RCA configuration

[61ragtop]

I have an Audison AV5.1k amp that I am installing. It is a 5ch amp. Now I plan to run my front stage active off the 4 channels and my sub off the 5th channel.

My question is, Is it worth it to run a separate set of RCA wires to the sub channel or just set the amp so that only one set of RCA's is needed to sent the signal to all channels? My deck does have a sub output but I also have the Audison remote dial to control the sub channel rather than using the deck. All 4 channels will be for the front so front rear RCA outs won't be needed?

So do I......

A - run one set to all 5

B - run a set to front and sub

Thanks in advance....

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[Rich B 5,000+ posts]

B would give you better stereo separation, and probably better bass response.

 

[61ragtop]

B would give you better stereo separation, and probably better bass response.

As a newb I have to ask.........why/how come?

 

[Rich B 5,000+ posts]

4 RCA channels will provide twice the preamp volume (ea. channel is typically 2.5v to 5v) than 2 channels will provide, also (in theory) 4 cables double the noise rejection from the car's electrical system in the 15 to 20 ft of cables running front to back.

Keeping the 4 channels separate would be optimum in maintaining stereo separation as well

 

[peterletran 10+ year member]

IMO it all boils down to how lazy you are and how serious you are of sounding good.

Not that it matters, but I'll have to agree with Rich B. having multiple signals provides better power.

My Alpine ics-x7hd only has 2v pre-outs, and running 5 channels with 2v would make my system distort depending on my amp.

However, since my head unit has 3 sets/pairs of pre-outs, running all my pre-outs would give me 6v.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[61ragtop]

ok thanks that makes sense. I have to save the rear output from my deck since I plan to run a small amp for rear fill. so that leaves the front and sub pre outs. Based on the info so far I will run the front pre out to the 4 channels to the front then the sub pre out to the sub channel and the rear pre out to the small amp for rear fill. I am willing to do the work but looking at it as a new it didn't make sense to run an extra set to the rear of the car if I could make one set work. It does make sense about the pre out V rating.

I believe mine has 4v pre outs so that gives me 4v to the front 4 ch (1 to each channel?), 4 to the sub and 4 to the rear fill (2 to each channel). does that sound right? I don't think I am able to run it with 4 sets to get better sound if I only have 3 outputs on the deck?

 

[peterletran 10+ year member]

Honestly, having to run just your fronts through this particular amp may be quite confusing as the amp doesn't have any parallel outputs. This amp is designed to run only inputs. I guess you could split the left and right into 4 to get into the amp, but your math seems to be sound. I'm not sure what kind of head unit you're using, but if its 4v times(x) 3 you shouldn't have any issues. Most head units only have 3 sets of pre-outs. 2 to front 2 to rear and 2 to sub. So ... you may have to split the front 2 to make 4.

 

[61ragtop]

Honestly, having to run just your fronts through this particular amp may be quite confusing as the amp doesn't have any parallel outputs. This amp is designed to run only inputs. I guess you could split the left and right into 4 to get into the amp, but your math seems to be sound. I'm not sure what kind of head unit you're using, but if its 4v times(x) 3 you shouldn't have any issues. Most head units only have 3 sets of pre-outs. 2 to front 2 to rear and 2 to sub. So ... you may have to split the front 2 to make 4.

That is exactly the configuration on my outputs of my deck. It is a pioneer an avh-6600dvd going off the top of my head. 2-front 2-rear 2-sub. The amp has an option to have each pair of channels have its own RCA's , all 4 channels off one RCA's set plus a set to sub channel or one set of RCA's to run all 5 channels. If I read the instructions correctly.

 

[61ragtop]

Honestly, having to run just your fronts through this particular amp may be quite confusing as the amp doesn't have any parallel outputs. This amp is designed to run only inputs. I guess you could split the left and right into 4 to get into the amp, but your math seems to be sound. I'm not sure what kind of head unit you're using, but if its 4v times(x) 3 you shouldn't have any issues. Most head units only have 3 sets of pre-outs. 2 to front 2 to rear and 2 to sub. So ... you may have to split the front 2 to make 4.

That is exactly the configuration on my outputs of my deck. It is a pioneer an avh-6600dvd going off the top of my head. 2-front 2-rear 2-sub. The amp has an option to have each pair of channels have its own RCA's , all 4 channels off one RCA's set plus a set to sub channel or one set of RCA's to run all 5 channels. If I read the instructions correctly.

 

[peterletran 10+ year member]

That is exactly the configuration on my outputs of my deck. It is a pioneer an avh-6600dvd going off the top of my head. 2-front 2-rear 2-sub. The amp has an option to have each pair of channels have its own RCA's , all 4 channels off one RCA's set plus a set to sub channel or one set of RCA's to run all 5 channels. If I read the instructions correctly.

hmmm ... it looks like ... if you want to use the single set RCA to run all 5 channels, you'll need to buy the optional DEQ-P8000 which in turn takes your subwoofer/non-fading output and outputs 50watts X 5 channels. which includes 3 sets of pre-outs as well, but in this case at 5volts. LOL! Your system is quite complicated! If you have the DEQ-P8000, you should use it to it's full potential. I'm not sure if you can use both this unit's pre-outs with the head-unit's pre-outs. Worse comes to worse, just use this:

But most people don't ... and they won't recommend it ... the more joints you have in any signal wire, the more interference you'll get.

 

[Jepalan]

If you are running a AVH-P6600dvd then you absolutely want to run separate RCA cables from Front, Rear and Sub. Or Front and Sub if you aren't using Rear.

That headunit has non-fading sub outputs as well as DSP processing such as time-alignment. You cannot take advantage of these if you do not run separate cables.