Line level or Pre-amp outputs?

[Feola86]

I just picked up an AppRadio 4 for my 04 Jetta. I currently have an Alpine CDE-W235BT to an Alpine MRX-F65 Feeding Alpine Type-R components and an Alpine MRX-M110 feeding 2 Alpine Type-R 12D2s.

My Alpine HU only has per-amp outputs for the mono block amp so I'm currently using the speaker level inputs on the 4 channel amp. The AppRadio has pre amp outputs for everything. I plan on running new 12G speaker wire from the 4 channel amp to all the speakers this spring. While I'm running new wire should I run RCAs from the HU to the 4 channel amp? Will pre amp outputs from the HU give me better sound or should i just stick with speaker level inputs?

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[captainobvious! 10+ year member]

I just picked up an AppRadio 4 for my 04 Jetta. I currently have an Alpine CDE-W235BT to an Alpine MRX-F65 Feeding Alpine Type-R components and an Alpine MRX-M110 feeding 2 Alpine Type-R 12D2s.My Alpine HU doesnt have pre amp outputs for the door speakers so I'm currently using the line level inputs on the 4 channel amp. The AppRadio has pre amp outputs. I plan on running new 12G speaker wire from the 4 channel amp to all the speakers this spring. While I'm running new wire should I run RCAs from the HU to the 4 channel amp? Will pre amp outputs from the HU give me better sound or should i just stick with line level inputs?

You're getting some terms confused. Pre-amp outputs are line-level. Amplified outputs are speaker-level (also called high level) outputs.

Your Alpine w235bt has preamp/line level outputs which could be connected to your amplifier via rca cables. The new AppRadio 4 also has preamp/line level outputs. So yes, run rca cables from the source unit (AppRadio or Alpine w235bt) you use to the amplifier.

 

[Feola86]

You're getting some terms confused. Pre-amp outputs are line-level. Amplified outputs are speaker-level (also called high level) outputs.
Your Alpine w235bt has preamp/line level outputs which could be connected to your amplifier via rca cables. The new AppRadio 4 also has preamp/line level outputs. So yes, run rca cables from the source unit (AppRadio or Alpine w235bt) you use to the amplifier.

Well I feel like an idiot now haha,I rephrased my OP. So it would be wise for me to run RCAs from the AppRadio to the 4 channel amp? The only pre-amp output the Alpine HU has is for the Sub woofer which i do utilize.

 

[Dub7sonoma Premium Member]

Are you running 12 gauge speaker wire to your door speakers?

 

[Feola86]

Are you running 12 gauge speaker wire to your door speakers?

I plan to do it this spring with a friend