I have had my system in my car for a few months now and havent noticed dimming while driving at night until today. When I turn it up the lights kind of flicker to the beat. I am running:

-Alpine 9831 Head Unit
-Alpine 40x4 Channel Speaker Amp
-Alpine 500w Subwoofer Amp (MRD-M501)
-Infinity Perfect 6.1 Components
-Diamond Audio D6 12in Sub
-Viper 791xv Alarm System

What can I do to fix this? I will do anything but get a new alternator. I am willing to purchase a new battery, capacitor, or anything else you recomend..

 

Caps are very good at eliminating transients (such as the flicker you are reporting). A cap reacts to transient spikes much faster than a battery (which is why they are used in this application). For minor flickering this is all you may need. A larger alternator is not really a good option for fixing this, so you are ok not wanting to go there. As long as your system + the cars systems when on do not require more current than the alternator is capable of then you do not need to replace it anyway.

 

any recomendations on a cap model/brand and where to order it..?

 

i have that same amp i dont c anything with my lights

 

yes, i never did either, maybe over time or something? U may not have the second amp as well pushing out an additionall 200+ watts..

 

How can you install a system and not get a Cap!?

It's like a MUST HAVE when you do a system!
Stop into a local stereo business and see what Cap's they have in their store or what they can get you.

On my last system in my old car I had two caps that looked like amps lol

 

no i dont have the extra 200. you think that would do it? i would get an alpine with the display it would look nice!

 

Line Drivers, and BASS Cubes are a good essential to have as well!

 

caps are far from essential, before you run out and buy a capacitor, you might want to check your grounding points, making sure that they all have good contact

 

Flickering is due to transients. While better grounding can help this slightly, it is more directly affected by adding a cap.

 

i have the grounding kit under the hood, maybe ill double check all that when i get a chance, but i mean as far as i have noticed, it has never flickered before