Hope this isn't a repeat question, did the search without luck!

I am looking for a new head unit/CD receiver. I have spent a lot of time looking at Eclipse because I have heard good things about them. My main questions are in regard to the volt output on the head units. What difference does the the 5v and 8v units make (louder, clearer)?

Are there concerns or problems with particular amps if I get one of these 5v or 8v units?

FYI, my intentions are to install either 5.25 or 6.5 high end components up front and two 10" subs in back. I will pick the best amp based on the speakers I go with.

Oh, one other thing...the head units that are "Sirius" or "XM" ready; what does this do? Can you control the satellite tuner from the head unit without the additional dash mount satellite tuners?

Thanks

 

In utopia, the higher the pre-out voltage, the better. It simply boils down to more noise immunity (you don't have to turn the gain up as high on the amp to get good output levels).

In reality, you probably won't hear much difference between a 5V and a 8V model, if you comply with the following:

1. You buy a quality head unit

2. You buy quality amplifiers, capable of 4V or higher input levels

3. You properly install the above mentioned equipment

4. You properly wire the above mentioned equipment, paying particular attention to your grounds and low-level signal cable routing.

Some of the best sounding stereos I have ever heard did not have 5V or 8V pre-outs - they were just installed correctly.

5V - 8V pre-outs are another tool to make quality sound easier to achieve.

 

From experience I would go with the 8 volt. The 5 volt is a good unit too, but I was only HUs that I will pretty much every run will be the Eclipse 8+ volt modelsvery pleased with the 8051 that I used to have. In fact the .

I guess its just up to you and what you want. Maybe go fool around with the two units and see which you like better and if you notice any differences.

If it is Sirus or XM ready then that mean you just have an additional tuner, but you can control it from the HU. Sirus was supposed to be out for Eclipse sometime ago however I still haven't heard anything about it unless I just missed it.

 

B-Man (or others),
You said I should buy a quality amp capable or 4 volt or better input levels.
Are most decent amps (Fosgate, etc) 4v + capable?
Can I find these details on any website specification charts?

Thanks

 

pa2000xxxx -

You should be able to find the specs on the respective company's web pages. It should be listed as the amplifier's Input Sensitivity and should be listed as a variable voltage, if the amp has adjustable inputs.

Typically, they will list it as a value from 200mv to 9V or so. If they are really good, they will also state that the amp will deliver it's rated power throughout that range.

I did a quick look at a Rockford Fosgate Power 1000bd and they have it's input sensitivity labeled as "Signal Input", with the range listed as 250mv - 6 V.

In short, you probably won't have a problem if you stick with quality gear.