Amp settings?

[1aespinoza 10+ year member]

The head unit preout is 5v, and on the Sony amp it goes from 6v to 0.2 which is stamped on the about around the gain controls.

Just go with the 75% radio volume. That way if anyone other than you goofs around and cranks the volume to 100%, your system will be in the "safe" zone.

 

[Jimi77 5,000+ posts]

I understand that, but I’m still going to check it with a multimeter, and for example if The meter says the proper volts isa different setting when I adjust the gain that way, and it’s not what the pre out of the head unit is, then which should I go with? The head unit preout is 5v, and on the Sony amp it goes from 6v to 0.2 which is stamped on the amp around the gain controls.

If I were in your shoes, I'd just pick whatever you want max volume to be on the HU. Let's say you decide on 20. Set the volume at 20, play your test tone and turn the gain up until you hit your target voltage. Now you know your system will start to clip if you go above 20 on the volume control. You don't need to pay attention to what the gain control says because you're not using the gain in usual manner.

 

[spokey9]

Multimeters don't detect clipping

 

[Jimi77 5,000+ posts]

Multimeters don't detect clipping

Used properly and assuming your amp manufacture isn't full of shyt my method will tell when you hit the clipping wall. Personally, I use my ears and not everybody has access to an oscope.

 

[2RZ-FE 10+ year member]

I use the clip light on my highs amp using a -5db tone. Sub amp I just blend it in.

 

[spokey9]

Used properly and assuming your amp manufacture isn't full of shyt my method will tell when you hit the clipping wall. Personally, I use my ears and not everybody has access to an oscope.

I do it by ear too I mainly use my dmm to check my voltage on my batteries or check I wired subs correctly

I just said that because the op seems to be using a meter to rationalize setting his gain too high...probably won't end well imo

 

[Jimi77 5,000+ posts]

I do it by ear too I mainly use my dmm to check my voltage on my batteries or check I wired subs correctly

I just said that because the op seems to be using a meter to rationalize setting his gain too high...probably won't end well imo

Good point. If the OP is going to set his gain structure as he suggests, he should probably invest in some self-resetting polyswitch speaker protectors.

 

[Jimi77 5,000+ posts]

Polyswitches to protect your speakers.

Home

Speaker Protection Devices at Parts Express. Stocking circuit breakers, loudspeaker protection, polyswitch protection, tweeter protection lamps for crossovers.

www.parts-express.com

 

[JohnPD]

The speakers work just fine, but could someone explain on the amp why 6v is quieter than 0.2v for the gain settings? Wouldn’t more voltage be louder than less voltage? The voltages are listed around the gain dials, and clockwise is louder as per the manual. I just don’t understand how this stuff works and am trying to learn as much as I can.

 

[JohnPD]

Polyswitches to protect your speakers.

Home

Speaker Protection Devices at Parts Express. Stocking circuit breakers, loudspeaker protection, polyswitch protection, tweeter protection lamps for crossovers.

www.parts-express.com

How does one install these? What gets soldered where?

 

[spokey9]

The speakers work just fine, but could someone explain on the amp why 6v is quieter than 0.2v for the gain settings? Wouldn’t more voltage be louder than less voltage? The voltages are listed around the gain dials, and clockwise is louder as per the manual. I just don’t understand how this stuff works and am trying to learn as much as I can.

As you turn up the gain it amplifies the source signal more....

 

[JohnPD]

As you turn up the gain it amplifies the source signal more....

I understand that, but why would 0.2v be louder than 6v? That’s what I find understand. I would think more volts would be louder than less volts

 

[Jimi77 5,000+ posts]

I understand that, but why would 0.2v be louder than 6v? That’s what I find understand. I would think more volts would be louder than less volts

It's the opposite on the gain control.

 

[Jimi77 5,000+ posts]

How does one install these? What gets soldered where?

The switch goes between the speaker and crossover.