Alpine 4v out vs. 2v out.

Hey all, I LOVE this forum (I had to replace a head unit in a KIA and found the wiring diagram here). I want to get an Alpine head unit and was looking at the specs, and it looks like Alpine is moving away from the 4V output. They have 4 older units (CDA-9835, 33, 31, 30) that all have 4V outputs and only one newer unit CDA-9855 that has the 4V outputs. Also do you need amps that can handle the 4V signal from the head unit (looking at an older Alpine amp I have it lists an Input Sensitivity of 100mV to 2V)?

NP

The voltage output on the deck is like the flow of a river.  The more voltage, the stronger the current.  I would go with the 4v preouts and no, you don't need a special amp for this setup.

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Muscle Cars Don't Just Look Good, But They Can Sound Good Too...
1971 Chevelle SS

I'm just wondering if you need AMPS rated for the 4V outputs on the head unit?

TM

most amps now will handle anywhere up to 5 volts.

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2009 0-1000 Trunk WR 154.0DB 2009 1001+ Trunk WR
2007 USACI World Champion
2007 World Record
2006 USACI Finals 2nd Place

go w/ higher outputs.

see what happens when bestbuy gets their clutches into a company?

Thanks, that's my problem. I just picked up an 88 MR2 with a GREAT system in it, a GREAT system if it was still 1988 the door panels were cut up to accommodate a pair of ADS separates and Subs, with an ADS PQ10 amp and a Precision Power 4200M amp powering them. I want to utilizes the existing amps but replace the head unit (an Alpine 7284) and completely remove the EQ (an Alpine 3321). I bet this system was rocked the strip back in 1988, hehe. The reason behind going with a 4V head unit is I do plan to update the AMPS in the near future.

NP

Personally i would go and get a 9835, too many fancy smancy things on the new decks, , i haven't played with a new deck and i doubt it will now, i have been converted to the Eclipse side

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2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.

Wonder who helped you see the light.....

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Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

Wonder who helped you see the light.....

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Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

Couldn't have been you nagging me haha, and a local dealer finally started carrying it so i could hear before i buy. To bad im selling my truck to buy a motocross bike and a older midsize pickup.

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2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.

If your amplifier only handles 2v inputs you MAY actually have more problems than if you got a 2v deck.  Why?  Because even at the 2v gain notch (all the way down), your gain will still be too high.  More gain than necessary usually leads to more noise and a greater chance of clipping.  The benefit of a higher voltage preout is that you can turn the gain DOWN further, obtaining a lower noise floor.  This benefit kinda flies out the good ole window if you simply can't turn the gain down.  :-)

That said, I'd buy the 4v knowing that you need to watch that you don't clip the signal.  If your listening habits are such that it isn't a problem, great.  If you start clipping, buy a new amplifier.

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New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

gladbach wrote:

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go w/ higher outputs.

see what happens when bestbuy gets their clutches into a company?

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actually from what I gathered off the alpine website alpine put their "clutches"on best buy. And also they were already with circut city before that now has kicker.

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Alpine cda-9855
Alpine Mrd-m1000
1 farad digital Rockford cap
2 Treo SSi 12's
Large centerport box