amp ajustment help

4840 Views 22 Replies 3 Participants Last post by andjayik, Jul 3, 2009

andjayik

Discussion Starter · Jun 22, 2009

What is the easiest way to set the gain as my amp kept clipping or turning off when trying to adjust the gain. I am using a line level adapter as well with some volume level dials on them? :beer:

[mod]Moved to Audio/Video Mods.[/mod]

1 - 20 of 23 Posts

fourthmeal

· #2 · Jun 22, 2009

read http://www.bcae1.com

There are specific reasons I have directed you to that place a few times now. All your newbie questions will be answered, and you'll be able to avoid potentially expensive mistakes along the way. You need a solid basic understanding of the world of car audio before you proceed.

Think of it as car audio bootcamp for people that prefer to build it themselves.

That, or send it to a qualified installer so you don't kill something expensive OR end up with a lack-luster result.

The Tribute is gone but I'm still here for you guys. Full photo album of all past and current builds of the Tribute on my Shutterfly account http://2008tributepics.shutterfly.com/

I build car audio systems as a hobby and as a side business. Tribute's last configuration - Pioneer F900BT navi head unit running 3.0 software from the X910BT, with Diaftia mods (see avic411.com) - Alpine SPX-17PRO tweeters in door panel, H-Audio Ebony woofers in factory location - 4 x array of Tangband 6.5" subs in slim ported box - Kenwood eXcelon X1R and X4R amps w/ built-in DSP - Phoenix Gold 1/0 wiring - fully deadened and sealed with RAAMmat and Sounddeadenershowdown.com products.

Current vehicle is a 2010 Ford Flex SEL, Dark Ink Blue. MS8 Processor, Exile Audio Xtec 10 x 2 subs in spare tire well, Fountek FR89EX mids left, right, and center, Dayton tweeters, Exodus Neo 6.5" midbass, RAAMmat BXTII and Ensolite deadening

Want to learn how to do car audio right? http://www.bcae1.com the Bible of car audio

andjayik

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jun 22, 2009

ok but the line level adapter has adjusting dials on them as well, where do i set them? Thats what got me confused.

gmercedesbenz

· #4 · Jun 22, 2009

andjayik said:
ok but the line level adapter has adjusting dials on them as well, where do i set them? Thats what got me confused.

I always just maxed those out...your going to want the most you can get out of your factory system...if you want to adjust the level that goes to the speakers...use the adjustments on the amp itself. Are you using this for component speakers or a sub?

andjayik

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jun 22, 2009

The amp is for the components. iread u measure the rca out for voltage that will tell u the hu voltage then adjust the gain for that voltage. The line level adjustments should be set to full or 3/4, cause they increase the volume big time?

gmercedesbenz

· #6 · Jun 22, 2009

andjayik said:
The amp is for the components. iread u measure the rca out for voltage that will tell u the hu voltage then adjust the gain for that voltage. The line level adjustments should be set to full or 3/4, cause they increase the volume big time?

Well if you set the LOC levels below 3/4 way, your componet amp won't have much of a signal to amplify. The more signal you give the amp, the louder your volume will be. Distortion can be an issue, all depends on how loud you listen to your music, what your EQ settings are etc. The best way to avoid distrotion is put on a song you listen to alot, at your desired volume and EQ, and adjust levels on your componet amp accordingly.

fourthmeal

· #7 · Jun 22, 2009

You use the gain dials to get the most signal to noise, while staying clear of clipping. That setting will differ with every single install, as the variables determine the result.

You always start from the source, and work your way back to the power. Start as low as you can, since gain can induce distortion at each step. The distortion profile is close to exponential, so you want to go as low as you can, and adjust very slowly up until you are set.

