RCA Voltage on CD Players

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=14665
Printed Date: June 01, 2024 at 10:54 AM

Topic: RCA Voltage on CD Players

Posted By: BigJMan
Subject: RCA Voltage on CD Players
Date Posted: June 09, 2003 at 2:20 PM

Hey,

I have a kind of general question about the voltage output on a pair of RCAs from your headunit. How important and how much difference to your amp will it make if you upgrade a CD player w/ 2.0 v output to a CD player w/ 4.0 v or even 6.0 v?

I've heard that it makes quite a difference w/ the gain, because when you are setting the gain on your amplifier you are basically just setting the input voltage sensitivity on your amp (ex. - all the way up = 4.0 v, all the way down = 0.0v). If this is true, how would a 6.0v input work. I know that 5 and 6 volt comes standard w/ Audiobahn and other top end brand CD Players.

Thanks Guys.

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1992 Lincoln Towncar Cartier
4.6L SOHC Dual Exhaust
Stereo System - Working On It :)

Replies:

Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: June 09, 2003 at 2:28 PM

The gain control will be lower on the amplifier, but take into consideration the input voltage of the pre-amp EQ or the amplifier before upgrading to a higher voltage. Some equipment can not handle such a high voltage and will damage the device. Check your user manuals for this information or check with the manufacturer through their website.

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Posted By: Kadetheus
Date Posted: June 09, 2003 at 2:30 PM

well for starters most amps now can handle at least an 8 volt input signal. but if you upgrading from a 2 volt system to a 4 volt or better system you will almost instantly be able to tell a difference. music sounds clearer and the amps seem to run a little cooler. (maybe i'm wrong on the last part but it seems that way) just be sure to adjust the gains to match the input voltage from the radio. because if done wrong, chances of speaker damage due to distortion is increased by this factor.

Posted By: BigJMan
Date Posted: June 09, 2003 at 2:37 PM

Thanks for responding so quick.

My amp is an Audiobahn A1500HCT, it puts out 500w RMS x 1 @ 4 ohms, 1000w RMS x 1 @ 2 ohms, and supposedly 2000w RMS x 1 @ 1 ohm.

Also, the CD player I have right now is basically Kenwoods starter crap model, and it puts out 2.0 volts.

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1992 Lincoln Towncar Cartier
4.6L SOHC Dual Exhaust
Stereo System - Working On It :)