newbie question

[furbee86]

i am looking for a deck, im not intrested in spending a ton of money, cuz i just i aint got it 2 spend. i have a question, i want to be able 2 put a good system in my car,(an amp and subs, but im wondering ive read about "preamp voltage" and im wonderin if i really need a higher level and it it really makes a big diffrence.

[TO-3]

i am looking for a deck, im not intrested in spending a ton of money, cuz i just i aint got it 2 spend. i have a question, i want to be able 2 put a good system in my car,(an amp and subs, but im wondering ive read about "preamp voltage" and im wonderin if i really need a higher level and it it really makes a big diffrence.

That would depend on if you are using an amplifier or not. A higher voltage is desired, because, if you are using a amplifier, a higher voltage increases the singal-to-noise ratio, and reduces the distortion. Noise is usually caused by poor grounding, electro-magnetic inductance, as a result of the placing the power cable too close to the signal cables, or road-noise.

Distortion is usually a result of low-quality components, in the HU (or amp), too much power to the speakers, or not enough power to the amplifier.

If you plan on using a pre-amp, line-driver, or active eq., than a high-voltage output shouldn't matter too much.

[Glock45ACP]

I would'nt worry too much as most quality name brands have 2 volt pre-outs on their entry level decks. Higher end head units will have 4,5 or even 8 volt pre-outs, but this is not needed for most applications. The lower the output voltage on the deck, the higher you need to set the gain on your amp, making the amp work harder, but as long as it is 2 volts or more you should be fine.

[Fryguy]

That would depend on if you are using an amplifier or not. A higher voltage is desired, because, if you are using a amplifier, a higher voltage increases the singal-to-noise ratio, and reduces the distortion. Noise is usually caused by poor grounding, electro-magnetic inductance, as a result of the placing the power cable too close to the speaker cables, or road-noise.

Distortion is usually a result of low-quality components, in the HU (or amp), too much power to the speakers, or not enough power to the amplifier.

If you plan on using a pre-amp, line-driver, or active eq., than a high-voltage output shouldn't matter too much.

And how is a signal going to leak from a 12V power cable to a 20+ volt speaker cable?

[TO-3]

And how is a signal going to leak from a 12V power cable to a 20+ volt speaker cable?

Doesn't everybody run their speaker cables under the hood of their vehicle? :P

[TO-3]

And how is a signal going to leak from a 12V power cable to a 20+ volt speaker cable?

Doesn't everybody run their speaker cables under the hood of their vehicle? :p