Pre Out Voltage too low for amp

Hi guys,

This is more of a theory question than an actual problem

Say you ave a HU that has a 2 Sets or preouts that are rated at only 2000mV each

The amp will still make 500 watts no matter what its gain settings are set at correct?

Thanks all

--Skold

In this case, theoretically, the gain would be at 100% (set to 2v) to make the full 500 watts.  This is all in theory, assuming you have a good power source, and your ohm load on the amp is correct.  Note that if you had a deck with a 1v preout, you would not get the full 500 watts unless you had a line driver/ preamp to boost this voltage.

Nothing would be harmed if the gain was properly matched by turning it up all the way.  The higher preout voltages are supposed to help increase the s/n ratio, but as long as the signal is clean, the preout voltage is not so important.

Let me see if Im following you

So if the amps gain was at 2v (100% gain) it would be at full power (500 watts), but since the HU cant even get 1v out of the preout, the amp actually wont make the full 500 watts but it would still function just at a lower wattage

Of course this is assuming a 100% stable power source and ohm load within the amps spec

So there is an advantage in having a HU that has a good Preout Voltage

Ok I think its all sinking in the old noggin

Thanks

--Skold

Sweet

Thanks for your help