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Originally Posted by
Vyk
This really isn't the forum or message board for this. But I figure everyone here probably has other hobbies outside of video games and the internet and stuff. So why not. I love this place and trust everyone here. So if anyone tinkers with the sound systems in their cars. I have a question. Possibly more to come
I'm changing the head unit for my car. For those that are like I used to be and have no clue what I'm talking about, I'll translate. I'm replacing my car's radio.
My car has six speaker surround sound. Tweeters in the dash. Midranges in the car doors (its a 2-door coupe). And a sorry excuse for subwoofers in the trunk (these are currently 6x9 generic paper brand). My tweets and mids are dying. I've had to unplug one of each because of scratchy noises. And now my second mid is making the same noise. Everything's going to need replaced eventually. But we'll stick with the here and now
I got a new radio online which should be here next week. I've read the manual online. It stresses very severely that its made for four speakers only. Which are part of the regular wiring in the back. Eight speaker wires (positive and negatives for each speaker) and power and dimmer and stuff that radios do. All go into one plug. Adjacent to this however is 2 RCA outputs (think audio/video cables for those that don't know). And next to those are 2 pre-amp outputs (essentially the same thing in looks though I have no idea what the real difference is). So I can run six speakers, just that the last two need an amp which plugs into these. I'm assuming anyway. Regardless, I know the best audio you can get involves amps. So I'm going that route regardless.
One quick question. This pre-amp thing. Does that mean I can plug subs into these without having to have an amplifier to power them?
No. Pre-amp outputs are unamplified by the head unit's internal amps. You must connect an external amp to these outputs if you wish to also connect speakers.
You may also be able to power all the main speakers from the head unit. If you are using stock speakers, they car manufacturer probably has the speakers bridged in such a way as to be driven off 4 channels at 4Ω each, which is a very normal load for a head unit. As long as you drive your subs with a dedicated amp (and use a highpass/crossover to keep the bass frequencies from running through your head unit's amps) you will probably be fine.
If you plan to upgrade your speakers though...better to drive them off a dedicated amp.
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Despite the answer to that question, I'm looking at two decent amps. I'm not one of those people that likes to feel my chest vibrate and break windows while driving down the raod. I don't need that kinda bass. So I'm not looking at getting a 4000 watt amp
I've found a decently priced 2400 watt 2 channel (1200 watts per speaker for stereo). I would NEVER max that out. I like my hearing. So with that in mind. I figure I don't need anything that powerful. SO! There's also this nice 600 watt one.
So here's my main question. In case I want to upgrade later. I'm sure people are aware of the possibility of blowing a speaker from overload. My buddy recently told me that there's a little known fact about blowing speakers. Sometimes they like to keep drawing power. And if you don't have a unit to provide that power, they burn out. So he suggests buying an amp with more power than the speakers. Because if it gives too much power, it'll just turn off. Supposedly if you have speakers that can handle more wattage than the amp can provide, they'll burn out trying to draw on power that isn't there.
Well, this is partially true and partially false. If you have an amp that supplies significantly less power than is recommended for your speakers, the amp will clip at higher volumes which will slowly damage your system. On the other hand, if your amp is more powerful than is recommended for the speakers, and you pump too much current through the speakers as a result, it can fry the magnetic voice coils in the speakers and completely damage them. This can also cause an over current and possibly cause amp damage (depending on the circumstances). You should either find an amp that is close in power to what your speakers require, or else be careful about the volume. Also, make sure you match the correct power rating with the correct speaker impedance, as most car speakers are 4Ω, but some subs can be 2Ω depending on the specs and whether they are bridged or not.
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This seems kinda counter productive. I would think you'd want speakers that could handle more power than the amp can provide, so it'll never juice them too much. But maybe there is a failsafe
Again, if the amp can't provide the power and the volume is too high, the amp's output will clip (the amplification transistors will be saturated) which is bad.
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So... what should I buy for? An amp with more watts, or speakers with more watts?
Match things somewhat evenly if possible. :) But going for a more powerful amp is generally the best compromise.
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This way I'll know, if I buy the 2400 watt amp, I can still be safe buying a couple 300 watt subwoofers without worrying about blowing them. Or if I buy the 2400 watt amp should I get something along the lines of 1100 watt subwoofers to make them more close so I don't blow them (in which case I'd get the smaller amp and lower watt speakers)
Something else you will want to consider:
If you are getting a 1200W (peak) amp and you have the volume up, you will be dimming your tail lights each time the bass hits. You should also consider getting a capacitor to alleviate the load on your car's alternator. (a ˝ to 1 Farad capacitor should be good enough)
Lastly, it's more worthwhile to buy a name-brand amp that is lower wattage than the cheapest thing you can find with high wattage. A well-built amp will do the job far better than something cheaply built with huge numbers. (I'm not saying this is what you are doing, just be careful what you buy).
For amps, Alpine, Rockford Fosgate, Infinity, Pioneer Premier, and JBL have good offerings.
This post was a little rushed typing, so forgive any oversight or unanswered questions.
By the way, what head unit did you get?