The Tribute is gone but I'm still here for you guys. Full photo album of all past and current builds of the Tribute on my Shutterfly account http://2008tributepics.shutterfly.com/

I build car audio systems as a hobby and as a side business. Tribute's last configuration - Pioneer F900BT navi head unit running 3.0 software from the X910BT, with Diaftia mods (see avic411.com) - Alpine SPX-17PRO tweeters in door panel, H-Audio Ebony woofers in factory location - 4 x array of Tangband 6.5" subs in slim ported box - Kenwood eXcelon X1R and X4R amps w/ built-in DSP - Phoenix Gold 1/0 wiring - fully deadened and sealed with RAAMmat and Sounddeadenershowdown.com products.

Current vehicle is a 2010 Ford Flex SEL, Dark Ink Blue. MS8 Processor, Exile Audio Xtec 10 x 2 subs in spare tire well, Fountek FR89EX mids left, right, and center, Dayton tweeters, Exodus Neo 6.5" midbass, RAAMmat BXTII and Ensolite deadening

Want to learn how to do car audio right? http://www.bcae1.com the Bible of car audio

andjayik

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jun 28, 2009

i tried and someone came over and tried to adjust it, just cant go past 1/4 way on the volume with the stock deck? Maybe cheap loc?

fourthmeal

· #9 · Jun 29, 2009

Nope, I had clipping with the stock deck at 8-9 notches on the dial (or about 1/4 into it.)

Stock radio sucks.

That's why I replaced it (quite difficultly, I might add) with an aftermarket navigation deck.

http://2008tributepics.shutterfly.com/

The Tribute is gone but I'm still here for you guys. Full photo album of all past and current builds of the Tribute on my Shutterfly account http://2008tributepics.shutterfly.com/

I build car audio systems as a hobby and as a side business. Tribute's last configuration - Pioneer F900BT navi head unit running 3.0 software from the X910BT, with Diaftia mods (see avic411.com) - Alpine SPX-17PRO tweeters in door panel, H-Audio Ebony woofers in factory location - 4 x array of Tangband 6.5" subs in slim ported box - Kenwood eXcelon X1R and X4R amps w/ built-in DSP - Phoenix Gold 1/0 wiring - fully deadened and sealed with RAAMmat and Sounddeadenershowdown.com products.

Current vehicle is a 2010 Ford Flex SEL, Dark Ink Blue. MS8 Processor, Exile Audio Xtec 10 x 2 subs in spare tire well, Fountek FR89EX mids left, right, and center, Dayton tweeters, Exodus Neo 6.5" midbass, RAAMmat BXTII and Ensolite deadening

Want to learn how to do car audio right? http://www.bcae1.com the Bible of car audio

andjayik

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jun 29, 2009

Crap!not even a audioControl
LC 61 will not improve anything? I have been told this will improve big time over the cheap loc?

fourthmeal

· #11 · Jun 29, 2009

Listen to me, I've explained it before:

The stock radio, no matter what you do, will only output about 1/4 of its volume ability before it starts to clip. You can push it to around 1/3rd the range, but that's about it, and it will be distorted.

Now, this doesn't mean you can't make it sound good still. It means that you must make the clipping point of right around 1/4 in the new maximum point. Then, you increase the gains (working your way from the LOC to the amp) until you get the volume you want. You'll be able to reach physical amplifier power clipping AND/OR speaker power clipping at the 1/4 to 1/3rd volume point as well, so the system will be able to play loudly. What it won't have is much "middle ground" from quiet to loud. This is the price to pay for staying with the stock HU, and Beware, I noticed a SIGNIFICANT increase in bass output and clarity when I swapped from stock to aftermarket HU's...so the stock is holding something back. Even with an aftermarket processor re-equalizing the bass curve, there is something "off" with the stock setup.

I'm not saying you should go with an aftermarket deck, but make sure you know its limitations and work around or within them.

BTW, good job on your door components, good choice on the PG RSd's, and nice deadening. I'm glad it paid off.

See less See more

The Tribute is gone but I'm still here for you guys. Full photo album of all past and current builds of the Tribute on my Shutterfly account http://2008tributepics.shutterfly.com/

I build car audio systems as a hobby and as a side business. Tribute's last configuration - Pioneer F900BT navi head unit running 3.0 software from the X910BT, with Diaftia mods (see avic411.com) - Alpine SPX-17PRO tweeters in door panel, H-Audio Ebony woofers in factory location - 4 x array of Tangband 6.5" subs in slim ported box - Kenwood eXcelon X1R and X4R amps w/ built-in DSP - Phoenix Gold 1/0 wiring - fully deadened and sealed with RAAMmat and Sounddeadenershowdown.com products.

