MINI2

hugh1 · Jul 16th, 2005, 12:40 PM

In shopping for an aftermarket head unit, I find they are pretty consistantly rated at about 18wpc rms. This is not enough power to effeciently drive some better aftermarket speakers to their potential. OK I'll add an amplifier to my upgrade.

I know that unlike the oem unit, the aftmkt ones have rca outputs that connect with the amplifier...what I don't understand is their voltage specification. They all vary from 1v to 5v. The Alpines for example: 9851 & 9853 have 2v pre out...9855 has 4v...

What does the increased voltage do?

Crouchy · Jul 16th, 2005, 01:15 PM

The higher the voltage of the output the better. If the voltage is higher then the amp has a better signal to work with and will therefore produce a better sound. Go for the highest voltage you can find if you want good sound quality.

snid · Jul 16th, 2005, 01:59 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Crouchy

Go for the highest voltage you can find if you want good sound quality.

Within reason. There are good quality head units that will put out more voltage than some good quality amps are rated for.

I'm in this situation... everything works, even though I'm technically out of spec for the amp.

SteveM3 · Jul 17th, 2005, 01:01 AM

All RCA cables will be subjected to interference. The higher the signal the better as it
overrides the interference. Just think what you do, a friend can't make out what you are
saying because of a nearby lawnmower so you shout and they can understand you. So
generally high voltages are better but not always. Just as the most powerful amp or most
powerful car are not automatically the best.

Jul 16th, 2005, 12:40 PM	#1
hugh1 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stanhope, NJ Local Time: 05:54 AM Posts: 74 Offline	pre out voltage In shopping for an aftermarket head unit, I find they are pretty consistantly rated at about 18wpc rms. This is not enough power to effeciently drive some better aftermarket speakers to their potential. OK I'll add an amplifier to my upgrade. I know that unlike the oem unit, the aftmkt ones have rca outputs that connect with the amplifier...what I don't understand is their voltage specification. They all vary from 1v to 5v. The Alpines for example: 9851 & 9853 have 2v pre out...9855 has 4v... What does the increased voltage do?

Jul 16th, 2005, 01:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
snid brown is back Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Burlington, VT Local Time: 05:54 AM Posts: 4,221 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Crouchy Go for the highest voltage you can find if you want good sound quality. Within reason. There are good quality head units that will put out more voltage than some good quality amps are rated for. I'm in this situation... everything works, even though I'm technically out of spec for the amp. jtross \| snid \| jason - bloggage (including videos)

Jul 17th, 2005, 01:01 AM	#4 (permalink)
SteveM3 MINI2 Master Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Malmesbury, Wilts Local Time: 10:54 AM Posts: 1,807 Offline	All RCA cables will be subjected to interference. The higher the signal the better as it overrides the interference. Just think what you do, a friend can't make out what you are saying because of a nearby lawnmower so you shout and they can understand you. So generally high voltages are better but not always. Just as the most powerful amp or most powerful car are not automatically the best. Some people are like a Slinky ........ not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Charging Voltage	crawfy	Faults & Fixes	2	Jan 2nd, 2007 10:13 AM
12V voltage stabiliser	mini one only	General Discussion	3	Sep 6th, 2005 06:27 AM
O2 voltage = A/F ratio. Is it possible.	obehave	Engine & Drivetrain Tuning	1	Sep 2nd, 2004 05:36 AM
higher pre-out voltage than amp can handle (eclipse head units)	snid	Interior & Ice	1	Jul 14th, 2004 06:00 PM
Voltage help	Hotelcalif	General Discussion	0	May 26th, 2003 02:17 AM

MINI2

Fuel for your MINI obsession

For all interior and In Car Entertainment discussion

Today
Sponsors	Sponsored Links Registered members do not see Google Ads posts, they can also post messages, pictures, and classified adverts. Register your free account today and become a member of MINI2 - MINI Forum

Jul 16th, 2005, 01:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
Crouchy Doncaster MINI Register Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Barnsley/Lincoln Local Time: 10:54 AM Posts: 455 Offline	The higher the voltage of the output the better. If the voltage is higher then the amp has a better signal to work with and will therefore produce a better sound. Go for the highest voltage you can find if you want good sound quality.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)