power batteries.

[@SonicElectronix]

They have many uses, primarily to stabilize voltage which as a side benefit filters noise. If more people knew about their capabilities, you would see more of them.

[@matchuclassic9887]

I have a 2016 Chevy Malibu with 2 sa-12s ohm with a skar audio 2500.1D amp. What would be the best a big new battery? Or would I have to upgrade the alternator too

[@georgeeastlick3772]

I have a 2004 Chevy 2500 with a 3000 watt amp and a 15in sundown I've upgraded the alternator the wiring and added a second battery but I still get dimming what's my next step?

[@sirnubenegra]

How can i combine them 2 with my existing car battery?

[@dannymartineau52]

I have a 1500 rms sub with a 1500 rms amp and a amp for my door speakers and the headlights dim pretty bad, sometimes it sucks so much power my speaker amp will go into protect mode cause theres not enough power. I already have a capacitor, just should i get an additional battery or replace the stock one ?

[@SonicElectronix]

Make sure your ground is within 18 inches of your amp and that the surface is shiny metal. A battery or quality capacitor can smooth out your current and reduce the effect you are getting, however it may not fix it 100%.

[@Mr19juan93]

Would a hc600 blu kinetik battery keep my system from draining main battery? I have 2 15 jbl and 4000w power akoustik and I would be bumping my system and battery light came on. Later on I tried to start car and it was dead..

[@liamevans7004]

How charge a bass fader cap is it from your car battery or not can someone please help me sweet

[@ReaLifeTroll]

can i have both in the car a cap and higher voltage battery?

[@SonicElectronix]

A 12V battery that is rated for 3000W, we list those ratings on our website. Your upgraded alternator will be able to charge the batteries fine, it just depends on how much juice you pull through the system and for how long.

[@Lawrence818]

Can you use a 14.v battery in your set up than a 12v also is that better?

[@mrbasscow]

would it be a good idea to run both a xs power d6500 and a cap

[@lu22334]

i have just bought a new battery and i was told it was a really good one it has 860 cold crank amps and i was wondering if i should still get a capacitor and if so how do i go about picking one out

[@worksmagic89]

i have a question but dont know how to really explain it. My system wouldnt play for bout 2 weeks when i had my capacitor hooked up. it was like everytime i hooked my amp and stuff up my speakers would make this noise you could still hear the beat but it wasnt putting out any type of power. So i unhooked the capacitor and everything started back playing properly. Do you know what could have happened.

[@GUZMANKLAN]

i have a 3000 boss exxtreme chaos amp and 1 kicker cvr 15 single...and it drains my battery. do i need a capacitor or a bigger battery?

[@Klave620]

i have a 2012 single cab silverado im planning to buy a kinetik battery but dont know which to buy? im pushing 2 S12L7, my amp is a 3000 watts performance teknique?

[@mahic2913]

Hey am about to put 2 15" menphis subs with a 4ch 1600w power acoustik amp on my 96 toyota 4runner...should i get a battery or a cap?

[@SonicElectronix]

Try the e2 ECAP1 by Scosche

[@isiahsmith6382]

So i have a simple battery and 2 12 kenwoods with an apm that does about 800 rms, just recently i was playin music all day but i was driving and i went to work got back in my car 3 hours later and all my lights turned off and car didnt start, maintenance light turns on now too after a jump. What should i get? For not too much money please?

[@staygolden84]

i already did that and my car is to new they dont make one yet... i dont know what to do.. can i install that stuff and just not play it loud? am i still risking it even if i dont play my music loud? would it be a problem if i just wire the subs to 4 ohm and get less power?

[@july172]

Can i use the secondary battery on the truck with the sound system ?

[@harpys509]

Hey i have a Rockford T2 and A Rockford Power T1500-1bdCP and wen i turn the volume up the amp shuts off and then powers on. Does it need more power

[@magdielperez240]

@1LoudMerc hey man do u think a farad capacitor 2.0 will be doin a great job with a ps-21kx 20 amp power supply? (its actually 30 amps since i got it fixed with alexis electronix) im plannin to push a 600 watts kenwood amp and its 40 amps rated..will it work? any help would be apreciated C:

[@LuPe8240]

i only have 1 600watt sub and a 600 watt amp and lights always dim when I raise the volume... I have a capacitor my uncle gave to me but I don't know if to install it or buy a new battery. because when I lower the windows the lights also dim and the air doesn't blow as hard would a new battery just be the solution??

