Is it only the windshield wipers that cause the fade? What about turning on AC (which uses much more power), turning on lights, or powering up the windows once they are already up (do not do for long, but a good test)?

Cause there is no way that one 10 should draw enough power to dominate your alternator like that. You might have a windshield wiper motor about to go, or you may have a problem with your amp wiring. If you are running too high guage (read too thin wire), you will have may to much resistance (ever hit thermal overload?). This will make the alternator work even harder to deliver the needed power to your amplifier. I would run at least 4 guage. It may seem like overkill, but it does wonders. I had over 1000 watts with my stock alternator.... and no problems, no capacitor either. Granted now I'm running more power with a bigger alt, but I do not think your problem is essentially your alt. It may be, but that seems unlikely.


if all else fails.... maybe try the magic 3?