Line level vs Speaker level amp inputs
06-09-2018, 09:07 AM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Line level vs Speaker level amp inputs
Background:
2018 Screw w/ 7 speaker Sync3 non-Sony stereo. In the process of upgrading the factory speakers/amp/sub. Already added the Kicker hideaway and it’s more than adequate for my needs.
Moving on to the speakers/amp I’m using Focal 6x9 separates up front, 6.5’s in the rear powered by a Clarion 45w/ch amp. Wasn’t looking to add too much power, rather just enough to upgrade the factory speakers for better sound and to better complement the Kicker amp.
My question: The Clarion amp accepts both line level and speaker level inputs. Using the Parrot harness, would it be better to use the existing speaker level HU outputs or solder in some RCA cables and use Forscan to enable line level output from the stock HU. Would there be a measurable difference of using one over the other given that it’s a modest rather than audiophile grade install?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
2018 Screw w/ 7 speaker Sync3 non-Sony stereo. In the process of upgrading the factory speakers/amp/sub. Already added the Kicker hideaway and it’s more than adequate for my needs.
Moving on to the speakers/amp I’m using Focal 6x9 separates up front, 6.5’s in the rear powered by a Clarion 45w/ch amp. Wasn’t looking to add too much power, rather just enough to upgrade the factory speakers for better sound and to better complement the Kicker amp.
My question: The Clarion amp accepts both line level and speaker level inputs. Using the Parrot harness, would it be better to use the existing speaker level HU outputs or solder in some RCA cables and use Forscan to enable line level output from the stock HU. Would there be a measurable difference of using one over the other given that it’s a modest rather than audiophile grade install?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
The following users liked this post:
roxasthenobody98 (01-07-2020)
06-09-2018, 05:22 PM
#2
Background:
2018 Screw w/ 7 speaker Sync3 non-Sony stereo. In the process of upgrading the factory speakers/amp/sub. Already added the Kicker hideaway and it’s more than adequate for my needs.
Moving on to the speakers/amp I’m using Focal 6x9 separates up front, 6.5’s in the rear powered by a Clarion 45w/ch amp. Wasn’t looking to add too much power, rather just enough to upgrade the factory speakers for better sound and to better complement the Kicker amp.
My question: The Clarion amp accepts both line level and speaker level inputs. Using the Parrot harness, would it be better to use the existing speaker level HU outputs or solder in some RCA cables and use Forscan to enable line level output from the stock HU. Would there be a measurable difference of using one over the other given that it’s a modest rather than audiophile grade install?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
2018 Screw w/ 7 speaker Sync3 non-Sony stereo. In the process of upgrading the factory speakers/amp/sub. Already added the Kicker hideaway and it’s more than adequate for my needs.
Moving on to the speakers/amp I’m using Focal 6x9 separates up front, 6.5’s in the rear powered by a Clarion 45w/ch amp. Wasn’t looking to add too much power, rather just enough to upgrade the factory speakers for better sound and to better complement the Kicker amp.
My question: The Clarion amp accepts both line level and speaker level inputs. Using the Parrot harness, would it be better to use the existing speaker level HU outputs or solder in some RCA cables and use Forscan to enable line level output from the stock HU. Would there be a measurable difference of using one over the other given that it’s a modest rather than audiophile grade install?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Low level has a cleaner signal. You are not amplifying an already amped signal like with high level.
06-09-2018, 06:24 PM
#3
Member
Thread Starter
TE=Wyo11Scab;5804830]Low level has a cleaner signal. You are not amplifying an already amped signal like with high level.[/QUOTE]
Thank you, Sir. Low level it is.
Thank you, Sir. Low level it is.
Last edited by FMFDoc; 06-09-2018 at 07:09 PM.
06-10-2018, 02:22 AM
#4
Wyo11Scab is absolutely correct in his statement.
__________________
PM me for special pricing as our contracts do not allow for posting prices publicly.
Serving the forum for over 8 years
Brands we sell include: Kicker, NavTV, PAC, CARiD, Dayton, Second Skin, Audio Control, Skar Audio, JL Audio, Focal and more.PM me for special pricing as our contracts do not allow for posting prices publicly.
06-11-2018, 12:41 PM
#5
For what it's worth I just did this exact thing in my 18 stx with a soundstream stealth amp and it sounds flat out wonderful using the high level inputs on the amp. I've used that Clarion in my old car with both inputs and couldn't tell a difference between them other than the method I used to install.
06-11-2018, 01:59 PM
#6
For what it's worth I just did this exact thing in my 18 stx with a soundstream stealth amp and it sounds flat out wonderful using the high level inputs on the amp. I've used that Clarion in my old car with both inputs and couldn't tell a difference between them other than the method I used to install.
Your amp and speakers will appreciate it if u used the low level. You can't really hear it but there is more distortion if you use high level.
06-15-2018, 10:57 AM
#7
Facilitator
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Vidalia
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For what it's worth I just did this exact thing in my 18 stx with a soundstream stealth amp and it sounds flat out wonderful using the high level inputs on the amp. I've used that Clarion in my old car with both inputs and couldn't tell a difference between them other than the method I used to install.
Trending Topics
06-15-2018, 11:01 AM
#8
Facilitator
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Vidalia
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you want to keep the factory head unit and add higher quality speakers and a nice amplifier, I recommend using a JL Audio signal processor. This will give you the cleanest sound possible using a factory head unit. They were called a "JL Audio Cleensweep" but now they have a new one replacing them called FiX82 and FiX86.
06-15-2018, 05:00 PM
#9
I have a few of those in stock FYI.
__________________
PM me for special pricing as our contracts do not allow for posting prices publicly.
Serving the forum for over 8 years
Brands we sell include: Kicker, NavTV, PAC, CARiD, Dayton, Second Skin, Audio Control, Skar Audio, JL Audio, Focal and more.PM me for special pricing as our contracts do not allow for posting prices publicly.
The following users liked this post:
codycat91 (03-28-2020)
06-18-2018, 09:37 AM
#10
Facilitator
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Vidalia
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
They work pretty good, don't they? All the new Fords have all of these weird sized radios that can't be replaced by double-DIN radios. I wish they would have RCA jacks with a remote trigger on the back for those of us who want to upgrade in the future.