My setup: a 4 channel amp for the highs, front and rear on a Fosgate Punch 4004 and a 2-channel bridged for the sub (MTX Thunder 202). The HU is an Alpine 9805 with 4V outputs. LP/HP x-Over is set at 80-85 Hz.

OK here is a basic question that I've got about setting AMP gain. I've read several different methods about what's the best way to match HU output to amp input sensitivity. More or less they all state to adjust the gain on the amp till you get distortion, then back off a bit. The question I have is "What should you have the HU set at?" I was thinking about 3/4 volume would be a good starting point then adjusting the amps from there. Am I going about this the right way?

Also, I was thinking about using a 1 kHz sin wave test tone to set the highs and a 50Hz sin wave test tone for the sub. Anyone have a better suggestion?

Lastly, the sub is a 10" RF Z-Punch in a 0.7 cf sealed enclosure. Can I actually hear distortion when trying to adjust the sub amp gain?

Thanks for any Tips,

Tony

 

A good rule of thumb is to set your amp gain at a minimal setting, then adjust your H/U volume until you can start to hear distortion. Then back the H/U volume off just a little bit to get rid of the distortion. Now start turning up the gain on the amp until you start to hear distortion again, and again back it off just a little to clear it up.

You can also buy these audio test CD's to help set everything up, but I have never used them personally. What matters the most is what it sounds like to your ears, not some CD.