so i just installed an amp with front components and a sub in the trunk. but i can't use the amp because the gains can't be set. my cd player hasn't worked in years and now i can't play test tones through the head unit.

i've tried using an ipod and a laptop through the aux to set the gains, but the volume on both of those sources influences the gain setting. so i set it according to those sources at full volume (HU at 3/4 max) and then when i take them away, i'm back to very weak bass (worst than stock) and the fronts don't sound good at all

any suggestions? i'm at a loss here since i don't want to spend 275 towards a repaired cd drive JUST for playing 2 sine waves for setting gains (i always use XM and my ipod).

i also need to replace my navi system but at $600 total between the two i'm going to look around for a better setup, even though not much has been done that looks super clean (closest is the nexus 7 setup)

 

set it by ear and your good

 

should i just put on any random song (from xm) and do the by ear clipping method? or should it be a specific type of song? i was hoping for the test tones since they are very consistent but i think you're right i need to do it by ear just not sure what type of songs to do it with

 

Whatever you listen to. I would use the best quality files you have available. Do you not have any input for digital files? XM is pretty crappy

 

xm or radio is my only option and xm is much more clear.

i have ipod (isimple) and aux capability, but that's my whole issue. the gain is driven by the volume level of the ipod/laptop, so when i take away that source, the gain setting is not good for it anymore. when i took away the laptop, i didn't have any bass until volume 14 or so

i'm going to try the by ear this afternoon, thanks for the suggestion, i was too focused on the multimeter/o-scope options

 

went to a local shop last night and they got everything set, should have done that right away but it was a learning experience haha