[@larryphoto1867]

well i try to ground my amp to different place on the chassis but im having the same problem, a friend told i should get a capacitor or another batterie to stop the distortion

[@lpsrt]

I just got a Polk Audio PAD 1000.1, its hooked up to a Alpine type X 1042d. First question is how should i wire it on the amp? Second question is my lights are dimming alot and the sub doesnt feel like its hitting very hard. Would a Cap fix it?

[@hvacmac6847]

I have a question as far as checking the UF value for the capacitor would you check it like you would a regular capacitor let's say for an air conditioner check in the uf value to see if maybe the capacitor still good cuz somebody sold me one and before I install that I want to make sure it has the right UF value it says 2 million UF for something like that but when I tested it it came nowhere near that. How would I do that?

[@Jvilleman400]

I was lookin at the hc1800 an it looked like an old school kinetik battery but I seen on amazon the 1800 kinetik black series, is there any benefits in the black series kinetiks?

[@TheCheetahang]

i hav 2700 watts rms,which battery do u think id gud n also do i need to change my alternator,i think its 70amp.i m runnin everything on stock at moment

[@laprojexion]

i have a jl audio 500/1 hooked to a 10 inch L5 and a 12 inch CVR, they sound great and powerfull but the lights dim everytime the bass hits. i replaced my baterry to a more powerfull one but the problem is still there. do you suggest a capasitor or an alternator upgrade. or is there any other options?

[@Arremangoparejo2012]

I have 2 alpine type r 1000 rms each n hifonics brutus 2000 watt rms n audiocontrol epicenter n soundstorm amp for the inside speakers but im havin trouble when i turn my bass on n music kinda loud my system starts cuttin off like it stuters alot even with aux cable my lights dim like crazy help?!?!?

[@sbhivasbhivile1288]

Hi, advise on adding an extra battery and a capacitor? I am running two batteries and I experience some battery discharge. I am not sure whether to connect an alternator wire to my extra battery so it can be charged as well. -I need advice on that from some of you who are perspicacious; Secondly, I would like to know if I should add a Capacitor (and if so, what size) to my following system? I am running 2 Amps ( 5200w mono-block & 5500w 4 channel); 2 x 2000w Targa 4D Subs; 2 x 400w Pioneer 6x9 ; 2 x 350w Pioneer midranges; 2 x 200w Pioneer tweeters; 8000k h4 bi xenon HID kit; All this is installed in a 70's VW Beetle... I need that wise tip from you

[@tehpanuychikon168]

So if I get a 1000ca 800cca regular battery for my vehicles regular main front stock starting battery is that still good or do I need one of these "audio" batteries instead? I will still be adding a battery in the back for audio tho. Vehicle=2002 Chevy Blazer Xtreme.

[@SonicElectronix]

You will need a larger alternator at that point and 4 or more D680 batteries. Each battery is about 1000W RMS capable and you should consider 6 to be safe.

[@SonicElectronix]

You should get a solid cell battery for under the hood, such as XS Power or Kinetik.

[@Geerladenlad]

How long do these capacitors hold their charge? A primer charge is necessary to keep them from getting damaged when you hook them to the battery. Say the system sits idle for an extended period of time and the battery dies. How long does it take for the capacitor to lose their charge?

[@crazyfingers_kc]

i have an odd question, but her it goes... i have a 2800 watt stereo in my bedroom that i built myself. it consists of a 2000 watt powerone crunch amplifier for my subwoofers and an 800 watt reciever for my mids and highs. i power the sub amplifier with a 10 amp battery charger, so it makes the amp clip when i crank the volume up. will a battery help solve this problem? or will the battery still only put out 10 amps? (ill use the battery charger to charge the battery,use battery to power amp).

[@MultiHeavyD]

My lights dimming. Im bouta buy a kinect battery. Supposemently it got.a compacitor built in i have no clue. GUy at the shop said it would stop dimming. Now i here that its more work for the alternator. Which ones good?

[@UnitedSystemsLLC]

I'm about to install two alpine type r 12s with a hifonics brx1100. Installed in a RX8. Should I be concerned? Auxiliary battery or stinger 5 farad capacitor?

