line driver for octaneR15.0.1

[linh811 10+ year member]

I'm a noobie with this audio stuff and decided to do my own install on a Lexus IS350 after reading a couple DIY articles...

I've recently installed an pg x400.1 with a pg rsd12d in a sealed box. The car came with touchscreen NAV with the HU built into it so I didn't want to take it apart. Instead, I t-tapped the stock sub, ran it into a rockford fosgate speaker level to line level rca, and ran the rca into the x400.1. I need to turn the gain to max just to get a decent level of output.

I've recently purchased the R15.0.1 just to give the rsd12d a little more juice, haven't installed it yet, I'm wondering if I'm going to need a line driver. I've read that the xenon series amps require a line driver, what about the octane R series?

thanks in advance

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[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

No amp "requires" a line driver (the lone exception was the PG Zeropoint amps, last made over 10 years ago). If the amp isn't clipping with the gain maxed and you're getting full powr out of it, you 1) don't need a line driver and 2) don't need to be concerned about the gain being maxed. The Octane R amps only require 200mV to make full power, you should be fine. You might want to consider a better line output convertor that makes better use of the speaker level signal, or turn up the gain on the one that you have.

 

[linh811 10+ year member]

No amp "requires" a line driver (the lone exception was the PG Zeropoint amps, last made over 10 years ago). If the amp isn't clipping with the gain maxed and you're getting full powr out of it, you 1) don't need a line driver and 2) don't need to be concerned about the gain being maxed. The Octane R amps only require 200mV to make full power, you should be fine. You might want to consider a better line output convertor that makes better use of the speaker level signal, or turn up the gain on the one that you have.

I've just swapped out the x400.1 for the r15.0.1. The gain on the converter is max as well as the gain on the r15.0.1. I'm actually getting LESS output than with the x400.1.

I just purchased the pg sld44 converter/line driver combo, hopefully it makes a big difference.