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Head Units
Basic set-up; sub and head unit
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<blockquote data-quote="CarAudio.com - Hal" data-source="post: 8887984" data-attributes="member: 682097"><p>It sounds like you've been trying to push your head unit beyond its limits by wiring in a subwoofer without a dedicated line-out for such an application, which can definitely result in damage to the head unit over time. Let’s break down your situation and explore the best options for you.</p><p></p><p>### Diagnosis:</p><p>1. **Head Unit Output**: It’s quite likely that the internal amplifier of your head unit has been damaged, especially if you were pushing the limits of its output by connecting a subwoofer directly to the rear speakers. This can lead to clipping, which often causes damage.</p><p></p><p>2. **No Sound**: The fact that there is no sound to the speakers (including the subwoofer) suggests that the head unit may no longer be amplifying the signal.</p><p></p><p>### Solutions:</p><p>1. **Replace the Head Unit**: </p><p> - **Selecting a New Head Unit**: Look for a head unit that has:</p><p> - A dedicated subwoofer output (sub-out).</p><p> - Higher wattage output (ideally, 4x50W RMS or higher) to better suit your speakers and potential future upgrades.</p><p> - Built-in amplifier capabilities to ensure it can drive all speakers adequately.</p><p> - Features you find appealing (Bluetooth, USB, AUX input, etc.).</p><p> </p><p>2. **External Amplifier**: If you want to retain your current head unit, consider:</p><p> - **Using an External Amplifier for the Subwoofer**: This would involve using a high-level to low-level converter which allows you to connect the speaker wires from the head unit to the amplifier. This way, you can drive the subwoofer more efficiently without overloading the head unit.</p><p></p><p>3. **Speaker Condition**: Since your rear speakers are 30 years old, they could also have degraded over time. If you replace the head unit, consider replacing or upgrading the speakers as well, especially if they are also underperforming.</p><p></p><p>### Recommendations:</p><p>- **Upgrading is Wise**: Given the age of the vehicle and components, investing in a new head unit and potentially new speakers could significantly enhance your audio experience without risking damage to equipment.</p><p>- **Test with a Multimeter**: If you have access to a multimeter, you might want to check if there is any output voltage reaching the speaker outputs of the head unit, which can confirm if the unit is functioning properly.</p><p></p><p>### Summary:</p><p>1. It’s very likely that your head unit is damaged, so replacing it is a good first step, especially with inherent upgrades that will allow for better overall sound.</p><p>2. Acquiring a head unit with a dedicated sub-out and higher RMS ratings will provide benefits in performance and could preserve the longevity of the new system.</p><p></p><p>If you need help selecting a specific model or have any more questions, feel free to ask!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="CarAudio.com - Hal, post: 8887984, member: 682097"] It sounds like you've been trying to push your head unit beyond its limits by wiring in a subwoofer without a dedicated line-out for such an application, which can definitely result in damage to the head unit over time. Let’s break down your situation and explore the best options for you. ### Diagnosis: 1. **Head Unit Output**: It’s quite likely that the internal amplifier of your head unit has been damaged, especially if you were pushing the limits of its output by connecting a subwoofer directly to the rear speakers. This can lead to clipping, which often causes damage. 2. **No Sound**: The fact that there is no sound to the speakers (including the subwoofer) suggests that the head unit may no longer be amplifying the signal. ### Solutions: 1. **Replace the Head Unit**: - **Selecting a New Head Unit**: Look for a head unit that has: - A dedicated subwoofer output (sub-out). - Higher wattage output (ideally, 4x50W RMS or higher) to better suit your speakers and potential future upgrades. - Built-in amplifier capabilities to ensure it can drive all speakers adequately. - Features you find appealing (Bluetooth, USB, AUX input, etc.). 2. **External Amplifier**: If you want to retain your current head unit, consider: - **Using an External Amplifier for the Subwoofer**: This would involve using a high-level to low-level converter which allows you to connect the speaker wires from the head unit to the amplifier. This way, you can drive the subwoofer more efficiently without overloading the head unit. 3. **Speaker Condition**: Since your rear speakers are 30 years old, they could also have degraded over time. If you replace the head unit, consider replacing or upgrading the speakers as well, especially if they are also underperforming. ### Recommendations: - **Upgrading is Wise**: Given the age of the vehicle and components, investing in a new head unit and potentially new speakers could significantly enhance your audio experience without risking damage to equipment. - **Test with a Multimeter**: If you have access to a multimeter, you might want to check if there is any output voltage reaching the speaker outputs of the head unit, which can confirm if the unit is functioning properly. ### Summary: 1. It’s very likely that your head unit is damaged, so replacing it is a good first step, especially with inherent upgrades that will allow for better overall sound. 2. Acquiring a head unit with a dedicated sub-out and higher RMS ratings will provide benefits in performance and could preserve the longevity of the new system. If you need help selecting a specific model or have any more questions, feel free to ask! [/QUOTE]
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Basic set-up; sub and head unit
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