How To Properly Tune Amps (Calling Spharis)

[Razzman]

Just make sure there isn't any F-bombs going thru the speakers....

Speaking of that i loaded a generic playlist in the hopes of keeping everyone happy. So we got out for the lake teat a few weeks back and we're in a cove and i'm playing with the stereo checking out the volume and on comes some song throwing out F-bombs left and right Good thing the boys weren't with us! Needless to say i edited that playlist ASAP!

[Jason B]

I can turn my gains 90-100% of the way up before I hear any distortion. I read somewhere not to turn them past 1/2. I left them set @ about 75%--is that bad??? Am I tempting fate?

[philwsailz]

I can turn my gains 90-100% of the way up before I hear any distortion. I read somewhere not to turn them past 1/2. I left them set @ about 75%--is that bad??? Am I tempting fate?

I personally think the answer is maybe.

Gain controls are not volume controls, although they do have an affect on volume. They are there to help you gain-match the amp to the radio, and then to adjsut relative volume levels of multi-channel systems for best sound reproduction.

Ideally, you want to gain match EVERYTHING in the signal chain so it all distorts at the same time. this is typically done with the radio volume control at roughly 75% volume, when lacking test equipment that can assist you with "seeing" the distortion at its onset.

If you have your radio turned way down when you are setting the amp gain, you will be able to turn it way up without distortion.

If your radio has very low output, you also might be able to turn the gain up all the way without distortion.

Go see Tim's explanation of inity gain setting over on the WS420 setup thread. His explanation of the radio settings, and amp settings is exactly applicable to your question.

[spharis]

And if you throw an ipod/zune into the mix.....it gets even better.