DC-DC converter question
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Joined: Jan 2002
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DC-DC converter question
Just upgraded entire system. I concealed an Alpine CDA 7876 HU in the ashtray compartment. Sounds great! Alpine has an upgraded model(CDA 7977) that has 4volts running to ALL of the preouts on a separate DC-DC converter. My 7876 has 4volts to my sub preout and 2volts to the other 3. And it doesn't say anything about a DC-DC converter. My question: What is a DC-DC converter and would I notice any difference in sound quality if I would choose to swap out one for the other?
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,178
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From: Windermere FL
Re: DC-DC converter question (Timothy2468)
You would want to have higher volt outputs if you are going to split the signal such as running it through a crossover to multiple amps. In most situations it shouldn't make much difference.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 100,672
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From: Cleveland OH
Re: DC-DC converter question (Timothy2468)
Just upgraded entire system. I concealed an Alpine CDA 7876 HU in the ashtray compartment. Sounds great! Alpine has an upgraded model(CDA 7977) that has 4volts running to ALL of the preouts on a separate DC-DC converter. My 7876 has 4volts to my sub preout and 2volts to the other 3. And it doesn't say anything about a DC-DC converter. My question: What is a DC-DC converter and would I notice any difference in sound quality if I would choose to swap out one for the other?
Thanks...
Oh... Sorry.. I just read your profile... a 99C5...
Do you have any pics? Is there enough room in their for the HU?
[Modified by NewVetteLover, 10:56 PM 1/11/2002]
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 88
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From: Anaheim Hills CA
Re: DC-DC converter question (Timothy2468)
My question: What is a DC-DC converter and would I notice any difference in sound quality if I would choose to swap out one for the other?
For the most part, DC-DC converters are used as small power supplies. Another aspect to DC-DC converters is that most models are isolated from input to output. What this means is that the ground reference between the +Vin and +/-Vout voltages do not have to be tied to the same ground. This is a useful feature if the goal is to isolate two electronic systems.
To answer your second question, the sound quality is obviously designed to be better with a higher voltage output, and the head unit will undoubtedly sound "different". However, "better" is subjective and I suggest that if you like what you currently have, then leave it alone and feel good about what you have. The DC-DC converter could be more hype than performance.
