input matching? 4V head - 2.5V amps
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,816
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From: Austin, TX
input matching? 4V head - 2.5V amps
Hi everyone! I'm pulling together pieces for my system and want to check something with you guys:
I have a 4V pre-out Alpine head unit. My amps are 2 Soundstream Reference amps (300 and 500) from several years back. Great amps, but the input sensitivity on these only goes up (down) to 2.5V. Am I gong to run into problems with over-driving the amps with this head?
Thanks!!!
I have a 4V pre-out Alpine head unit. My amps are 2 Soundstream Reference amps (300 and 500) from several years back. Great amps, but the input sensitivity on these only goes up (down) to 2.5V. Am I gong to run into problems with over-driving the amps with this head?
Thanks!!!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 253
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From: Kitchener Ontario
Re: input matching? 4V head - 2.5V amps (MarkBychowski)
NO, your amp will like for input. Less power required to run the amp. Just make sure you turn your gains down on the amps to begin with and adjust them as needed.
[Modified by SLK1Z, 11:34 PM 3/3/2004]
[Modified by SLK1Z, 11:34 PM 3/3/2004]
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
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From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Re: input matching? 4V head - 2.5V amps (MarkBychowski)
You might be safe doing so since you have two amps.
But....4 volts into a single amp with a 2.5 volt max input will not be good IMO.
It could clip the input stage of the amp or worse yet, fry some internal componets. That is the reason for the writing "2.5 volts max"
But....4 volts into a single amp with a 2.5 volt max input will not be good IMO.
It could clip the input stage of the amp or worse yet, fry some internal componets. That is the reason for the writing "2.5 volts max"
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Clemson University SC
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Re: input matching? 4V head - 2.5V amps (knewblewkorvette)
Just adjust your gain when your headunit is on half volume instead of 3/4 or so. That will keep the voltage down to a safer level for those amps.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,816
Likes: 2
From: Austin, TX
Re: input matching? 4V head - 2.5V amps (TheWacoKid)
Good point -- it's definitely worth losing a little travel on the volume control to avoid frying the amps!
I'm also considering putting in an Audiocontrol EQL with input level controls to drop the voltage. This is always the fun part -- sorting through all the options selecting the right toys to use!
Thanks guys!
I'm also considering putting in an Audiocontrol EQL with input level controls to drop the voltage. This is always the fun part -- sorting through all the options selecting the right toys to use!
Thanks guys!
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 62
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From: Houston TX
Re: input matching? 4V head - 2.5V amps (MarkBychowski)
You should be fine. Your HU will only put out 4V at maximum output (Full volume with a constant signal).
I've run my Alpine HU in a similar situation as you have described with not problems what so ever.
Good luck with the install.
I've run my Alpine HU in a similar situation as you have described with not problems what so ever.
Good luck with the install.
