Taramps Smart 5 single RCA IN? (Bass knob problem)

[Lowkey 10+ year member]

I have a Pioneer 80prs with the standard red/white RCA sub output. I've seen 3 different methods for hooking up the Smart 5. All 3 recommend by some and criticized by others. Which method do you use/recommend?

1. Use a Y splitter to combine the L/R RCAs into one and plug that into the IN.
2. Just use one side of the RCA to connect to the IN. Taping up the other and letting it hang.
3. Use both L/R into the IN and OUT. Treating it like a standard connection and basically ignoring the word OUT. I emailed Taramps about this and they said it would work normally this way but the majority of people I talk to seem to be convinced this is a terrible idea and will damage the amp.

The perfectionist in me really wants to do this in the most optimal way but I can't find a solid answer as to which way that is.

Click to read more...

 

[Bobbytwonames 5,000+ posts]

Splitter. I read that somebody clamped over 8,300 watts on a Smart5 @ .5 ohm.

 

[dragon.breath 10+ year member]

As I understand it, the rca’s are wired together inside the amplifier. So plugging into the ‘out’ rca and using a splitter are basically the same thing.
I have both of my rcas plugged into my smart 3, and have for well over a year. No problems.

 

[Popwarhomie 5,000+ posts]

I have my current smart 5 bass with a splitter. But you can do either.

 

[Lowkey 10+ year member]

Fair enough. It seems there isn't a clearly superior choice. Makes it frustrating for someone who wants to do it the "best" way lol

 

[Popwarhomie 5,000+ posts]

I mean the correct way would be using a splitter to the one Input. The output for if you have another.

 

[mat3833 10+ year member]

I've ran a single, a splitter, and had both plugged in on my Smart 3. No real difference from my experience.

Matt

 

[Lowkey 10+ year member]

Anyone know why I'd be getting noise thru the subs when I hook up my universal rca style bass knob?

Tried 2 different knobs and different rcas to no avail, didn't do this with my last amp.

 

[Popwarhomie 5,000+ posts]

Anyone know why I'd be getting noise thru the subs when I hook up my universal rca style bass knob?

Tried 2 different knobs and different rcas to no avail, didn't do this with my last amp.

Are they LC1s? I hate LC1s. Started buying these and have never looked back.

EFX Remote Level Control

Universal remote with RCA in/out

www.crutchfield.com

 

[Lowkey 10+ year member]

Are they LC1s? I hate LC1s. Started buying these and have never looked back.

EFX Remote Level Control

Universal remote with RCA in/out

www.crutchfield.com

One is similar to an LC-1 (cheap) the other I bought from Slam Panda systems and is very nice.

Both worked fine with 2 previous amps but neither works with the Taramps without causing constant noise.

 

[Popwarhomie 5,000+ posts]

One is similar to an LC-1 (cheap) the other I bought from Slam Panda systems and is very nice.

Both worked fine with 2 previous amps but neither works with the Taramps without causing constant noise.

So with no knob at all there is no noise?

I have no noise with my EFX knob. LC1 caused alot.

 

[Lowkey 10+ year member]

So with no knob at all there is no noise?

I have no noise with my EFX knob. LC1 caused alot.

Zero noise without a knob hooked up. But it happens with 2 different knobs that I know work and with 2 different RCAs that I know work.

I noticed if I turn the LPF all the way to the left it sounds a lot better but I still get a hum thru the subs. Goofy thing is the noise happens even with sub option on the radio turned off.

 

[dragon.breath 10+ year member]

Sounds like a radiated noise problem where you have the knob mounted. Try moving the knob to a different location.

 

[Lowkey 10+ year member]

Sounds like a radiated noise problem where you have the knob mounted. Try moving the knob to a different location.

Neither of my bass knobs were mounted when I tested them. At different times I had them in the back seat with me or up front.