How to Tune a Car Amp
If you're looking to improve the performance of your car audio system, an amplifier is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to do so. The increased power it supplies to your speakers results in clearer, stronger, and more detailed sound, so your music sounds better whether your taste runs to rock, reggae or rap. But an amp that's incorrectly set up or tuned won't provide all the benefit that it can.
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Instructions
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Adjust the high- and low-pass filters. The filters on your amp, sometimes referred to as the crossovers, determine what range of frequencies are sent to your speakers. Smaller speakers handle higher frequencies, and larger speakers can handle lower frequencies. Many amps have adjustable filters, so you can tailor the range of frequencies that go to your speakers. Adjust the high-pass filter to allow more or restrict the frequencies that go to your system's front speakers. Evaluate the sound and adjust to your liking. Conversely adjust the low-pass filter to allow more or restrict the frequencies that are sent to your rear speakers or sub. Adjust to match your taste.
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Set the gain of your amplifier. The gain control adjusts the power of the signal coming into your amplifier. Set the gain as high as you can without introducing distortion into your system. To do this, set the receiver to a moderate volume level, then slowly adjust the gain upward until you hear distortion in the signal. Then back it down slightly and you're set. Do this with several different musical examples and with different sources (radio, CD) to be sure you've got the gain dialed in properly.
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Ensure the physical connections to your amp are of the best quality. Don't underestimate the importance of high-quality power cables, RCA cables, and speaker wire in your amp's performance. If possible, replace low-quality cables and wire with upgraded materials. You'll hear the difference.
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Tips & Warnings
Tuning your system is as much an art as it is a science. Don't be afraid to try different settings and live with them for a while.
- Photo Credit Car interior image by mashe from Fotolia.com
Comments
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Somewhat helpful.
