Amp wire or big 3

[ShadowElky]

I love used lol. Radios at work are $30. And we once found a touchscreen

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

Cost wise, your best bet may be finding one at work, haha

 

[ShadowElky]

True lol.

 

[ShadowElky]

I don't use a multimeter. I just set my amps by ear. I only push things while doing short demos, otherwise its a moderate volume.

What's the best frequency to set the amp at? I've been using a 40hz tone.

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

I just listen to music, not a test tone. Set your head unit volume at about 3/4 or your normal listening volume. Have your gain all the way down, then turn it up until it stops getting louder, and/or sounds bad/different. Then back off a little. Not all songs will sound as loud as each others, because of recording levels. That's when you have to be smart and adjust the volume knob accordingly.

I'm not saying the DMM or O-scope methods are wrong, but they aren't fail-proof. I'd rather not rely on that, because music is different. You could set gains with an O-scope using a 0db test tone, and be fine most of the time. However, you would still need to turn your head unit volume up more to get the most out of some songs. Then, your head unit may distort the signal.

There's no perfect way to set your gains for all recording levels, and still get the most out of them.

Just my 2 cents on the matter. Others may disagree and swear by a method. All I can say is I've never blown a sub or amp.

 

[ShadowElky]

Would I be able to figure out the max head unit volume without clipping with an O-Scope?

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

Yes

 

[ShadowElky]

Hmm, may have to get one for that reason. Cause if I knew that then I would know roughly how loud I can turn it up lol... Or.. I could buy the Pioneer App radio I found on eBay for $60

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

Yea, or you could get an amp with a clipping indicator

 

[ShadowElky]

Are there any you would recommend for the Sundown SA-15?

 

[ShadowElky]

Yea, or you could get an amp with a clipping indicator

What about something like this? iSimple IS32 Tranzit USB - Play and Charge MP3/Smartphone/Android through Car Radio

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

Taramps HD 800, 1200, or 1600. Personally, I'd get the 1600 for amplifier headroom, and possible future upgrade.

Taylor Fade did a test on the HD 800 a while back

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

What about something like this? iSimple IS32 Tranzit USB - Play and Charge MP3/Smartphone/Android through Car Radio

Looks like that is just aux input and charging for usb devices.

Unless I'm mistaken, that usb input would not be able to access files on your phone for lossless audio

 

[Bomber Z 10+ year member]

Check out xplicit audio. I've been buying wire and stuff from them for a year or two. Good pricing and fast shipping. They are a supporting vendor on here.

The Sundown amps and subs have worked great.

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

[quote name='Bomber Z']Check out xplicit audio. I've been buying wire and stuff from them for a year or two. Good pricing and fast shipping. They are a supporting vendor on here.
The Sundown amps and subs have worked great.[/QUOTE]

I disagree. I refuse to buy from Xplicit anymore. They have the worst customer service I have ever dealt with. Rarely did they respond. Don't bother PMing them on here

Could be just me, but regardless, they will not get my business in the future.

@g6ryder; owns wooferwarehouse.com and has excellent customer service. He sells pretty much the same stuff. He does respond to PM's on here