hey guys, this is my first post on dodge forum.
I recently installed a Sony Xm-1252gtr amp (340w RMS bridged) and a Kicker 07CVT124 sub (400w RMS) in my truck. I was wondering, would it hurt the amp or the sub if i turned the gain all the way up on the amp? I know that the sub can handle just about anything the amp can push out, but would turning the gain all the way up make the amp clip or anything?

 

This is a nice simple overview of it http://www.installer.com/tech/gains.html and here's a bit more in-depth explanation http://www.bcae1.com/gaincon2.htm. Important info from the 2nd link:

 

If you can't get enough sound out of that amp, I wouldn't recommend cranking the gain. Here's why; Under powering a sub is worse than over powering a sub. Constant under powering will ruin the voice coil due to distortion. If you play it so loud that it is distorting. Distortion = bad

 

Thanks for the help guys. So what I'm basically getting out of all of this is to like turn your music all the way up and then adjust the gain to as high as it will go before it clips. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this kinda seems like a good way to adjust it according to all the info.

If this is right, then.... uh..... what does it sound like when it clips? haha I know that probably seems like I'm an idiot, but I don't really know that I've ever heard any distortion out of the sub so far, no matter how far I drive it, not that I've driven it too hard.

So basically, what would it sound like if the sub/amp were to clip? Would it be extremely obvious, or would it be something that I might not be able to hear over the loudness of the system?

 

BTW, I'm getting a sufficient amount of bass out of it to enjoy the music, but the sub's turned up to about halfway on the h/u, and I want it to be turned down lower than that for day to day listening, but be at the same level, basically so I can easily crank it and show it off without messing it up.

 

What you said was correct.

Turn your radio up all the way and when it distorts the speakers in the doors, turn it down 1 notch. Thats max volume, now turn the gain up on the amp till the sup starts to distort it will sounds like a crackle noise/popping noise/distorted lol. Then turn it down a little. Now your Gain and Volume on the head unit match.

if you have a head unit with sub control, that is also gain, instead of messing with the amp adjust it with the H/U. I have a kenwood head unit and with a click of the button i can adjust the gain, some songs that come on just have to much and i have to turn it down.


My settings on my setup are.

H/U = Mid +8, Treb +8, bass -1, Sub 0

Amp = low gain.

Sometimes i will up the H.U Sub to about 4 depending on the music im listening to.


I have a Kenwood H.U, 400wat Mono Alpine V-Power amp, and a 10" Alpine Type-E Sub, in a Single Cab Dakota... its sick.. i use to have 2x 10" and it was way to much ended yp saleing the other one.