Preout voltage

[Matt95GT]

Is headunit preamp voltage specified in Point-to-point? or RMS?

Reason I ask, I plan on upgrading my headunit with one that is specified as 5 volt. My amps max rating is lower, either 2 or 3 volt point-to-point. From my electronics background I know this would mean the signal would be clipped if the p-to-p voltage is higher than the minimum amp sensitivity.

Anyone ever use attenuators? Where to get? Or any other advise? (aside from getting new amps)

[car audio dave]

the 5 volts is with the radios volume at max, but its an average number, not a peak to peak number. basically, you dont need to turn the radio as high to get the desired volume compared to a lower voltage deck.

[Matt95GT]

So are you trying to tell me I don't need to worry about it?

[iceman]

Yeah - it's ok. Signal will be a little hotter than the amp is expecting but it works fine - I am inthe same situation, HU puts out higher than my oldie but goodie soundstream amps are spec'd to take.

[Matt95GT]

Originally posted by iceman
HU puts out higher than my oldie but goodie soundstream amps are spec'd to take.

Yep... I really like my 2 Kicker amps circa 1997-8... it's the one part of my system I don't want to change.