Name: T-Spec Capacitor
Brand: T-Spec
SKU: 12015DDC
Price: 79.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (74 reviews)

Overview

by Crutchfield's Buck Pomerantz

Smooths out the bass

T-Spec's 1.5-farad capacitor will help your vehicle's charging system keep up with your high-powered sound setup. When the power of the bass threatens to overwhelm the electrical system, this cap quickly provides a jolt of stored power to keep the beat pounding and your headlights from dimming. And it recharges quickly, so it's always ready for the next hit.

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Smooths out the bass

Displays the voltage

A bright, digital meter displays your system's voltage, so you can monitor how things are going and avoid overtaxing your vehicle's charging system. We recommend this 1.5-farad cap for any sub amplifier delivering up to 1,500 watts RMS. Warranty: 1 year.

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What's in the box:

T-Spec Capacitor owner's manual

1.5 Farad capacitor
2 Polycarbonate mounting brackets (installed)
5mm Allen wrench
4 Self-tapping screws (5/8" length)
8 Flat washers
Resistor bulb
User's Manual

MFR #V6-1-5DDC

Reviews (74)

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Details

Researched by Crutchfield's Mark G.

The T-Spec Capacitor replaces these items:

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Features

Overview: This T-Spec v6-series digital capacitor will improve the performance of your car's electrical system by acting as a buffer between the alternator and your amplifier. Stored energy from your car's electrical system is held in the cap and quickly released to the amplifier when needed. High current demand occurs when the music you are playing contains a loud, transient, deep bass signal.

Capacitance: This T-Spec v6-series digital capacitor has a rating of 1.5 farads. While you can never have too much capacitance, it is recommended that you use a capacitor with a minimum of 1 Farad for each 1000 watts of amplifier power.

Terminals: The capacitor features an impact-resistant polycarbonate cover with two terminals on the top that can be tightened/loosened with the supplied 5mm Allen wrench. You should use power and ground cables that are equipped with ring terminals with 1/4" diameter or larger holes.

Voltage Meter: This capacitor has a digital voltage meter on the top to help you monitor your electrical system's performance. Once current fluctuation ceases, the display will turn off and go to sleep. In order for it to turn back on, it must sense current draw again.

Reverse Polarity Protection: If the capacitor is wired incorrectly, you can damage your equipment or electrical system. To prevent this, the capacitor has an internal relay system which disables the capacitor and triggers a buzzer to sound.

Resistor Bulb: The capacitor comes with a 1/2-watt, 1000 ohm resistor bulb which is used when initially charging the capacitor, and to discharge the capacitor when removing it from the system. You should keep the resistor bulb in a safe storage location when not in use.

Mounting System: The cap comes with a simple mounting system that lets you mount the unit vertically or horizontally, using the four supplied self-tapping screws.

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Q&A

22 questions already asked

How often should you charge your capacitor?

david Oct 28, 2022

1 answer

When new David, after installing the capacitor according to the included directions, follow the instructions for powering up and charging the capacitor. This procedure is extremely important to perform, and eliminates the possibility of damaging the capacitor, battery and other audio devices. This only has to be done once on install. If you disconnect the capacitor and re-install this process should be repeated. These T-spec units need to see a charge higher than 12.5v when the car is running for the digital display to function, so if that is not powering up check your output voltage from the battery. These capacitors are a great way to get deeper and more powerful bass and put less strain on your ride's electrical system!

bo Oct 28, 2022 (Staff)

I have a sub in the trunk with a internal amp and a amp in the front near my head unit to power the speakers. I plan on linking both amps to one capacitor. Would it be more important to keep the capacitor closer to the sub amp since it would most likely require the most draw?

alex Mar 21, 2021

2 answers

jason Mar 21, 2021

The best way to route the capacitor is to have a thicker gauge power cable running from the battery to the capacitor then from the capacitor to a distribution block. From there, you can branch to both your sub and door speaker amp. It's a more seamless set up that will allow the capacitor to draw evenly

adam Mar 21, 2021

alex Mar 21, 2021

1 answer

I have mine about a foot away from my amplifier

bruce Mar 21, 2021

Will this help with Alternator noise?

christopher Feb 12, 2021

3 answers

It will not help with alternator noise. It is not designed for that purpose.

dennis Feb 19, 2021

You need to install a noise filter in the power supply to your reciever and your amplifier. This capacitor is to keep power available for spikes in demand by the amplifier.

dennis Feb 19, 2021

I haven't installed the cap yet. But, from what I've read noise can be solved with proper grounding, signal processors or top notch equipment. Let me know what you figure out, I'm in the same situation!

shane Feb 13, 2021

Running: 2x pioneer 4 channel @ 100rmsx4 @4ohm 1x kicker mono @ 600rmsx1 @4ohm This enough? Or should I go 3 farad? Also, gonna upgrade alternator and big 3 wires.

