what amp with these speakers? what do yall have?
#14
Senior Member
The amp is rated for it's maximum continuous power output at a given voltage at a give total harmonic distortion (THD) when you crank up the gain, you'll start exceeding the THD quicker, and amplify any noise induced prior to the amp input. This is why it's better to have some head room with amp power and actually lower the gain from where it should be. A amp rated at 125W RMS will have lower distortion when only putting out 100W when compared to an amp that is playing at it's limits.
#15
#17
Basically you want to turn the power (gain) on your amp all the way down, turn your HU to the top 75% of it's volume level. While the system is on slowly turn your gain up until it make your speakers distort. Then turn it back a knouch and your system is set. I think this is what he's trying to tell you but if not correct me.
#18
Senior Member
Gain adjusts the sensitivity of the amp's input circuit for the head units preamp (RCA) output voltage. I believe the OP's head unit operates at a fairly high RCA output voltage of 4V, most head units are around 2V. Amps can accept a range of input voltages (around 200mV-8V depending on the amp), the gain adjusts the amount of increase the amp applies prior to amplification. So if you had a 200mV signal, you'd max out your gain, if you had a 8V signal, it'd be all the way minimized.
There are a few ways to do this. Some amps actually have the voltages numbered on the gain dial, some have clipping indicators, some have an output voltage to measure for (like JL Audio), and some have none of the above (this is when you can use the method Peel04 describes).
There are a few ways to do this. Some amps actually have the voltages numbered on the gain dial, some have clipping indicators, some have an output voltage to measure for (like JL Audio), and some have none of the above (this is when you can use the method Peel04 describes).