RCA question
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Mesa
RCA question
I currently have the stock 6 disk unit and using line level converters power a 4 channel amp. I am thinking of swaping to a Sony unit that has only one pair of RCA outputs. Should I use a Y off these two or use it for one set of RCA cables and use the converters for the second pair? How do you hook up a 4 channel amp to a two channel head unit? Thanks.
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Joined: Nov 2006
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First of all - why swap a nice factory unit for a low end aftermarket? Unless the sony has features you like (or the OEM radio is bad) you will not gain a thing as far as sound quality.
What kind of amp is it? Most newer 4ch amps have selectable inputs that allow you to select between 2ch or 4ch inputs. If your amp has this feature then problem solved - just run 1 set of RCA's and switch the amp to 2ch input mode.
If not - 2 things:
First - Check to see if the amp has built in hi-level inputs - if so eliminate your LOC's and use the ones on the amp for both front and rear.
If not - leave things the way they are (using your LOC's) and save the RCA output on the Sony for a Subwoofer amp (or unused)
Before anyone gawfs at that suggestion think about it. By using the existing LOC's (or hi-level inputs on the amp) there is less wiring that needs to be replaced. And the signal level from the powered output of the deck is MUCH higher than the single preamp output of the sony - especially if you were to split it into 4ch. Provided the LOC's you are using are descent there is NOTHING wrong with using them and you will gain nothing by replacing them.
Hope that helps!
What kind of amp is it? Most newer 4ch amps have selectable inputs that allow you to select between 2ch or 4ch inputs. If your amp has this feature then problem solved - just run 1 set of RCA's and switch the amp to 2ch input mode.
If not - 2 things:
First - Check to see if the amp has built in hi-level inputs - if so eliminate your LOC's and use the ones on the amp for both front and rear.
If not - leave things the way they are (using your LOC's) and save the RCA output on the Sony for a Subwoofer amp (or unused)
Before anyone gawfs at that suggestion think about it. By using the existing LOC's (or hi-level inputs on the amp) there is less wiring that needs to be replaced. And the signal level from the powered output of the deck is MUCH higher than the single preamp output of the sony - especially if you were to split it into 4ch. Provided the LOC's you are using are descent there is NOTHING wrong with using them and you will gain nothing by replacing them.
Hope that helps!
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
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From: Abilene Kansas
id have to disagree with the first comment made. most factory units are very low quality / low power.
i would check to see if your amp can work using a 2 channel imput. thats how mine works
Matt
i would check to see if your amp can work using a 2 channel imput. thats how mine works
Matt
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Originally Posted by fordboy_52
id have to disagree with the first comment made. most factory units are very low quality / low power.
i would check to see if your amp can work using a 2 channel imput. thats how mine works
Matt
i would check to see if your amp can work using a 2 channel imput. thats how mine works
Matt
When converted to line level, what is the output voltage of an average factory deck? I guarantee the preamp voltage will be higher using LOC's than ANY aftermarket deck - even the so called 'hi-volt' models.
And the factory deck is built better than any low/mid level aftermarket head unit - ask any tech that repairs them.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Mesa
My delama is that I had a PIE installed for my Ipod and it went bad. I have the Sony already from my daughters Ranger. It is less than a yr old. It has an input. Since I don't use the CD feature anymore I thought of just using the Sony over buying another PIE. I do like the look of a stock radio. Makes the crooks go elsewhere. The amp came with the LOC's and they are installed on the factory wiring behind the dash so the RCA cables are already in place. Using a wiring kit, the Sony would plug into the factoy wires so not much work is needed to use the Sony.
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