Hi guys, I have already done a search and I can't seem to find what I'm looking for so hopefully you very smart and friendly people could help me out...lol ( a little flattery always helps ).

I already have a Alpine 700w 4 channel amp run to my speakers but I want to add a Alpine 500w Amp for some subs. Can I just get a distribution block and tap into my power wire?

Also how do you install a capacitor? Can I just tap into my power wire with that also? I just want to stop the dreaded head light flicker...lol.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, I am not very good with this stereo stuff and I'm trying to save some money. Installation prices are killer!!!

-Nick-

 

You can split your power cable with a D-block as long as the amount of current required by the amps doesn't exceed the current limits of your power cable. What guage are you using and how long is it? Here is a chart to help you choose the proper length and guage of the cable for the amount of current it will be handling...

Wire Guage Chart

Assuming you have a 4awg power cable you can use a D-block to run 8awg cables to each amp. Also use 8awg cable for the grounds as well. Be sure to ground both cables to the same spot on the chassis to avoid a ground loop.

Don't bother with the stiffening cap. If the current demands by the stereo are only slightly higher than what your car's charging system can deliver, a cap MIGHT help. Chances are the stereo's current demands are considerably higher than what your charging system can deliver. If thats the case, and it usually is, the cap will do more harm than good. It becomes an added load on the charging system. IMO a cap is only a bandaid. The cure is a high output alternator.