FinancialPlanner

I installed my amp/sub/component set last week and now it clips when I turn it up to just loud enough to hear on the freeway with the top down. About the same volume as a stock head unit get to before it starts to crap out. I know it should have more to go than this, the bass isn't turned up, it even clips on talk radio. Its not too powerful but more than the 7 or 8 watts stock (40w RMS x 4 Alpine MRP-F240 with 40 to each component and 100 bridged to the sub.) The only thing that I didn't do that I probably should have is run new speaker wire through the doors. As it is now Im jumping from the factory speaker wire at the head unit. Could that be the problem? Should I adjust the gains? I think they are about 70% right now.

FinancialPlanner

I have a DVC sub with only one VC hooked up. Is this very bad? Could it be causing the amp to clip?

bigsam

What car is the system in? s2k? If so, running your wires from your door directly to your head unit wont make any difference. I have 6.5 alpines in my doors and there connected to the factory harness. (you can buy the harness from bestbuy) DONT CUT! But the first thing i would do, in my opinion, is check the fuse on the headunit and the fuses on the amp. Make sure the correct fuse are uses. Another thing i would do is check the ground on the headunit and amp. Not sure if this was helpful but i tried =)

jwa4378

I need the model number of the sub, and how you wired it, to determine if that is your problem....which chances are it is.....

If the amp is a DVC 2-ohm sub, the amp is probably only seeing 2-ohms. If its a 4-ohm sub, you might be ok.....no too sure on the ramification on the sub when only running a single coil on a dual coil sub....I would think the output would just suck....

Believe it or not, 40wrms is not that big of a jump from the OEM head unit rating (which I believe is around 25rms.....OEM goes for volume instead of quality). The volume gains with an increase in wattage input is not linear, but rather a regressive curve, due to dimishing returns.

Nevertheless, it should be a bit louder (noticeable at least).....

What is your signal input level at? What head unit are you running? What is the pre-amp output level for the head unit? Where is the amp mounted (plenty of ventilation)? How is it mounted (heat sinks should be operational)?

More info is needed.....

John