Headlights Dim when bass hits? Whats the solution?

1. Vtrturbosd Newbie Joined: Mar 2016 Posts: 1

   #1 20th March 2016, 10:56

   Hello people on this fourm good morning. Ok so i have installed a car subwoofer system into my vtrtubro. Its pushing around 1500 rms on stock electricals. When you increase the volume high the bass seems to sound less loud and also the xenon lights start to dim as the bass hits. Now i am aware about upgrading the alternator, big 3 etc, deep cycle battery, but do you think a power cap would do the trick because according to this car audio website i came across it mentions in the article that it will help it slighly. You can also get different sizes ones, which one is the best.
2. Jizanthapus Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2012 Posts: 3593

   #2 20th March 2016, 12:46

   Isn't that just what happens? Like if you fitted a lower powered sub and amp it wouldn't be as bad.
   
   I looked into power caps when I was into this kind of thing, and you get most people saying they do fuck all with the odd person saying they actually work.
   
   I think the only options are upgrade your wiring and alternator or downgrade your ICE.
3. Manu Saxperience Addict Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 11714 A6 Le Mans tuned/A3 TFSI tuned

   #3 23rd March 2016, 07:35

   A capacitor does not produce electricity, you're just trying to suck more power than the car can produce. Be careful that the car doesn't go up in flames, as the insurance won't pay for vehicles modified in such a way.
   
   
   

   Quote:

   pushing around 1500 rms

   rms figures are peak output handling capacity (max figure of what a speaker can handle). You're not pushing anywhere near that. Solve the problem by fitting a smaller sub.
4. Manu Saxperience Addict Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 11714 A6 Le Mans tuned/A3 TFSI tuned

   #4 23rd March 2016, 07:37

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Jizanthapus they do fuck all with the odd person saying they actually work. .

   That would be the good people from halfords...
5. Stissy Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jun 2009 Derby Posts: 4508 Nikes

   #5 15th April 2016, 12:24

   Capacitors are used to store charge and release it quickly for brief power peaks. So if you’re listening to music that has heavy bass (and therefore a need for pull more current in short bursts) you will benefit from a capacitor. However, the amount of benefit depends entirely on your setup. You might notice a huge difference or you might notice nothing. I am ‘running’ 2x 100w rms speakers and 1x 200w rms sub with no capacitor on the standard battery and alternator without problems.
6. deano_123 Established Member Joined: Nov 2011 Newcastle Posts: 1698 Range Rover Sport

   #6 15th April 2016, 14:24

   Capacitor wont solve your problem, I had this with just one 10'' and it still dimmed the lights. Back in the Max Power heyday I had a 155 db corsa that ran 3 redtop batteries to power the speaker setup of 2 x RF 15''s each powered by their own amp, this overcame the drop in voltage
   
   
7. Stissy Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jun 2009 Derby Posts: 4508 Nikes

   #7 15th April 2016, 15:53

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by deano_123 Capacitor wont solve your problem

   It will if it’s properly mated to the system – or it’ll at least reduce the issue.