collin jon Jun 27, 2020

2 answers

Plenty! im running a 1500 amp planet audio putting more like 7-800 at the sub the way its wired since the subs only a 1200 and a soundstream 400watt amp for the speakers and mine only does like a 2 volt drop roughly when being pushed hard. Almost dont even really need it but it takes some strain off the other electrical components the car has to run

jason Jul 10, 2020

You need 1 farrad for every 1 thousand watts. So if it's only 1 thousand watt amp then you only need 1 farrad. Hope this schools ya.

kevin Jul 10, 2020

Is 1.5 farad too much for me?

mark a Aug 06, 2018

2 answers

It depends how many amplifiers you have and how big the amplifiers are.

vasilios Aug 06, 2018

It's never too much it can only help you battery handle the draw from the amp. What is your set up that will ultimately tell if this is overkill or just right what type of sub or speaker and wat type of amp rms and peek. Mono or multi.

carlos Aug 06, 2018

Can you remove the voltage meter?

joshua Aug 04, 2018

1 answer

I personally haven't removed it but I don't see why you couldn't you would just have to cap the wires just to make sure you didn't cause any kind of spark

william Aug 05, 2018

Im running an alpine 85watt x 4 channel amp. And an infinity kappa 600 amd a alpine sum amp combo (8") it seems that turned up loud the sub cant be heard as well. It seems like it's being overrun by the 4 channel amp. I have a huge battery. Do you think i need a compactor on sub amp or i just dont have enough amp??

ricky Apr 19, 2018

1 answer

You don't need a combo, use one amp. See what the sub rms watts are and get an amp that will cover it. Ex: 1 sub rated 500 Watts rms = 1 amp rated at least 500 Watts rms. I like to always go a tad higher to give breathing room for each component. Hope this helps, good luck

carson May 04, 2018

What gauge wire does this capacitor support?

travis Mar 08, 2018

5 answers

I installed the capacitor in system in my daughter's car. It supports a 4 gauge wire. No problems so far.

charles Mar 15, 2018

I'm not 100% sure I believe I have a 2 or 0 running to mine. Just need to use the correct terminal. It can support any wire you throw at it main thing is the correct terminal size crutchfield should have specs on the stud size.

justin Mar 15, 2018

I'm using 4 gauge wire. Just ensure you use the proper terminal connectors.

james Mar 15, 2018

It depends on the size of wire connection used to attach wire to capacitor, the top of the capacitor has two Allen head bolts that thread into the top of it, one for power in and one to amp. 12 gauge to 4 gauge or even a little larger, but for that size capacitor 4 gauge would be perfect I think.

craig Mar 15, 2018

I ran 0 gauge no problem!

george Mar 15, 2018

Would this be good for my system ? I have it running off a Kicker ZX-700.5 channel amp which puts out 70x4 RMS and I have my subs wired for 2-olm which makes this amp push 410 RMS to my two 10's in ported box. Thank you kindly for reply.

joshua Jan 07, 2018

1 answer

I think it would be adequate. I just power two 12in Kenwood Subs in a sealed box. With a Sony Xplod 1,000 watt. Just make sure to give it a good ground and charge it up before hooking it up. It's in the directions. Read them Cheers!

michael Jan 10, 2018

have a capacitor but am getting rid of one and buying a new one. Someone told me once I have used this capacitor with one amp I can't hook it up to a different amp or it will burn it up?

jeff Sep 27, 2017

2 answers

false

kevin Aug 12, 2020

That is not correct; at all. I would advise not listening to that person anymore.

ryan Sep 30, 2017 (Staff)

How do I check to see if my capacitor is bad or going bad? (It has a digital display and inline fuse)

nicholas Sep 03, 2017

1 answer

If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer, or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.

kristina Sep 05, 2017 (Staff)

So what if My 1.5-farad capacitor with red LCD meter display is still lit up even tho my car is turned off?

percy Mar 22, 2017

2 answers

The capacitor stores energy, so it will stay lit even when your car is off.

christopher Mar 23, 2017

I think it's normal. Mine does the same thing. It's under the rear seats and I notice its lit whenever I get in or out of my vehicle.

kevin Mar 23, 2017

Do I need two sets of gauge wire one for my subs an one for the capacitor or I can use the same gauge wire I'm using for my amp an subs?

percy Mar 02, 2017

2 answers

no dude use a think wire for the capacitor

kevin Aug 12, 2020

Gauge is wire size. Don't really understand your question but your going to run power wire from battery to capacitor then power wire from capacitor to amp. Then ground wire from capacitor to a good ground & same with amp. Hope this answers your question

nick Mar 05, 2017

I'm installing a new system in my 2005 f250 I have a 600 watt amp for front and rear speakers and a 1200 watt amp for my subs. my truck has two batteries its a diesel. should I and can I install a capacitor in it?

