head units and clipping

[Beatin' 10+ year member]

I understand that nearly all HU's will have clipped output through the speaker terminals at high volumes.

Is this also true with the RCA pre-amp output? Will a typical HU clip, for example, a 0db 1khz tone through the RCA output at full volume?

I was told a while ago that if an HU is rated 2v through the RCA output, then a 0db signal will reach 2v at full volume and there shouldn't be any clipping. I've also been told the opposite, that the 2v limit before clipping will be reached well before full volume.

Are both examples true?

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[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Yes, the speaker outputs generally will be heavily distorted and clipping well before full volume. RCA outputs are designed to reach full voltage on a logarithmic scale, with max voltage coinciding with max volume. Generally, you want to set up your amplifier gains so you're using almost all of the volume range on the head unit. If you're using a mix of speaker level outputs and RCA outputs you have to keep the volume lower. The 75% rule is just a guideline for people who don't have an oscilloscope to check the pre-outs for clipping.

 

[Silverado SS 10+ year member]

Needed that advice as well thanks

 

[Chriszle 10+ year member]

Most head unit pre-outs clip before reaching max volume in my experience. Only decks I've seen not clip at full volume are a couple of older Eclipse decks.

 

[Kastlez_ 10+ year member]

Most head unit pre-outs clip before reaching max volume in my experience. Only decks I've seen not clip at full volume are a couple of older Eclipse decks.

Alpines are another great deck that rarely clip. (Only checked a few 9887 for example)