Gains setting?

This forum doesn't want the average everyday listener, after he becomes a member, to stay "average".  The forum contributors have learned how to properly set gain and its importance, and drill that importance into every member seeking to learn how to set gains.  Part of the process is to first learn how to ignore the voltage markings around the amp's gain and to pay less attention to the spec'd voltage output of the deck.  The gain-setting process can't be 2-6-8'd;  it has to proceed start to finish with no shortcuts...and so virtually any combination of audio gear can be level-matched for finest performance the gear will allow.

noneed, I'm singling your quote out but don't consider this a challenge to your knowledge or professional integrity.  It's just another of many, many similar responses when the term "close enough" is used in this forum when referring to gain setting.

To the original poster, search this forum (see the icon above) for 'gain' in the subject.  You will find several threads detailing the steps and links to downloadable test tones that must be used.  No special equipment is needed for finding proper gain levels using the hearing method.  (...but it does take me longer than 5 minutes  ;)  When you hear that tone change at the point of clipping, post back and let us know if you said "aha!!"

I completely disagree and think this is bad advice.  Head unit preout voltage changes constantly with program material.  What the manufacturer rates this voltage at is generally at peak or max.  It is almost never correct for adjusting gains, and the markings on even the best amplifiers are also almost never correct.  Anyone who thinks setting gain means matching the markings on the amp to the printed data on the box of a head unit is not a professional in my book, and "close enough" is never good enough, and if this is your company's policy you should no longer wonder why many of us are down on big-box store installations.

...and you want to know this because...?