chris Feb 11, 2017

3 answers

Yes you can run a capacitor with this setup. I would suggest installing one on sub amp just to take some load off electrical when sub hits.

nick Mar 05, 2017

Yes you can.

jorey Feb 12, 2017

Absolutely

george Feb 11, 2017

What are the dimensions of this product? (Diameter, overall height)

joshua Jun 29, 2016

1 answer

Thanks for your question. The manufacturer lists the dimensions as: Diameter: 2.985" Length: 10.25" Hope that helps.

kenneth Jun 29, 2016 (Staff)

Will this work with two mtx amps, one 500x1 and the other 75x4???

felix Mar 20, 2016

1 answer

Yes. I am running 3 high current amplifiers by Hifonics. 100 watts x 2 @ 15 amps, 140 x 2 @ 30 amps and a mono amp 200 x 1 @ 30 amps. Works great.

cyprian Mar 21, 2016

If my battery dies do I need to re-charge the capacitor?

mike Sep 21, 2015

4 answers

No. Your capacitor will stay charged as long as your alternator is good.

david Sep 26, 2015

Im not an EE, but capacitors store energy and it acts as a buffer between your stereo and the electrical system in the car. If your Battery drains, and/or is replaced, it will automatically store up energy again once you fix your battery. Capacitors are in appliances, computers and a whole bunch of things.

michael Sep 23, 2015

Depends on how long your battery is dead. If you already have it installed, just replace the battery and it will draw what it needs. If you're reinstalling after installing a battery use a 1k-ohm resistor to trickle charge it. honestly you don't have to trickle charge it but you'll get a large spark if you don't.

rob Sep 23, 2015

NO, I had to buy a new battery about four months after I bought my capacitor, alp I had to do was hook up the new battery and I was good to go.

ricky Sep 23, 2015

I have 2 JL 10w6's pushed by a JL hd750/1d amp. My lightning audio 1 farad cap does not keep my headlights from dimming. What do you suggest?

chase Feb 21, 2015

1 answer

If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer. You can also post your question in our forums: http://community.crutchfield.com. Or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.

kristina Feb 22, 2015 (Staff)

Can this Cap power 2amps simultaneously? I want to run 2 amps one JL 600Wx1rms and the other a JL 75Wx4rms,or do I need a cap for each amp?

steve Sep 07, 2014

3 answers

Yes. Run the power wire connection from your battery to a power block, just connect the capacitor to the block and the amps to the block as well (the amps will draw from the cap if it needs current. I bought the capacitor after a lot of research and concerns with my cars electronics. I ran into some power problems that wound up being a bad ground from my amps to the car. Along the way I purchased a new XS power battery which helped a lot. I have an F150 and the alternator kept up with the demands of my system (I have alpine 600w x 1 sub amp, and a 100w x 4 amp). I don't even get a voltage drop out of the capacitor now even if I am running the system and all of my car's electronics. Long story short, I don't know if I needed the cap in my truck with the new xs power batter, but I think it was a smart move .

colin Sep 09, 2014

yes it can thats how i have it set up now just get yourself the wire connectors and little extra wire and youll be ok

afrim Sep 09, 2014

yes it can. the capacitor isnt what is powering the amps but it acts as a storage device and it works great.

thomas Sep 08, 2014

I all ready have a system installed in my car but want to keep the lights from dimming when it's turned up. Does this come with wiring? If not what wiring will I need. I'm running 4 gauge wire to my amp in the truck. Also should this be installed next to the battery or right next to the amp in the truck?

derek Dec 18, 2013

4 answers

I installed one after I had installed my system bc of the headlights dimming. It's right next to the amp. Installation wasn't too complicated. My headlights still dim slightly but not as bad as before the capacitor.

kevin Mar 23, 2017

It should be installed as close to the amp as possible.

eric Sep 30, 2016

What size amp are using too?

nick Jan 11, 2016

You will install this as close to the amp as possible. You will need wiring as big or bigger than your 4 gauge and you will need a distribution block to wire this in. This does not wire in line with the amp. And make sure you read the instructions on hook up, charging and discharging.

tyler Dec 18, 2013

Which terminal hooks to the battery? The + or ~? Positive or negative?

michael Dec 18, 2013

4 answers

positive

joseph f Dec 18, 2013

Positive to battery positive.

david Dec 18, 2013

Connect the power wire from the battery to the positive terminal on the capacitor. Use heavy gauge power cable, number 4 car stereo power cable if I'm not mistaken. Run the power cable to the amplifier from the positive terminal of the capacitor. Simply ground the negative side of the capacitor to your chassis, make the ground #4 power cable also and as short as a lead as possible.

billy Dec 18, 2013

The positive(+) terminal hooks to the battery. Take time to read the instructions for this item. One thing I didn't notice is that you will need a distribution block to wire this in. You don't wire this in line with the amp. Hope that makes sense. The instructions will tell you how to wire it in.

tyler Dec 18, 2013

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