adjusting amplifier gains
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: mohave valley, arizona
adjusting amplifier gains
ive done some reading on adjusting the gains the right way on a amplifier. first ive had a lot of amps in my time and just turned them up until i could turn up the volume to at least 1/2 way and have it loud enough for me. but with the newer tech going into these head units and the fact of having multiple speakers it seems that setting everything up correctly is going to make a big difference. i found a site that has all the HZ tones anyone could want, free download. from what i understand so far i suppose to install a cd with the tone and set my amps gain to a certain voltage. some places say you dont have to have the speakers connected but i think thats wrong. i was told to never turn up my home amp without speakers connected so what would be the difference in my car. anyway anyone gone thought this procedure.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Gilbert
I've seen it done both ways. The guy that recently installed my amp set it up with a multi-meter with the speakers disconnected.
Care to post the site with the tones? I could use a good setup disc.
Care to post the site with the tones? I could use a good setup disc.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 759
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From: mohave valley, arizona
Michael Knowles: Extras i figure its like fine tuning your engine. you can set it by ear but most of the time youll get a lot more by setting it with the right equipment.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: mohave valley, arizona
well thinking about im going to have to get awful bored to mess with this. right now it sounds good, and theres no guarantee that will be sounding any better when i go though the right process. but for now ill live with it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: North west La
I use a oscilloscope or a multimeter to set mine. I think the oscope is the best. I'm running a 3 way active setup in my Ranger using the crossover in my HU. I just added a 50 watt Yamaha amp to run my tweeters. I like how it sounds this way. I will try the time delay next. My HU has many features.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: mohave valley, arizona
i messed with the time delay and did notice a difference in the settings. i have to read more about the voltmeter way.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: North west La
With the Voltmeter you will be looking for a certain voltage. On my JL Audio 500 its 45 volts. You should be able to find out what amount of voltage is your amps peak. As long as you set it below the clipping point your good.I don't have any of my amps right at the very peak. I'm just a little below it.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: mohave valley, arizona
i looked at the manual for my amp and i cant find anything that say voltage output. ive seen where they check the voltage output with a meter at the speaker wires, connected and a 60HZ or 50HZ signal. but how do i determine what voltage im suppose have coming out. i can see where the oscilloscope is the best because you can see the signal.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: mohave valley, arizona
it a old sherwood XA1180. i called sherwood, there still in business but dont make car amps anymore, they sent me the owners manual. it list input voltage = 1volt to 100mv. it says the output watts but i thought i was suppose to actually see output voltage somewhere on the specs.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Gilbert
You're correct, you'd be looking for output voltage. I didn't find much about that amp online. You're probably better off adjusting it by ear since the actual numbers aren't available.
FWIW - My JL's voltage is the same as lariat97's, right around 45 volts.
FWIW - My JL's voltage is the same as lariat97's, right around 45 volts.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: North west La
My father in law is a retired TV repairman. He gave me my oscope. I doubt I would have one anyway. I don't use it enough to buy one. By ear is plenty good enough as long as you don't overdrive your amp. Mine are all about 10 o'clock on the gain ****. My HU has 5 volt outputs so it doesn't take much gain on the amps.