A capacitor, or cap, is an electronic component that can take up, store, and discharge electrical energy. Because they can do all that quickly, capacitors are used to filter or buffer any sudden changes in a circuit's voltage, smoothing the ensuing signal.

In car audio, large outboard capacitors, sometimes called stiffening caps, are used to prevent lights from dimming when loud bass notes play. They accomplish this by supplying the amplifier with a quick jolt of power.

Not really. A cap prevents the sound from deteriorating due to under-voltage, but doesn't actually improve the sound. It supports the amplifier by feeding it the power it needs for short bursts. So, while not improving sound quality directly, a cap does make it easier for the amp to perform its best.

The rule of thumb is to put in 1 Farad of capacitance for every 1.000 watts RMS of total system power. But there is no electronic penalty for using larger value caps, and in fact, many see benefits with 2 or 3 Farads per 1.000 watts RMS. The larger the cap, the more charge is available for the amp when it needs it.

Get everything you need

Give your subwoofer amp the boost it needs with a capacitor. We also have all the installation hardware you need to get your capacitor and amplifier up and running.

Connecting and installing capacitors involves the following steps:

1. Safety First: Disconnect power and discharge capacitors fully using a resistor.

2. Identify Terminals: Locate the positive (anode) and negative (cathode) terminals.

3. Correct Polarity: Ensure correct polarity; connect positive to positive, negative to negative.

4. Secure Connections: Use appropriate connectors and ensure secure, tight connections.

5. Mount Properly: Mount capacitors firmly using brackets or clamps to avoid vibration.

6. Test: After installation, test the circuit for proper operation and check for leakage or overheating.

Always refer to our datasheet for specific instructions.

Some caps come with a built-in meter that displays the voltage. If a meter were to stay on constantly, it could drain the car's battery. So caps with meters often have a remote turn-on lead connection, just like car amplifiers, so the meter turns off with the system. A thin, 18-ga. or so, wire should run from the cap's turn-on connection to the amplifier's remote turn-on terminal, or any other switched 12 volt power source.

It is a radial lead aluminum electrolytic capacitor that has SNAP-LOCK terminals. These terminals allow for the capacitor to be locked into place to prevent any unnecessary movement.

What is the difference between snap-in and snap mount capacitors?

The safety vent on the base of the capacitor provides overload protection.

For 2 pin style snap-in capacitors the standard lead spacing for any standard diameter size is 10mm.