Pre outbm dillema

[Alex81 10+ year member]

I was getting ready to order the pioneer avh 4400 BT.

Then I saw that the Pioneer 940 nav unit is much cheaper then getting the 4400

then adding the NAV package. Problem is the 940 only has 2 volt pre outs compared to the

4400, 4 volt outputs. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't your system not capable of getting near as loud as it would with the 4 volt outs? I am almost certain but wanted to hear your expertise

Is there any mod or upgrade available to fix this?

Appreciate your help guys

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[quackhead 10+ year member]

I was getting ready to order the pioneer avh 4400 BT.
Then I saw that the Pioneer 940 nav unit is much cheaper then getting the 4400

then adding the NAV package. Problem is the 940 only has 2 volt pre outs compared to the

4400, 4 volt outputs. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't your system not capable of getting near as loud as it would with the 4 volt outs? I am almost certain but wanted to hear your expertise

Is there any mod or upgrade available to fix this?

Appreciate your help guys

use every opportunity you can afford to lower the amplifier gain(s). Their purpose is to accommodate the various input levels. One of the best ways is to buy the features you need in a HU and purchase a decent, transparent adjustable line driver such as in a 1/2 din EQ/line driver to boost the signal level up to the desired input level at the amp(s) (like 6-9volts) The goal is to drive the amp with enough clean input voltage that minimal gaining is necessary for it to produce clean rated output, thus allowing more headroom and keeping unwanted noise out of the system.

example:

http://www.woofersetc.com/p-3198-mpq-5xo-soundstream-parametric-eq-w-crossover-and-sub-volume.aspx

 

[maylar 10+ year member]

There are plenty of SQ systems running with 2 V preouts. We all prefer 4V for reasons stated above, but it does NOT affect how loud your system can go.

 

[wickedwitt 10+ year member]

Lowered input gains= less stress on amplifiers. Any additional devices (Line Drivers) cause potential for the signal to get dirtier. I would always opt over a 4v Pre-out HU vs. a 2v Pre-out HU + Line Driver. The only time a HU pre-out voltage would effect potential to get "loud" would be if you had a signal less than .2v (typical highest setting on an amplifier)

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Lowered input gains= less stress on amplifiers.

For more on this read this:

Car Audio Truth, Myths & Industry Dogma: Setting the amplifier gain higher makes the amplifier work harder

Hint: the thread title is the myth

 

[wickedwitt 10+ year member]

For more on this read this: Car Audio Truth, Myths & Industry Dogma: Setting the amplifier gain higher makes the amplifier work harder

Hint: the thread title is the myth

I should have worded that as "Gain beyond matching the input voltage will cause stress and create clipping which can heat up and kill amps, subs and wiring"

 

[Alex81 10+ year member]

Thanks for the wisdom fellas

I know after my last install and having the headlights flicker on every bass hit. Even after upgrading the battery

to the best optima and a 300 amp alternator I will need an additional battery. Will probably go with what the member posted above just seems like there

should be a better way. With a setup that only hurts the quality if thickness in my wallet

That being said I defer to your expertise