Using both speaker-level / RCA outs

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=28619
Printed Date: July 13, 2025 at 1:42 PM

Topic: Using both speaker-level / RCA outs

Posted By: GasGuzz
Subject: Using both speaker-level / RCA outs
Date Posted: March 18, 2004 at 5:10 PM

My nephew has a Pioneer head with 1 rear channel RCA out. He’s got a 4 CH amp pushing the rear CH, and bridged the remaining 2 for a sub.

Now he wants an amp to power the fronts. So he doesn’t lose fader control, he’s going for a speaker-level input to the amp.

Don’t you use either high or low level outs, no matter what(?).

Question: Can you both use the head unit’s low-level RCA for the rear and speaker-level for the front?

Replies:

Posted By: Sweekster
Date Posted: March 18, 2004 at 5:57 PM

You answered your own question. There is only one set of outputs- which he is already using. Advise him not to do that. Best thing is to use a Line Output converter on the front speaker outputs into the other amp and then out to the front speakers.

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Posted By: Metra Tech
Date Posted: March 18, 2004 at 5:57 PM

Use a line level output converter on the radios front channels to feed the amp. Make sure it can handle the power the radio is putting out. That would be your safest way of getting a signal.

Posted By: auex
Date Posted: March 18, 2004 at 7:02 PM

Fade isn't all it is made up to be. The only time it does anything is when you are listening to FM or dvd with an encoder. AM is mono and CDs are 2 channel.

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Posted By: davidst
Date Posted: March 18, 2004 at 7:33 PM

What??

Posted By: GasGuzz
Date Posted: March 19, 2004 at 8:51 AM

Thanks, guys.

Let me reiterate… My car’s Blau has 2 sets of preamp line outs (so using speaker level outs/ins is out of the question). From the O-Manual, it summarily states using either line or speaker level out to amps. Or, you should not use (say) the front CH speaker level for a 1rst front amp, and simultaneously use the rear CH line out for a 2nd rear amp. Frankly, I don’t see why not.

So, in my nephew’s case, he’ll be using the head speaker level out for the front CH 1rst amp. And, the rear CH RCA line out for the 2nd amp. Question being: Is this ok?
And from the previous posts, since the 2nd amp accepts speaker inputs, why do you need a LOC?

Posted By: Metra Tech
Date Posted: March 19, 2004 at 9:59 AM

I don't use high level ins on amps because some are common grounded low power inputs and they don't tell you this and if you ever get noise you can not simply put a ground loop isolator in. If you do use high level in, check the negative speaker inputs for continuity and find out from the manufacturer how much power the input handles. Make sure it can handle the power your deck is putting out.