Current vehicle is a 2010 Ford Flex SEL, Dark Ink Blue. MS8 Processor, Exile Audio Xtec 10 x 2 subs in spare tire well, Fountek FR89EX mids left, right, and center, Dayton tweeters, Exodus Neo 6.5" midbass, RAAMmat BXTII and Ensolite deadening

Want to learn how to do car audio right? http://www.bcae1.com the Bible of car audio

gmercedesbenz

· #12 · Jun 29, 2009

fourthmeal said:
I noticed a SIGNIFICANT increase in bass output and clarity when I swapped from stock to aftermarket HU's...so the stock is holding something back. Even with an aftermarket processor re-equalizing the bass curve, there is something "off" with the stock setup.

:yes:
Exactly why I finally caved in a replaced my MACH with a Pioneer deck, and I couldn't of been more satisfied. The stock setup limits bass output as the volume increases to avoid damaging the stock speakers (which are obviously crap). Even the base model stock setup does this, but its more noticable with the Audiophile/MACH setup.

andjayik

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jun 29, 2009

i'll have to wait then$$$ even though my volume is limited to high at a 1/4 still sounds excellent. So i'll save up for a double din deck. Any recomendations for a double din with navigation and sirrius and blutooth?

fourthmeal

· #14 · Jun 29, 2009

The F900BT isn't perfect but the 3.0 firmware upgrade is due out very soon, so they will become a bargain when that launches. Check into http://www.avic411.com for more info on this deck and its cousin, the non DVD model F700BT.

The Tribute is gone but I'm still here for you guys. Full photo album of all past and current builds of the Tribute on my Shutterfly account http://2008tributepics.shutterfly.com/

I build car audio systems as a hobby and as a side business. Tribute's last configuration - Pioneer F900BT navi head unit running 3.0 software from the X910BT, with Diaftia mods (see avic411.com) - Alpine SPX-17PRO tweeters in door panel, H-Audio Ebony woofers in factory location - 4 x array of Tangband 6.5" subs in slim ported box - Kenwood eXcelon X1R and X4R amps w/ built-in DSP - Phoenix Gold 1/0 wiring - fully deadened and sealed with RAAMmat and Sounddeadenershowdown.com products.

Current vehicle is a 2010 Ford Flex SEL, Dark Ink Blue. MS8 Processor, Exile Audio Xtec 10 x 2 subs in spare tire well, Fountek FR89EX mids left, right, and center, Dayton tweeters, Exodus Neo 6.5" midbass, RAAMmat BXTII and Ensolite deadening

Want to learn how to do car audio right? http://www.bcae1.com the Bible of car audio

andjayik

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jun 29, 2009

how much are they?

fourthmeal

· #16 · Jun 30, 2009

I paid $518 shipped from eBay's Hookedontronics, and I got 8% cashback from Bing

I do recommend the warranty given the extreme complexity of the product.

my pics

http://www.2008tributepics.shutterfly.com

The Tribute is gone but I'm still here for you guys. Full photo album of all past and current builds of the Tribute on my Shutterfly account http://2008tributepics.shutterfly.com/

I build car audio systems as a hobby and as a side business. Tribute's last configuration - Pioneer F900BT navi head unit running 3.0 software from the X910BT, with Diaftia mods (see avic411.com) - Alpine SPX-17PRO tweeters in door panel, H-Audio Ebony woofers in factory location - 4 x array of Tangband 6.5" subs in slim ported box - Kenwood eXcelon X1R and X4R amps w/ built-in DSP - Phoenix Gold 1/0 wiring - fully deadened and sealed with RAAMmat and Sounddeadenershowdown.com products.

