Overall system question, please help

[davidwm88]

This is my system in my Forenza 04 and I was wondering what volume level I should leave it at as not to blow my subs? This is my first system so I am not to knowlegeable yet. Also I tried the volume at 31 outta 35 and the speakers sounds a little distorted so thats another reason I ask.

1. 2 12" Alipne type R subs

2. 6.5" type R componet set

3. 5.25" type s coaxl

4. Alpine deck number 9847

5. Rockford 1000 watt amp

6. Rockford 400 watt amp 4 channels

7.Sealed Box

8. Capacitor

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[Shyne151 10+ year member]

Umm... as high as they go without distorting? my alpine tops out at 23-24 for how i have it i set.

 

[davidwm88]

So its reasonable to stay at 24-25 with out blowing subs?

 

[Decipha 10+ year member]

on the installs i do i set the gains with the volume at 30

 

[davidwm88]

This is probably a stupid question but can someone tell me exactly what "gains" is?

 

[iceteebone 5,000+ posts]

This is probably a stupid question but can someone tell me exactly what "gains" is?

sensitivity input, where you match the signal voltage coming from the headunit to the amp. set your headunit the way you like it, turn gain all the way down. turning it down would be going to the larger numbers not the smaller ones. and read the gain tutorial in the amp forum.

 

[davidwm88]

i got it installed at a car audio place here in town and they said they set everything up and when I picked up my car he played the subs extremely loud and they sounded good so I am not sure what he set the gains at.

 

[iceteebone 5,000+ posts]

i got it installed at a car audio place here in town and they said they set everything up and when I picked up my car he played the subs extremely loud and they sounded good so I am not sure what he set the gains at.

then i would leave it alone. the gain is not a volume control. it only matches the output from your headunit. if it is not loud enough you may need to upgrade equipment, or improve your install because turning up the volume higher causing your amp to clip, will lead to a premature death of your subs.

 

[davidwm88]

I think I will leave it alone. If it is clipping wouldnt the amp turn off when asked to put out more power?

 

[iceteebone 5,000+ posts]

I think I will leave it alone. If it is clipping wouldnt the amp turn off when asked to put out more power?

clipping is where the soundwaves are square instead of round. there are a few amps then can detect clipping and either shut off or have a light, but most of the time your amp could be clipping and you don't even know it.

 

[davidwm88]

How can I tell if mine is clipping?

 

[iceteebone 5,000+ posts]

i belive you need an O-scope. read the gain setting tutorial and reset your gains.