Batt power vs Alt power

[Korkor]

Is the theory true that: (A vehicle electrical system is a 12 volt DC system. The primary source of power when the vehicle is NOT running is the battery. The primary source of power when the vehicle IS running is the alternator. This is a very important point to remember. The primary functions of the battery are to start the vehicle and provide power when the vehicle is not running)

So why is it they say more batteries more power if it isn't being used?

Also one more thing that bothers me if you have a head unit pushing only 2v preamps is true using a line driver to up the voltage your only amplifying a bad signal to start with ??

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[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

When the vehicle is running it pulls from the battery, which in turn is charged by the alternator. The primary functions of starting the vehicle and providing power while it's off are true, but when you run into car audio you have the additional factor of having to support the extra current draw from amplifiers.

Line drivers' main purpose is to take a high level input, i.e. tapping into the wire for the rear speakers in your car, and then converting that to a usable pair of RCA's for amps. A headunit will work just fine if it's "only" pushing 2v on the preamp. The only difference in 2v and 6v is that you will have to turn your gain higher or lower. In other words, there is no point in boosting the headunit's preout voltage when you set the amp for it anyways

 

---------- Post added at 01:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:33 AM ----------

 

When the vehicle is running it pulls from the battery, which in turn is charged by the alternator. The primary functions of starting the vehicle and providing power while it's off are true, but when you run into car audio you have the additional factor of having to support the extra current draw from amplifiers.

Line drivers' main purpose is to take a high level input, i.e. tapping into the wire for the rear speakers in your car, and then converting that to a usable pair of RCA's for amps. A headunit will work just fine if it's "only" pushing 2v on the preamp. The only difference in 2v and 6v is that you will have to turn your gain higher or lower. In other words, there is no point in boosting the headunit's preout voltage when you set the amp for it anyways

 

[Chriszle 10+ year member]

The purpose of having higher voltage preouts is for a lower noise floor.

 

[KyleBechtold 5,000+ posts]

When the vehicle is running it pulls from the battery, which in turn is charged by the alternator. The primary functions of starting the vehicle and providing power while it's off are true, but when you run into car audio you have the additional factor of having to support the extra current draw from amplifiers.
Line drivers' main purpose is to take a high level input, i.e. tapping into the wire for the rear speakers in your car, and then converting that to a usable pair of RCA's for amps. A headunit will work just fine if it's "only" pushing 2v on the preamp. The only difference in 2v and 6v is that you will have to turn your gain higher or lower. In other words, there is no point in boosting the headunit's preout voltage when you set the amp for it anyways

some of this is correct.. You are thinking of a LOC(Line out converter) not a line driver(preout voltage amplifier) A line driver usually is not utilized on its own anymore.. you don't see them often.. you will see them mixed into external eqs etc.. Now then Would I recommend one.. not usually unless you are having to crank your amps gain to get the correct voltage out.. if the gain on the amp is remaining low to get the voltage you need then they aren't needed..

The purpose of having higher voltage preouts is for a lower noise floor.

Correct.

Now then will a 2v preout with a linedriver to get it to 6v or 8v sound as good as a h/u with 6v or 8v preouts....? IDK.. I have had an 8v preout deck and it sounded great.. better than my 4v preout..

 

[Imtjnotu 5,000+ posts]

some of this is correct.. You are thinking of a LOC(Line out converter) not a line driver(preout voltage amplifier) A line driver usually is not utilized on its own anymore.. you don't see them often.. you will see them mixed into external eqs etc.. Now then Would I recommend one.. not usually unless you are having to crank your amps gain to get the correct voltage out.. if the gain on the amp is remaining low to get the voltage you need then they aren't needed..


Correct.

Now then will a 2v preout with a linedriver to get it to 6v or 8v sound as good as a h/u with 6v or 8v preouts....? IDK.. I have had an 8v preout deck and it sounded great.. better than my 4v preout..

my 4v sound a tad better then my previous 8v

 

[KyleBechtold 5,000+ posts]

my 4v sound a tad better then my previous 8v

same setup different h/u? H/u preout is also not the SQ dividing line either..