low volume from stereo

A few years ago I installed a Clarion ProAudio DXZ735 head unit in my Aerostar and added an MTX Audio Thunder 404 amplifier (100w x 4 into 2 ohm) and an MTX Audio Thunder 421D subwoofer amplifier (210w x 1 into 4 ohm) to drive an Infinity subwoofer. Both are connected to the pre-amp outputs of the head unit. I never got around to replacing the speakers since it was in an accident shortly after. I don't recall how the system performed, however I certainly don't remember any problems.

Recently I bought another Aerostar and installed the same setup, but added Infinity Kappa 42.9i 4" front speakers and Infinity Kappa 693.9i 6x9" rear speakers (both 2 ohm). Although the sounds seems excellent at a comfortable listening level, that level is at one notch below maximum (32 out of 33 on the volume level). Could this low volume be caused by the new speakers?

Thanks for any help.

Did you set the amplifier gain properly?

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Yes, although turning it down to 3/4 max volume made it a bit more difficult to hear.

aeroguy wrote:

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Yes, although turning it down to 3/4 max volume made it a bit more difficult to hear.

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Not sure I follow that comment... but if you set your gains properly and are not getting enough volume for your purposes, then the amplifier/speaker combination are simply not sufficient.

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The manual states that you need to turn the volume to 3/4 max in order to set the gain... 3/4 max is actually quite low. I normally have it set at a higher level.

What do you mean 'not sufficient'? The rear speakers, for example, are rated at 2-110 watts RMS with a maximum of 330 watts. The amplifier is putting out 100 watts per channel. Do I need more power from the amplifier?

aeroguy wrote:

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The manual states that you need to turn the volume to 3/4 max in order to set the gain... 3/4 max is actually quite low. I normally have it set at a higher level.

What do you mean 'not sufficient'? The rear speakers, for example, are rated at 2-110 watts RMS with a maximum of 330 watts. The amplifier is putting out 100 watts per channel. Do I need more power from the amplifier?

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By "not sufficient" I mean whatever their ratings might state (which are usually pretty meaningless, by the way) if the combo is not giving you enough output for your tastes then you probably need to upgrade them.  But set your gain properly first.

Here is how to set your gain (the forum search function can be your friend.)  This instruction describes using a music CD, I prefer initial setup using test tones as clipping is easier to hear with tones.  https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=85479&KW=boulderguy

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It's not a matter of 'taste', but rather I feel something is definitly wrong. I'm not someone who likes driving around blasting my stereo for everyone to hear... I'm just looking for a little more volume from my system. Out of a range of 1-33 on the head unit's volume scale, I keep it at 31 around town. If I get on the expressway, road noise increases but I have nowhere to go with my audio system.

'Upgrading' doesn't seem like much of a solution for my speakers since I already got the best Infinity had to offer for the sizes (I'm strickly Infinity).

The link you provided detailed the same instructions I was provided with my amplifer for setting the gain. I noted the settings, tried again, and ended up with the same settings, so the gain is fine.

I'll probably end up replacing the amplifier since it's the oldest part of the system.

Thanks for the responses.