Amplifiers and Capacitors... HELP PLEASE!!!

[smh0101]

So it is time to install my amplifer...

It is an Infinily Reference Series 7541a...
It is a 520watt 4chan Amp.

Here is a link to the details on the amp:

http://www.infinitysystems.com/car/prod ... Region=USA

So my question is, being a major n00b to car audio, what all do I need.

With this car do I absolutely need capacitors? If so what size, 1,2,5 Farad?

BTW what is a farad?

The other equipment that I am using is an OEM WRX Headunit and Alpine Type R speakers complete wiht Xovers and tweeters ( Still need to install the tweeters and Xovers).

ANy help grately appreciated!

[magicmike]

1. What do you plan to run with the amp?
2. Farad is the size of the cap. one 1 farad is usually enough for any system.
3. What size fuse does this amp have.

[dscoobydoo]

If you are using the WRX OEM deck, you do realize there will be distortion due to running speaker level leads instead of pre-amp out leads?

As for a capacitor, I would not think you would necessarily need one with only one amp, and it only being 520 wts.

[smh0101]

1. What do you plan to run with the amp?
2. Farad is the size of the cap. one 1 farad is usually enough for any system.
3. What size fuse does this amp have.

1) I dont know that I understnad what you mean... Like I said, Alpine Type R Speakers, eventually a Sub in the back, but not right now...

2) Cool

3) You mean the 2 fuses on the actual amp itself? Those are 30s.



I was going to use converters to turn the high-level speaker outputs to pre-amp outputs...

I am really trying to keep the OEM headunit so nobody at Clark steals it.


BTW Thanks guys I really appreciate it!

[dropdfocus]

You will get very poor signal strength from line-lever converters. True RCA signal output from just about any aftermarket deck will be better than trying to utilize your stock deck.

It's like trying to whisper into a megaphone that's been turned up really loud. Low signal and poor end results. Scream into a megaphone and the end result is a stronger signal & the sound can be turned down to come out much cleaner.

I've hooked up many line-lever converters in my day (worked at 3 audio shops) and all the customers eventually just broke down & purchased a decent aftermarket deck because they hated the limitations they had with the stock deck.

Basically I understand your purpose for wanting to keep the stock deck, but I'd highly advise against it. You have top notch equipment and it's still going to sound like crap once you turn it up w/o using an aftermarket CD player.

Also, the basic ratio for using/needing a farad capacitor is .10 farads for every 100w of amplifier power. So your 500w amp would result in a .5 Farad capacitor. Using a 1 Farad cap. is overkill to some, but allows for system expansion in the future.

[mattyg41383]

Good info Dropd.
In my car I have a Rockford Fosgate Power 551x mounted under my seat, to run the Infinity Kappa Perf sets, and a 1000w unit to run my Kappa Perfect 12" sub out back. I use a 0.5 farad cap on the rockford and a 1.0 farad for the sub. (a Farad is a unit of capacitance, you could probably just Wikipedia it to get a proper definition) It isnt necessarily required to use a cap for anything high frequency, because it acts as a short in those situations anyways, but its always good to have it just to be sure. It is needed with a subwoofer if you want to avoid dimming headlights and RPM drops at idle (its funny to see the tach drop when bass hits).

I would definately recommend getting a new deck for your car. The stock one is garbage compared to anything aftermarket, and he's right, you will not be happy with a line level converter.

It may be way too late in the game for this info to be helpful, but it looks like you got some good info already

[SPUMONI_RT]

your best bet upgade, buy stereo or steal one what ever needs to be done it is not called a head unit for no reason it is the most important part of the system its the brain you can buy converters to convert speaker wires to RCA
as for a cap i have a 1/2 farad a cheap walmart one that comes with a amp wiring i have it on a 760w pioneer it is not nessesary but it makes your bass hit more clearly by assisting your amp deliver power cleanly i love my cap and i only cost me 20$ because someone didn't think they needed it with there wiring kit so i bought it so don't ask where i can get one for you for 20$ you will need power wire to run from your battery to the amp location with a fuse 1ft after your battery and/or before your amp you just should have one in the line gound wire same size as your power rca cables, remote wire to tell the amp to turn on, speaker wire your best bet is to buy a kit walmarts got them. think of your wires are a garden/water hose or exhaust for example your tring to get min resistence so plan it out and it helps if you have someone with knowledge there or just have bestbuy hook it all up

[Legacy777]

Please do not go and bump old threads. The last post in this thread is about 1-1/2 years old.

Thanks