Current vehicle is a 2010 Ford Flex SEL, Dark Ink Blue. MS8 Processor, Exile Audio Xtec 10 x 2 subs in spare tire well, Fountek FR89EX mids left, right, and center, Dayton tweeters, Exodus Neo 6.5" midbass, RAAMmat BXTII and Ensolite deadening

Want to learn how to do car audio right? http://www.bcae1.com the Bible of car audio

fourthmeal

· #17 · Jun 30, 2009

But you must consider, for $518 I have flash navigation (not on DVD, on memory onboard machine) with a 5.8" screen, a DVD player (so you can put ~6 CD's worth of music on one disc), a CD player, an iPod-capable interface, a USB device, an SD card device, a Bluetooth phone, 3 Pre-outs (f/r/sub), ability to connect to satellite radio, and ability to run MSN Direct services for traffic, weather, etc. Obviously it will play video both up front and in the back for passengers if you have screens.

All built right in.

The new units (which ARE better) cost about double the ~$500-600 you'd expect for one of these F900's.

The Tribute is gone but I'm still here for you guys. Full photo album of all past and current builds of the Tribute on my Shutterfly account http://2008tributepics.shutterfly.com/

I build car audio systems as a hobby and as a side business. Tribute's last configuration - Pioneer F900BT navi head unit running 3.0 software from the X910BT, with Diaftia mods (see avic411.com) - Alpine SPX-17PRO tweeters in door panel, H-Audio Ebony woofers in factory location - 4 x array of Tangband 6.5" subs in slim ported box - Kenwood eXcelon X1R and X4R amps w/ built-in DSP - Phoenix Gold 1/0 wiring - fully deadened and sealed with RAAMmat and Sounddeadenershowdown.com products.

Current vehicle is a 2010 Ford Flex SEL, Dark Ink Blue. MS8 Processor, Exile Audio Xtec 10 x 2 subs in spare tire well, Fountek FR89EX mids left, right, and center, Dayton tweeters, Exodus Neo 6.5" midbass, RAAMmat BXTII and Ensolite deadening

Want to learn how to do car audio right? http://www.bcae1.com the Bible of car audio

andjayik

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jun 30, 2009

518 for the F900BT?Any other cheaper units that are still good?

andjayik

Discussion Starter · #19 · Jul 2, 2009

If I install a 2din deck will I still have the sync, usb and blutooth that's on there now?

fourthmeal

· #20 · Jul 2, 2009

No. Sync IS the deck.

Luckily the head unit I have has a version of Sync. Sorta. I just push a button, and speak, and it does what I want (most of the time.)

Honestly, how much is a BT, navigation, DVD playing, USB, iPod, etc. etc. etc. supposed to cost? Most units run $1200++ and they are worth it at that price.

Keep your stock deck for a while, get a true processor to fix the sound output coming from the stock deck, and maximize that way if you want. It is cheaper, and getting a new deck won't necessarily give you better SQ if you don't have processing control.

The Tribute is gone but I'm still here for you guys. Full photo album of all past and current builds of the Tribute on my Shutterfly account http://2008tributepics.shutterfly.com/

I build car audio systems as a hobby and as a side business. Tribute's last configuration - Pioneer F900BT navi head unit running 3.0 software from the X910BT, with Diaftia mods (see avic411.com) - Alpine SPX-17PRO tweeters in door panel, H-Audio Ebony woofers in factory location - 4 x array of Tangband 6.5" subs in slim ported box - Kenwood eXcelon X1R and X4R amps w/ built-in DSP - Phoenix Gold 1/0 wiring - fully deadened and sealed with RAAMmat and Sounddeadenershowdown.com products.

Current vehicle is a 2010 Ford Flex SEL, Dark Ink Blue. MS8 Processor, Exile Audio Xtec 10 x 2 subs in spare tire well, Fountek FR89EX mids left, right, and center, Dayton tweeters, Exodus Neo 6.5" midbass, RAAMmat BXTII and Ensolite deadening

Want to learn how to do car audio right? http://www.bcae1.com the Bible of car audio

1 - 20 of 23 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.