Pre amp voltage?

[aldive]

What does the voltage on pre amp outputs mean?

Is higher voltage better?

Thanks....

 

[nosaj122081]

It is the output voltage that the headunit puts out to its RCA outputs... Higher is not necessarily better, it just allows for a crappier install, the higher the voltage the less susceptable the lines are to noise, allowing for poor wire runs and things like a noisy electrical system. A head with low voltage outputs will sound just as good (IMHO) when the wires are well installed as a deck with high voltage outputs.

 

[Kontrol-Trak]

A Pioneer HU hooked up to a McIntosh amp will sound better than McIntosh with Pioneer amp. Higher voltage usually means better sound quality, it will reduce noise and increase amp efficiency. But you must have the high quality stuff where it counts.

 

[nosaj122081]

Right about noise reduction, but again even that is a function of the install, a lower voltage signal will pick up more interference, but they have nothing to do with amp efficiency... As long as the gains on the amp are matched to the input voltage from the head, the amp doesn't care what voltage signal it is recieving. Amp efficiency is dependant on circuit and heatsink design, but is independant of the voltage it recieves.

 

[leenjen]

with a high enough preamp output voltage, you can keep your amp's gains set to minimum. this will allow it to run cooler. it will m=not have to work as hard to produce the rated rms power. and it will add to the amps longevity. with a low voltage, the gains will need to be set higher. the amps heat up, and are not as efficient. they also wont last quite as long as an amp that is set low.

 

[nosaj122081]

True, but in my experience the difference is minimal... Since a deck rarely, if ever, puts out its maximum voltage its more of a non issue, when I tune amps I like a little gain overlap anyhow (I bump the gains a bit higher than the rated voltage, course the best way is to match it with an o-scope/pink noise) since music is dynamic. (Do this at your own risk anyone reading, if you haven't done it a few times its a really good way to cook speakers) Plus, in my opinion, it seems many of the amps on the market are more designed to a 2ish volt signal, I have a few older amps that state they can only take 3V max. Now in home audio, you can get some crazy preamp voltages, and it makes a big difference, the amps do run cooler... But, I haven't found any noticeable difference in temps in different voltage preouts since the span isn't very big, but it definitely allows for a quicker and dirtier install b/c since its less noise susceptable. But, like I said, these are observations, don't ask for scientific backing, LOL.