Could someone explain the benefit with purchasing a deck that offers 4volt pre-outs as apposed 2 volts?
I am trying to deside between Kenwood and Pioneer decks. Pioneer is only 2volt and Kenwood is 4.5. But, I don't like the fact that kenwood is push button for the volume. I prefer the turn volume knob on the Pioneer and Alphine decks. Thanks for the advice.

 

From what I know, 4.5v when used with 4.5v input compatible amp will give you the benefit of cleaner sound, high output without pushing the amp so your amp will run cooler. I dont think you would get the same benefits with a regular amp. With the Kenwood head unit, you have the option of getting sterling wheel mount remote controller. Check with an authorized Kenwood dealer for the remote cuz I havent seen them anywhere but authorized dealer. If you are interested, I can give you the pic and the model number. Good luck

 

The 4.5 volt deck will result in louder, clearer sound because your amplifiers will be amping a higher amount of power. The more powerful signal that is being amped, the more power. The amp is only going to power the dignal you give it. That is why factory radios dont sound good with aftermarket amps, because the signal they send out is very weak.

 

Go for the 4.5 volts..It makes a big difference. I have an old pioneer deck that had the 4 volts on the pre amps and it sounded so much better...just make sure the amp you are going to use can take the higher volts going in (It probably can). As for the stock radio you can get things that hook up to the signal coming from the radio and it will increase the volts comeing out of the deck befor it gets to the amp.

 

That is what I thought, but the stereo guy I was talking too was trying to feed me a line that it all has to do with noise prevention, and nothing to do with the power recieved by the amp.
What decks do you prefer(Quality).
Kenwood, Pioneer (Premier), Alpine, Clarion?

From what I have heard Clarion offers the best quality, however I don't like the look of the big volume knob on them. Tell me what you think???

 

I had a pioneer premiere DEX-P88 and loved it. As a matter of fact I still have it and might want to sell it cuz I am not going to use it. It has the 4 volts preamp on it. Ya think you might be interested in it?

Here is a link to a pic and some info on it. http://www.execpc.com/~meatloaf/2L_p88.htm

[ 08-28-2001: Message edited by: NOLACLS ]

 

Thanks for the offer, however I just purchased the Premier Pioneer DEH-P630 which offers 3 pair of 4v pre-outs.. What a f**king difference in sound quality and bass provided by this system. Unbelievable difference. Now my next steps are to start replacing the speakers, adding an amp/sub.

 

What do you guys think about Focal speakers?
I hear they are really top quality?

 

I looked at them as well but I have never herd them. I have some CDT's and I really enjoy them. I have a link in my sig to there web page.
You can also find them a lot cheaper than what they list on the webpage for.

[ 08-29-2001: Message edited by: NOLACLS ]

 

Actually the stereo guy is right. The high Voltage pre-out has nothing to do with loudness, more bass, more power, or anything of that sense. Say an amp has 50 Watt max RMS, it will never be able to exceed the number. Even if you feed it with 8-12 V signal, the maximum amplification the amp can do is just 50 W (continuously).

The manufacturers produce the high voltage preout in the attempts to fight noise. Noise is also signal, just like your music. Most of the noise comes not from the CD player, but from the components in between it and the speakers, meaning amps, cables, eqs, etc.

Imagine this: The amp has to amplify the weaker music signal more from a 2V head unit. Meaning you have to turn up the gain setting. In this case, the weak noise signal is also amplified. So you hear more noise. If you replace it with a 4.5V head unit, you can turn down the gain setting to achieve the same loudness (remember that amplifier cannot exceed its own power rating). Because the amp doesn't amplify the signal that much, the weak noise signal doesn't get amplified that much. You will hear less noise and more music. Assume that the noise signal strength is the same for the 2 examples above.