It really depends on the output voltage of the head unit. My Pioneer DEH80 PRS outputs are rated at 5 volts. The average deck is rated at 2 volts. Even with the amp gains all the way down my system should play much louder than if I had a 2 volt output on the RCA's.
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Amplifier Tuning Guide (the basics)
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Originally posted by dwvw View PostIt really depends on the output voltage of the head unit. My Pioneer DEH80 PRS outputs are rated at 5 volts. The average deck is rated at 2 volts. Even with the amp gains all the way down my system should play much louder than if I had a 2 volt output on the RCA's.
Makes sense though, doesn't it? You are shoving more voltage in, of course it will be a bit louder at "zero".
This can also be an issue with some amps that are very sensitive, for example the McIntosh MC660, which reaches full output with only 1V of input...can't turn that thing "all the way down" unless it is driven by an iPod!
Luke
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Back in the old days (daze) the head units only put out small levels of voltage so I use to run a preamp to the amp to get a higher voltage (plus a little eq from preamp). Amps seems to sound better with the preamp in line.
dlm ny country old school audio ads ph 15/ppi 4800.2/ 3x 8w6 dual voice coil jl subs
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So I just tuned my amp using this guide over the weekend.
I'm kind of confused because my volume isn't really as loud as I'd expect. In fact, I have to turn the head unit up higher than without the amp to get roughly the same volume. And it's basically maxed out at that point.
I even tried upping the gains on the amp and it didn't give me much more volume.
I have a planet audio 1800.5 amp, alpine ida-x100, 4 Polk audio speakers (I forget the exact size/model), and a 12" bazooka tube.
Yeah, this isn't in an e30, but I figured you guys could help.Matt
Originally posted by slammin.e28guyI pack my CD player with asbestos. Those mother fuckers pay dearly for stealing my shit.Originally posted by kronustry whacking parts of the motor with a wrench while yelling "YOU WANT SUMMA DIS? HUH?"Originally posted by chadthestampedeThis is like a reverse build thread; it starts out nice and gets shitty.
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Originally posted by vpilarrt View PostAm I missing something? In 2c you have the deck turned up to max. In 2d you say that the deck volume is now at the "reference" point. I don't see where you turn down the deck volume and how you determine the "reference" point.
I've always done something close to the following - With the amp gain set low, play some music and turn up your receiver's volume until you hear the music distorting; then back off the volume until the music sounds clean again. Note or mark where the receiver's volume is. This setting is the maximum volume your receiver can go to and still play cleanly.
Not sure if Luke is blazing a new path here, or maybe we're just misreading something.
Thanks in advance, Team GAS.
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Originally posted by dwvw View Post
One thing I would do though different is use test tones, it's much easier to hear distortion in a tone than music. Back in the day it wasn't as practical as you needed a special CD (autosound 2000 has some good one) but nowadays there are many programs you can download for free to make your own test tones. For the front and rear speakers I use a 1kHz tone at -5dB. That gives you some gain overlap, useful on quieter recordings.You say "Where are your other two cylinders?"
I say "Where's your other camshaft?"
Frankenmotor: if an M42, M44, M20, S50, and S52 were to have a kid.
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just to comment on all of the various write-ups from Stereoinstaller1, for those that are new to this website. Do yourself a huge favor and read through all of the stickies regarding installing and tuning a $500 killer stereo. Plus the DIY lukebox thread since Luke is no longer around building Luke boxes.
From someone that did this a few years ago, and am now going to install the same in my 535is, this system is killer. Absolutely worth your time and effort if you demand, as I do, high fidelity from your car stereo. I had this system in my '89 325i I sold and it was the best sound system I've ever had in the many cars I have owned.
FYI“There is nothing government can give you that it hasn’t taken from you in the first place”
Sir Winston Churchill
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