Different Amp, Crappy Sound

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Nov 1, 2004 | 09:53 PM

Boss50

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From: Coleman, Wisconsin

Different Amp, Crappy Sound

I put a different amp in my truck the other day, but compared to the Kenwood 600watt I had before, this one sucks. Its a Kenwood 4200(?). Not sure of its actual size, but the guy I got it from had it hooked up to 2-10inch subs. I hooked it to my single 10'' and it doesn't seem like it has enough power. I can barely tell I have a sub back there. I have no idea whats going on here. I was planning on adding the other 2-10's that I have instead of the single 10 but I won't bother if the amp isn't big enough, or is it just not setup properly? What should my hi/lo filters be set at? Stereo/mono? Sensitivity? Theres 2 other switchs but i couldn't read what they were for. I don't know if any of the information I have was useful, but its all I know for now.

Nov 1, 2004 | 11:07 PM

kontai69

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From: Highland, TX

Make sure the gain **** on the amp is turned up. The LP filter on the sub amp should be around 80Hz or below.

Last edited by kontai69; Nov 1, 2004 at 11:13 PM.

Nov 2, 2004 | 01:48 PM

Andyman8282

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From: Kansas City, MO

Kinda a rookie at this, but check the ohms on each the amp and the subs.

Nov 2, 2004 | 02:05 PM

cgl

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From: NorCal

A model number would be quite helpful. Kenwood's amps have a KAC-xxxx part number. If you feel it's underpowered, try bridging it. It'll usually tell you how, above the speaker outputs, but it's the Left (+) and the Right (-). This combines the two outputs, and makes one to power your one sub. Fine tuning a system is time consuming, each amp is different. Adjusting the Sensitivity Level, gain, bass boost... to make it sound good in your vehicle. Check your HPF / LPF selector.

One more place to check would be your Fade on the HU. Most Pre-Outs hook up to the rear (the more featured ones have front-rear-sub outs), and if you're faded to the front, that would explain the low volume to the rear.
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Last edited by cgl; Nov 2, 2004 at 02:25 PM.

Nov 2, 2004 | 07:30 PM

Boss50

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From: Coleman, Wisconsin

The model number is KAC-X201T, X20IT. The HPF/LPF switch is on LPF. I didn't see a Gain ****, but there are several ***** and switches. I'd have to write them down on paper to be able to put them on here, but maybe someone can find all the features of my amp on the internet since I gave the model. My friend started turning ***** today and the sub actually pounds now, but it sounds distorted to me. Its probably something in my HU but I don't understand everything on there either like SLA or something like that. Hopefully I'll stumble on something that sounds good someday.

Nov 2, 2004 | 07:49 PM

kontai69

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From: Highland, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boss50

My friend started turning ***** today and the sub actually pounds now, but it sounds distorted to me.

Looks like your friend found the gain ****. It may also be labelled "input sensitivity." The distorted sound is likely due to improper gain adjustment. Here is how to properly adjust amp gain...

http://www.incarexpress.co.uk/page.php?content=ampgain

Last edited by kontai69; Nov 2, 2004 at 07:56 PM.