Recently I decided to replace my old car stereo with something a little more contemporary. While researching stereos I stumbled across articles claiming that capacitors would eliminate the dimming of headlights. Since the stereo was going to be installed in an old school muscle car, it seemed that some capacitors would lesson the strain on the battery and alternator. I chose the Boss 10/20 capacitors, since they were economic and offered the most farads. After placing the order I saw the reviews of similar Boss capacitors; talk about bad reviews!! Those other reviews had me regretting my decision, since customer reviews persuade my decisions, more so on unfamiliar products.
Now for the facts:
1. Everything required to install the capacitors was included. I used longer screws to secure the capacitors, since they were installed in a car with a large amount of hp and torque.
2. Boss includes a small transistor to charge the capacitor before being attached to the battery. I read that the voltmeter on the capacitor would increase once the circuit was completed, which didn't happen. I used my voltmeter to validate if the capacitors were taking and holding a charge, which they were. I charged both capacitors to 12 volts before attaching the positive terminal.
3. After attaching the positive terminal I checked the battery volts and the capacitors, all three were at 12.5 volts. I turned the ignition switch to the on position and everything lit up, including the voltmeters. I validated the volts on the capacitors with my voltmeter and all three meters were identical.
4. I installed the 10 farad capacitor to a 400watt amp and the 20 farad capacitor to a 500watt amp. With the engine running and the system at max volume the lights did not flicker one time. With the engine off the lights did not even dim. I biggest test for my vehicle was to start the vehicle after allowing the stereo system to run without the motor running. My motor has a higher compression and needs every drop of power to start, which it did without issue after allowing the stereo to run solo off the capacitors and battery.
5. This is the first time I have ever installed a capacitor and it was way too easy to do the installation. I have only had the capacitors installed for five days and unless they melt down in a week or two, I must recommend them with five stars. They work, they didn't break, all the lights/voltmeter work, and they offer large amounts of farads for a decent price. Boss Audio Cap20 20 Farad Power Capacitor, Black Chrome
This is a great Capacitor for any system and easy to install. I put this in my car and I realized how much power my old system was draining the power from my car. Now my car has the power it had before I had a system and my subs can hit harder and clearer than ever. If you want a great system buy this capacitor.
I purchased this item expecting a bit to much from it maybe. I have it running in my 300 pushing only a 4000 watt amplifier. I charged it according to the manual, and connected it properly, and the volts don't show as going under 12 even dduring deep bass notes; Yet still my interior lights dim, and my headlights dim when my stereo is up considerably. If anyone is looking at going with high power I recommend grabbing a high output alternator and a 2nd battery over a capacitor. as that is what I am doing now.
I do have to say that when it isn't up extremely loud it seems to work fine. It looks very nice all lit up in the back when the seat is down.'
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