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Amp and Speaker Question

Old Mar 23, 2011 | 03:36 PM
  #1  
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Default Amp and Speaker Question

I have recently completed my install in my 08 and have a couple questions.
I installed and Vibe Slick a1 800w amp with Vibe 6.5 inch component speakers in the doors and 5.25 inch speakers in the rear. I love the sound its so much better than stock, the mids and highs are espically clean and sharp which I love.
My question is, as I have been making small adjustments to fine tune the set up I have noticed that the best sound comes when I have the amp gain up only about 1/4 or a tad more any higher I get a little distortion from the front speakers. Don't get me wrong at those settings I get plenty of volume and beautiful sound but I was wondering if I had bigger or "better" speakers would I be able to turn the gain up, and would it make any difference?
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Old Mar 23, 2011 | 04:47 PM
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Those speakers should easily be able to handle that amp at near max output without much distortion.

The easiest way I've seen to set the gains:
-turn amp gains down to 0
-play something in radio that is your 'normal' type of music
-put radio EQ setting at something relatively flat
-adjust radio volume to 75%
-adjust one amp gain up until you hear distortion, note level, return to 0
-repeat with remaining amp gains
-turn radio down
-return amp gains to noted max levels
-turn up radio to your normal comfortable volume level
-adjust radio EQ to your taste

What HU, and how is it connected to the amp (thru x interface adapter, direct from RCA outs, speaker level inputs...)?
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Old Mar 23, 2011 | 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by markcz
Those speakers should easily be able to handle that amp at near max output without much distortion.

The easiest way I've seen to set the gains:
-turn amp gains down to 0
-play something in radio that is your 'normal' type of music
-put radio EQ setting at something relatively flat
-adjust radio volume to 75%
-adjust one amp gain up until you hear distortion, note level, return to 0
-repeat with remaining amp gains
-turn radio down
-return amp gains to noted max levels
-turn up radio to your normal comfortable volume level
-adjust radio EQ to your taste

What HU, and how is it connected to the amp (thru x interface adapter, direct from RCA outs, speaker level inputs...)?
I have a Pioneer Z120 direct connect from the RCA outs, and I ran new speaker wires to all four speakers. I will try to reset the gains, as a general rule would you expect them to be in the mid range of more to the full "up" level?
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Old Mar 23, 2011 | 09:26 PM
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I would expect that you should get the amp gain at least half way up.
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Old Mar 23, 2011 | 11:30 PM
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first off gain for front and rear dont have to be same, you can set them so its balanced. are you highpassing your speakers at all and or running bass boost
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Old Mar 23, 2011 | 11:31 PM
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Originally Posted by markcz
I would expect that you should get the amp gain at least half way up.
Going with the tune tomorrow, but I have to consider that I am more in the mid range than sub range, that's why no sub in the set up but I have to find just right sub level that gives me room to play with each artist's musci, and also for road conditions. ITs lots of fun. Having great equipment to work with really helps. Thanks Paul
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Old Mar 23, 2011 | 11:35 PM
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Originally Posted by pentavolvo
first off gain for front and rear dont have to be same, you can set them so its balanced. are you highpassing your speakers at all and or running bass boost
They are not set equal the rears have a little more gain than the fronts. Both have the HPF on and I think the front have the first setting of bass boost. I change it last night but did not get to drive the car till tomorrow so I shall see. Thanks may try turning off bass boost in front and putting it on in the rear?? Thanks Paul
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Old Mar 24, 2011 | 07:01 AM
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personally i never run bass boost on speakers, i will use a little bit on a sub
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Old Mar 27, 2011 | 10:15 PM
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From: Norman OK
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Originally Posted by markcz
Those speakers should easily be able to handle that amp at near max output without much distortion.

The easiest way I've seen to set the gains:
-turn amp gains down to 0
-play something in radio that is your 'normal' type of music
-put radio EQ setting at something relatively flat
-adjust radio volume to 75%
-adjust one amp gain up until you hear distortion, note level, return to 0
-repeat with remaining amp gains
-turn radio down
-return amp gains to noted max levels
-turn up radio to your normal comfortable volume level
-adjust radio EQ to your taste

What HU, and how is it connected to the amp (thru x interface adapter, direct from RCA outs, speaker level inputs...)?
Originally Posted by pentavolvo
personally i never run bass boost on speakers, i will use a little bit on a sub
So I reset up the gain as suggested and now run a little bit more gain with no bass boost but the HPF is on. I really like the sound, and stupid me some of what I though was distortation from the rears was viberation in the interior panel seems one of the attachement points is broken so I have to go get a couple of those white, what ever you call them , snap hooks that hold the black cover over the rear speakers. Love the sound of that Vibe set up, and I appreiciate all the help I get here. Thanks
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