Listening, Tuning & Configuration

[Sub_zil]

Guys just wanna know a couple of basic ICE questions like

1)What's the difference between built in amp into HU like in the market most HU have 4 X50W etc.etc. and those external 4channel amps to control components??

2)Read a couple of postings, if we use Y-splitter for RCA cable at HU end, we are not able to control the Fader through the HU?

3)How do ICE whiz tune their setup? I mean what they hear for? There are a lot of frequencies on the pre-amp, but how do you tune? What frequencies are for what?

4)Since tuning (through pre-amp)is done like once a month(or is it?) can we install the pre-amp below the seat?

5)What is the difference between Class A,B or D amps? I bought a Class A amp, but somehow find it no difference with the built in HU amp??

6)Is a capacitor (1 farad,1.5farad) necessary for driving 2 nos of amps and 1 woofer?

 

[mnkh0027]

1) The built in amplification in the HU is usually rated at Max / Peak power and usually at higher THDs. As such, a HU rated 50w x 4 should be giving out at the most 15-18w RMS x 4. A, honestly rated amplifier on the other hand with 50w x 4 RMS will give you much more power and reserves than what a HU can generate.

2) How many pre-outs does your HU have and why do you need to use a Y-splitter? Most modern HU's have more than 1 pre-out and a minimum of 2 pairs/4 channel of pre-out. Some HU's boast 6 channel inclusive of a sub and the top-of-the-line ones 8 channel for high/mid/low/sub configuration. Back to your question, if your HU has only 1 pre-out and you use a Y-splitter for the purpose of using 2 amps, then definitely you wont have fader capabilities unless you have rear speakers hooked directly to the high-level/speaker outputs (Rear).

3) Go to the following website and download the pdf file for the Pioneer DEQ-P9 HU. Look into page 19, where there's a chart to show you the range of frequencies and what instruments and characteristics the frequencies correspond to. If you wish to know what to listen and how to do critical listening, start with home audio. Visit a reputable shop that will be able to explain to you and train your ears.

4) Once you have tune your system to sound good or to your liking, lock the settings and enjoy the music. I don't see what you need to tune once a month? Different mood is it? :P
You can install it anywhere you like as long as its accessible and yet free from itchy fingers.

5) Read up this site for a concise/to-the-point explanation onthe different classes of amplifiers. http://www.bcae1.com/ampclass.htm You bought a lemon amp is it? Most amplifiers even the cheap ones improves on what the amp built in amplification has to offer. What HU and what amp is it anyway?

6) Depends on what you're seeking. If you can afford it, capacitors helps in music transients and to some extent helps filter out unwanted noises in your power line. It's not necessary but it would be nice to have. Some have also claimed that it reduces or eliminated the disco lights when you're blasting. LOL! :D

 

[Sub_zil]

Thanks a lot for the feedback,

Well I'm currently running Sony CDX-6500R I think (the super old model) and currently using a 2000W CALIBER Class A amplifier. Don't know why but the seller of this amp told me a Class A is the cheapest amp compared to Class D.??

Another question,

What is the purpose of crossovers? Those big ones, not for components.

Hmm, I thought monthly or yearly tuning is required to calibrate the pre-amp

 

[cacin]

Class A/B amps are normally cheaper that class D amps. The general reason is these amps has different efficiency. The design of Class D amps is somewhat better hence more efficient and with that, more expensive.


The crossover that you are referring to are called electronic crossover. They are used to send different frequency signal to different channel. As an example, since your HU only has 1 pair of preamp out, you can connect it to a electronic crossover. Depends on the crossover that you use, it might have a 2/3 way output. Some even has 5 output. Then, each output, can be connected to a separate amp. That way, each amp will only amplify a specific frequency range of the audio. This is only needed if you are serious about car audio or you have more than 1 amp to connet to your 1 pair of preout. The cheaper solution is of course the y-splitter cable. :)

By the way, did you set the gain on your amp properly?

 

[Zenn]

the common stereo amps is usually class AB
the class D is usually monoblock, used to run subwoofers
good class A amps dont come cheap and arent that common either.
the electronic crossovers is for u to split the rca signal to more than one amp channels, eg) if u have 1 rca out from the HU and need to split it 2 or 3 way to front amps and sub amp.

 

[oldskolboyz]

Yes, Class A/B is more expensive then Class D (monoblock)...eg SoundStream Human Reign 2/4 (>RM18) or Tarantula (>RM10K), Genesis DME (>RM7K, Alpine MRV-F900 F#1 (>RM10k), Brax GE 2400.2/2000.2 (>RM10K), Tru, Mcintosch, never seen Class D more then RM3000...du no if ada....coz as i said never seen before....

 

[craziechild]

one question... if my HU only hav one pre-out... then i connect it to a electronic xover...

can i still adjust the fader through my HU?

thaNKS...

 

[artnet]

no....

 

[oldskolboyz]

can if you connect rear speaker direct to HU....but your sound stage will be pull over to rear...example my one front pre out I connect to Xover to run 3way Compset (full active) & sub preout connect direct to sub amp....coz I'm using 7998r but in your case you only have 1 preout then you need preamp to control your fader....this not recommended due to your cost will increase to dump stuff...if you have xover why you need preamp.?????...the main issue here is what type your system...if SQ rear fill is not important...

 

[cacin]

Here's a summary from BCAE1.com


1. Class A amplifiers are very inefficient and produce lots of heat because there is a large amount of current flowing through the output transistors even with no audio signal.
2.Class B amplifiers are more efficient but will have a 'notch' distortion.
3.Class AB amplifiers are moderately efficient (depending on bias current) but notch distortion is eliminated by the idle (bias) current.
4.Class D amplifiers are very efficient but are generally used for non high fidelity or subwoofer applications.

 

[craziechild]

got your point...

thanks...

 

[edwinlcw]

can i use an adapter to add 1 more preout to my HU so that i can use fader.
is it advisabel?

 

[wk1168]

wow.. i learnt a lot bout ICE today.. at least u know wat to ask.. i thinkin of buying new set of ICE but dunno where to start and what to ask.. haha