[@SonicElectronix]

There are a lot of reasons as to why you might be having distortion problems. Without more information we won't know what to do. Try emailing or calling us so we can try to help you figure out what the problem is.

[@samaniahokovi847]

If the engine is off, how long does the capacitor go with a half to almost full blast of the volume?

[@Jvidio]

What should I do to power my system I am currently purchasing. I am running a Mrxm240 and a mrxf65 amplifiers so I need a lot of power. My car is a 2010 mitsubishi outlander ES 2.4L and there is no aftermarket High output alternator available for my car. HELP!!!

[@lologh5496]

Which one is better I put other battery for Sound system or put capacitor 10 f...?????? thanks

[@BigBodi936]

Would it be be a better idea just to run 1 d3400 instead of the stock and d3400?will my alternator keep it charged good enough?

[@Aquariumsrwet]

The trunk/interior/headlights dim right at the beginning of a major bass hit, but they almost instantly come right back up after upgrading my alternator to battery cable to a 1 gauge cable. I'm running a 900 watt Kenwood amp, and was considering adding a 2 farad Rockford Fosgate digital capacitor to aid this issue. Would this work? or do I need a different battery?

[@CarterEdison777]

What about a hybrid with no alternator? My amp drains my lead acid battery to 11volts in 10 minutes and the amp shuts down. But my headlights etc never dim since my car runs off the traction battery which never drops below 12.7v Please advise

[@SonicElectronix]

If you run 0 Gauge wire to the amplifier and then convert it at the amplifiers power and ground terminals to 4 Gauge, that will work fine. Make sure the amps power and ground wire are the same size. If that amp can accept a 0 or 2 Gauge wire, it is best to use that size wire.

[@dyaxouems9139]

Good alternator + battery start For stereo and Amp high and Mid + Second Bettery for Amp Bass !!! + 2 Farad Condo' for the two Amp or not???

[@SonicElectronix]

You definitely should get an upgraded battery, like the XS Power D1200. It is a solid cell battery so temperature changes don't affect it as much as chemical reactive batteries. If you have problems after the battery upgrade, you will have to bite the bullet and get an upgraded alternator.

[@likaric]

I currently have 2 batteries to run my 2kw monoblock + woofer, since in my country 2nd battery is illegal, i was thinkin to slow it down a bit. Do you think i could just switch the 2nd battery with a capacitor. Or would it still drain too much power from my front main battery.

[@playstationRLZ]

hey i was wondering if you could answer a quick question for me? I'm juggling between a optima yellow top or a shuriken sk-bt60. the shuriken is rated for 60 amp hours, while the optima is rated for 75. but i noticed the optima is rated for right around 1000 cranking amps while the shuriken is rated for 1500. what matters most in the car audio equation? thanks in advance!

[@cedricbowden1393]

i have 2005 impala pioneer d9601 1600w 15in optidrive where ca i find a high output alt.but ligts still dem want do batt. hookup but need alt

[@Jeffdachefz]

I'm not sure if my voltage is dropping, i have no headlight or other electrical issues at all but when i bump my system hard, the volume noticeably decreases by Alot, i've got 0/1 gauge wire everywhere and all connections secured. If i haven't bumped my system in a while, the next time i bump it, its hella loud and nice but only lasts for 1 - 2 minutes. Would a capacitor help regulate voltage or is it just a bandaid? i'm pushing a 1500rms system on a 130 amp alt at the moment.

[@jessevswdetroit]

ive got 3 amps all jl audio a 1000/1v2 a 500/2 and a 4 channell 300 x 4 ive got a super charge alternater new die hard battery what kind of 2nd battery sould i get???

[@Telexic]

What volt battery would be best if i was just adding a second battery. I'm also going to be upgrading to a 250 amp alt as well. Just need to know what battery to get. Would like it to be able to support 3000w or more.

[@BigBodi936]

question? can I run a xs d3400 with a stock battery and stock alt.? and if so , will the batteries die will there are not in use?

[@tekhed580]

The Type-R 12" is actually rated for 600rms. there seems to be a misnomer on their site that suggests 1000rms for a sealed enclosure. The BRX1100 amp is only 1100rms which is what i was referring to, and your right. an alternator upgrade is always a good idea. And probably a bigger amp than that to. Was a bad day, My apologies.

[@stephenluck3282]

ok I have two batteries and a capacitor should I take out the cap and just run the two batteries or leave it all in there?