4v VS. 2v preouts?
04-13-2006, 02:48 PM
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4v VS. 2v preouts?
How much of a difference does it really make, i.e. what is the noticable improvement with a higher line voltage?
Years ago I went from a 2v headunit to a 4v (both Alpine) and I thought I noticed more clarity at higher volumes. Both systems used the same Alpine amp (V12 expert, 30w x 4) but were in different cars with different speakers.
I'm asking because there's an Alpine HU that I'd really like to get (cda-9856), but it only has 2v preouts. The cheapest HU that Alpine now makes with 4v preouts is $600 and has a bunch of features I don't need.
I'm planning on using this HU with a JL 500/5 amp.
Years ago I went from a 2v headunit to a 4v (both Alpine) and I thought I noticed more clarity at higher volumes. Both systems used the same Alpine amp (V12 expert, 30w x 4) but were in different cars with different speakers.
I'm asking because there's an Alpine HU that I'd really like to get (cda-9856), but it only has 2v preouts. The cheapest HU that Alpine now makes with 4v preouts is $600 and has a bunch of features I don't need.
I'm planning on using this HU with a JL 500/5 amp.
04-14-2006, 03:14 PM
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So in your opinion...
Would my best option be to get the HU that has everything I need (except 4v) and just add a voltage amplifier to the outputs?
04-14-2006, 03:34 PM
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What do you mean by a voltage amplifier? A line driver?
A line driver like an Audiocontrol unit will work but the ideal location for it would be very close to the head unit. This is because if the line driver is in the trunk near the amps and there is noise picked up in the RCA run between the head unit and the line driver, the line driver will amplify the noise too. The hard part is finding room for it somewhere near the head unit. Also, depending on how many RCA outputs you're using you'll need a line driver for each set of channels. Audiocontrol does make 4 and 6 channel line drivers but they are even bigger than the 2 channel which goes back to the problem of space for mounting near the head unit.
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04-15-2006, 12:05 AM
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Another amp, more noise more distortion, just jack up the gains on the main amp
or run the HU at a higher volume. TBH unless you have a competition system you won't even notice the difference.
04-16-2006, 10:19 PM
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What is the approx. voltage output of the line driver?
And any idea on cost for one?
I would have about a "din" of space under the head unit, since the Alpine unit is a single din and it's a "double din" space.
I would have about a "din" of space under the head unit, since the Alpine unit is a single din and it's a "double din" space.
04-16-2006, 11:38 PM
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Re: What is the approx. voltage output of the line driver?
Here the 6-channel line driver from Audiocontrol
<a href="http://mobileaudiocontrol.com/product.asp?Product_Id=14164&d_Id=5249&l1=5249&l2= " target="_top">AudioControl Matrix</a>
It's strictly a line driver that has a maximum output of 13V. The gain is adjustable so you can turn it down so that you don't overdriver your amp input. It is not a dash mount unit so you'd have to find another place near the HU to mount it. I don't know exactly what this one runs for but the 2-channel version was about $100-$150 so this one should be in the $300 range.
Another option would be either an Audiocontrol Three.1 or Four.1. They are dash mounted 1/2 DIN EQs that have built in line drivers. Check out the links.
<a href="http://mobileaudiocontrol.com/product.asp?Product_Id=14149&d_Id=5250&l1=5250&l2= " target="_top">AudioControl Three.1</a>
<a href="http://mobileaudiocontrol.com/product.asp?Product_Id=14150&d_Id=5250&l1=5250&l2= " target="_top">AudioControl Four.1</a>
The two EQs run about $300-$350.
<a href="http://mobileaudiocontrol.com/product.asp?Product_Id=14164&d_Id=5249&l1=5249&l2= " target="_top">AudioControl Matrix</a>
It's strictly a line driver that has a maximum output of 13V. The gain is adjustable so you can turn it down so that you don't overdriver your amp input. It is not a dash mount unit so you'd have to find another place near the HU to mount it. I don't know exactly what this one runs for but the 2-channel version was about $100-$150 so this one should be in the $300 range.
Another option would be either an Audiocontrol Three.1 or Four.1. They are dash mounted 1/2 DIN EQs that have built in line drivers. Check out the links.
<a href="http://mobileaudiocontrol.com/product.asp?Product_Id=14149&d_Id=5250&l1=5250&l2= " target="_top">AudioControl Three.1</a>
<a href="http://mobileaudiocontrol.com/product.asp?Product_Id=14150&d_Id=5250&l1=5250&l2= " target="_top">AudioControl Four.1</a>
The two EQs run about $300-$350.