Rockford Fosgate Troubleshooting

A Thanks for the feedback! It's great to know that you have made Car Audio & Electronics magazine a source of information and advice that has helped your system perform better. It's also good to know that you utilize your local installation specialist as a further source of information. Now let's see if we can save you some money.

I agree with the installers who are recommending adding the extra charging system components ONLY when the recommendation is in the context of the conditions you are encountering. I am sure they have built similar systems that did require charging system upgrades, but your situation reveals a couple of clues that should be considered.

With your equipment list, there is a definite advantage to installing a capacitor, and I would recommend that addition right away. It will tighten up your bass performance while possibly reducing the headlight dimming. Adding a capacitor has a much longer list of advantages than disadvantages.

Your 80 ampere circuit breaker would be worth upgrading to reduce the possibility of parasite resistance, but you must ensure that you do not install a circuit breaker that exceeds the current carrying capacity of the main power wire. Also, make sure that the battery ground wire has been upgraded.

Since you have not tripped the 80 amp breaker that confirms that you are not pounding on the system as hard as others might, and it also reveals that you do not need an extra battery or an alternator upgrade.

Unless a designer knows that the system being installed will require a special charging system, that decision is determined after the install is completed. Once tests have revealed that the anemic factory charging system won't keep up, then the upgrade is performed. You have pretty much proven that you don't need to upgrade automotive parts, and if you can hold out until you get the new car, you may not need to do anything beyond moving your existing system and new capacitor to your new ride. Then you can see if any problems crop up and send me another letter.

Please send questions to: Car Audio and Electronics, c/o Tech Panel, 774 S. Placentia Ave., Placentia, CA 92870 e-mail: techpanel@mcmullenargus.com

Q Dear CA&E,I am a long time reader of your magazine and have enjoyed the wealth of knowledge you provide every month. I have a 1996 Honda Civic with 6.5" door speakers and 6 x 9s in the rear deck. I already upgraded the head unit to an Alpine pro series deck, a four-channel amp for the mids and highs, and an Infinity Beta amp for bass with a set of Audiophile series Rockford Fosgates from a few years back.

My dilemma is finding the best set of mids and highs for my needs. I like a soft sound that is not too intrusive, but have good tonal balance. I looked into Boston Acoustic, which I have had good luck with in the past. I also looked into JL Audio mids and highs, which came highly recommended from a friend that works for the Good Guys.

The other problem I have is potentially leaving the 6 x 9s out of the rear deck so the bass from the trunk flows freely into the passenger compartment, which is a problem for some Hondas I have seen in the past. But then I have the problem of relocating those mids and highs for the rear fill. If you can give me some suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.Henry W StanleyVia the Internet