Thread: Stereo System Thumping = Lights Dimming?

Originally Posted by chamilton89

You need a capacitor to equalize the discharge on your alternator, when your bass "hits" its a huge surge on your alternator and thus lowers the overall voltage of the entire electrical system thus resulting in the dimming of the lights. In order to fix this problem you need a capacitor to equalize the voltage. The capacitor acts as a small reserve which can drain very quickly and recover its voltage slower, thus acting as a barrier between your amps high draw and the rest of the charging system. Many people in the forum will tell you capacitors will do nothing, I strongly disagree. They are a vital link between your charging system and amplifiers. Because they charge slower than they discharge, they are a require a much more "constant" demand instead of the huge surge of power demanded when your system hits. The capacitor you require will depend on how much amperage your amplifiers require. Although the capacitor will fix your "dimming" issue, it is not a fix for a system that is drawing more than your alternator will produce. If your system is >1000w RMS I would look into a HO alternator. There are so many variables that go into that decision but thats my rule of thumb for our GPs. Hope I could help!

fixed a little but if your amp has the proper internal power supply this shouldnt be an issue.

Cheap amps suck.