help! factory amplifier settings

[camman621]

Alright so first let me just say that I'm a novice when it comes to understanding the components of an amplifier, speakers etc. I have a 2003 SANTE with the Clarion xmd1 (I believe) and the Kicker amp. I bought it used and I want to know what the ideal settings are for the "Gain" to achieve quality sound? I like to listen to my music relatively loud with good bass. Most of the music I listen to is either rock or hip hop. I've done a little searching on these forums but haven't found anything that really addresses the stock amp settings. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[camman621]

Nobody has any advice?

[phantom268]

Personally I like to set my gains as low as I can while still being able to achieve solid volume when I turn the head unit's volume close to max. Gives you more range on your volume and drastically can improve the sound quality. At least is has for me in the past, first time I adjusted my gains like this was a major improvement and sounded at least 3x better. If your head unit goes to say 35 max volume but you're already blaring and/or distorting at 15, that's a waste. keep turning the volume up it will just sound worse and worse with distortion.

Try this see if it might help your sound. Step 1--figure out the max volume setting on your head unit. (I recommend pausing a CD so it's not actually playing this loud to find the max volume) Step 2--Turn the gain(s) down about as low as they can go. Step 3--turn volume up to about 65-75% of max volume on the head unit. Step 4--Then adjust gain up until you get a nice full sound with good volume. The extra 25-35% volume on the head unit should be enough to compensate for engine noise since you're in a boat etc...this is more prominent than a car in which I usually go more like 80-90% max volume for a full sound. that's a pretty good start...find the sweet spot on the head unit for volume setting so you make use of that volume range, then adjust gains to get enough volume at those settings. The less the amp has to work to get the sound out the more quality and less distortion you'll have.

[camman621]

Cool, thanks for the advice. I'll try it this weekend.

[Mikeski]

Most head units distort at full tilt. Amp manufacturers suggest you tune your gains for maximum output when the deck is at 75% of max. This also allows a little headroom for CDs that are recorded at a lower setting.

If you tell me a little more about your system I can give your better information. Do you have a Sub? Are your interior speakers hooked to the deck or amp? How many interior speakers? Any tower speakers?