speaker level inputs vs rca inputs

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=2934
Printed Date: July 15, 2025 at 12:46 PM

Topic: speaker level inputs vs rca inputs

Posted By: opypr
Subject: speaker level inputs vs rca inputs
Date Posted: August 20, 2002 at 12:34 PM

Hello there!

I would like to know the opinions/facts about the differences between speaker level input and of those of rca inputs. I've been looking around and found an equalizer/crossover with speaker level inputs just like of some amplifiers, which will eliminate the use of a btl, (which I heard/read that it makes you loose some sound quality). I also called a specific brand name place to asked if they make them also, and besides that the answer was NO, he had to add that it is worse to use speaker level inputs even though most of their amplifiers provide the same kind of connection... posted_image

Comments???

Opy

Replies:

Posted By: JellyNutz
Date Posted: August 20, 2002 at 8:48 PM

A speaker level input is a high impedence input (due to the amout of power coming from the head unit). A low-level (rca) input is a low impedence input (due to the low amout of voltage that is fed from the head unit to the Eq/amp). In any case if you have the option to use a low-level signal use it. You will have less distorion and a cleaner signal for your EQ/amp to be driven.

Posted By: DeathsJester12V
Date Posted: August 21, 2002 at 12:49 AM

It all depends on what you are doing.....

The Speaker level inputs are usually used if hooking up to a factory speaker system..( i.e. Infinity Basslink, Bazooka Bass tubes, etc.....) that way you don't ahve to mess with line level converters, running RCA's etc.... The can cause distortion, etc....it all depends on the gear you're using...I've had a few systems that used just the speaker level inputs, and were fine....but soem that sounded like crap...

Stick with RCA's makes life a lot easier....

-------------
Đễẳ†ђş 12\/ Ĵęśŧē®™