2-4v voltage difference between left/right channel

[groggy23 10+ year member]

While I was setting my amp gains using the DMM method. I measured both the left and right channels, and I noticed about 2-4v difference between each channel.. Is this normal? If it is, should you set it to the channel that's measuring the most?

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[shovelhd 10+ year member]

Did you set the HU up correctly before setting your gains? Volume at 3/4 or thereabouts? Balance and fader in the middle? EQ's flat? Loudness and/or bass boost off?

 

[thch 10+ year member]

what is this is percent?

 

[neonrt 10+ year member]

thats most likely right. 2volts output on a dmm is not much when setting gains. i would set your gains to the higher reading.

 

[XanderMoser 10+ year member]

Are you doing just the fronts? Or both fronts and backs? Because if you're getting the same voltage difference on one entire side, that's strange...unless your balance is off, haha.

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

Swap the RCAs left and right and measure again. If the low side switches with the RCAs the problem is with you HU signal. What voltage are you looking for?

 

[groggy23 10+ year member]

It might be my HU preout. These were measured with everything flat, fader at 0, balance at 0, etc.. 27/35 on an Kenwood x889. Using a typical DMM set to A/C measured across the + and - of left and right channel on the front output of an Arc 4050xxk amp. There is around a 2v difference between the left and right channels. I will try swapping out the RCA's left/right and see if its the HU. Voltage I am looking for is 14.1v which is calculated from sqrt(50*4)...

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

2-4V is a huge difference in a signal that low. Definitely in the audible range. Something isn't right.

 

[groggy23 10+ year member]

I'll have to check again tonight and write down the actual voltage difference accross the channels. I think it was around 2v. I've a feeling it maybe the HU.

I can defenitely tell because my stage is moreso towards the passenger side. If that's the case do you know of any workarounds? i.e. balance a little more to the weaker side for a temp solution?

 

[Death By Bass 10+ year member]

I'll have to check again tonight and write down the actual voltage difference accross the channels. I think it was around 2v. I've a feeling it maybe the HU.
I can defenitely tell because my stage is moreso towards the passenger side. If that's the case do you know of any workarounds? i.e. balance a little more to the weaker side for a temp solution?

if its 12.7 to one channel, and 14.1 to the other channel, thats a 10 watt difference, assuming 4 ohms that is... 50watts to one speaker, 40watts to the other...

which is going to make less than a 1dB difference, and really isn't going to be THAT noticeable...

which channel has the higher level?

if its the passenger side, I say leave it, seeing as the audio path from the passenger speaker to your ears is longer than the drivers side, the 1dB increase on that side, if anything, is going to be better! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[groggy23 10+ year member]

With 0 balance, the right(passenger) channel has more.

Here is what I measured today with the car on, 27/35 volume, DSP completely off(no eq, etc..), balance at 0.

right channel - 14v

left channel - 13v

So I tried again with the same settings except the balance to the left 1

right channel - 13.4v

left channel - 14.1v

I like it better the way its set now with the balance to the left 1. Staging seems better as well.

So I was able to achieve a .7v difference rather then a full 1v difference. I forgot to switch the RCA's though, but I bet its the HU. I've been through a few amps and components and its always resulted the same.

Although if my settings are not advisable, please let me know.

 

[thch 10+ year member]

sounds fine.

a dmm can also measure RCA outputs, if you are concerned about the HU.

 

[groggy23 10+ year member]

Yeah, I was about to ask that. The + is the outer shell while the hole is the - or the other way around?

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

It's AC, it really doesn't matter since there really is not + or - .

 

[killahsharksjc 10+ year member]

I have X889 also and mine does the same thing. But mine has a problem with the RCAs output because i have to ground them to get rid of most the noise it makes. Sounds like interference in the radio itself. And I still get a crackle when i put CDs in and out. And a small whine in my speakers. I think my deck is defective.