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High level amp inputs? Line output converters ? Help me out ...

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by TRD Toy85, May 26, 2013.

  1. May 26, 2013 at 7:54 PM
    #1
    TRD Toy85

    TRD Toy85 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm goin to be addin a sub and amp to my oem jbl system .
    I will be using my stock headunit.

    My question is , why does everyone use line output converters instead of just the high input on the amp .

    I have a fair amount of audio Experiance but I've always had aftermarket headunits and never delt with this .

    Im also trying to keep this cost effective , my system will consist of a 8" rockford shallow mount and a well paired amp .nothing crazy , but I want it to sound nice and clean .
     
    Last edited: May 26, 2013
  2. May 26, 2013 at 7:55 PM
    #2
    sfcadams

    sfcadams Retired Senior NCO

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  3. May 26, 2013 at 8:04 PM
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    BamaToy1997

    BamaToy1997 Wheel Bearing Master

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    I am not 100% sure if I understand your question, but I am guessing you are asking why people prefer using the RCA line inputs rather than use the high level input.

    If that is true, then part of the reason is sound quality. Low level input (RCA jack) has a lower distortion than high level inputs. Also many stereos these days are amplified already on the high level end. Many amps can't handle the high power input from the stereos. Unless I am misunderstanding your question here.
     
  4. May 27, 2013 at 5:25 AM
    #4
    TRD Toy85

    TRD Toy85 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    my question is why go through all the trouble of using line output converters like the lci2 or clean sweep or PAC style instead of just using the high level input on the amp.

    I don't have the option of low level RCA jacks on the stock head unit
     
  5. May 27, 2013 at 5:58 AM
    #5
    Raoul Duke

    Raoul Duke Well-Known Member

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    this is because not all amplifiers have a "high level input"

    so it would be cheaper to buy a high/low level adapter than to buy a new amp that has high level in.

    lot's of older amps did not have this feature because factory head units were crap, but now with nicer looking and better functioning stock headunits, more and more people choose to keep them and integrate them into their aftermarket system.

    check out Hertz Audio amps, they have highlevel in with speaker signal turn on and are super low profile I have an HP4 its awesome
     
  6. May 27, 2013 at 6:53 AM
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    TRD Toy85

    TRD Toy85 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Last edited: May 27, 2013
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    #6
  7. May 27, 2013 at 5:29 PM
    #7
    Raoul Duke

    Raoul Duke Well-Known Member

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    this will not work because the factory head unit does NOT have a low level output. you cannot feed a high level (amplified signal) to an amplifier

    if you wire those to your aftermarket amp you will ruin the amp and the speakers... and probably your ears. if you haven't bought an amp yet just make sure you buy one that has high level input... problem solved
     
  8. May 27, 2013 at 6:07 PM
    #8
    TRD Toy85

    TRD Toy85 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That doesn't make sence , I think it has to be a low level input from the headunit feeding the jbl amp . Otherwise it would go right to the speakers and not to the jbl amp .

    Any one have any jbl wiring schematics ? Either for the headunit or the amp would be helpful ?
     
  9. May 27, 2013 at 10:08 PM
    #9
    JayAre

    JayAre Well-Known Member

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    I don't know anything about the JBL systems, but it appears the amp powers all the speakers not just the sub? Somebody posted the wiring diagram of the 13's in the 2nd gen forums awhile ago, you can probably still find it. Not sure where to host it myself.
    [​IMG]
     
  10. May 28, 2013 at 5:24 AM
    #10
    Raoul Duke

    Raoul Duke Well-Known Member

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    AHHHH pardon me! i didn't realise you had the JBL amped factory system....
     
  11. May 28, 2013 at 6:14 AM
    #11
    TRD Toy85

    TRD Toy85 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Nice that's a big help , I found some others for the 4 runner system jbl but not much more for the taco . Ill search some more tonight .
     
  12. May 28, 2013 at 7:10 AM
    #12
    Raoul Duke

    Raoul Duke Well-Known Member

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    it would be nice to know how many Volts the low level signal is from the deck. I'm pretty sure most decks out put between 2v and 6v. if it is in this range then your amp should work well
     
    Last edited: May 28, 2013
  13. May 28, 2013 at 12:09 PM
    #13
    JayAre

    JayAre Well-Known Member

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    if you can't find it, pm me and I can email it to you.
     
  14. May 28, 2013 at 3:33 PM
    #14
    buickv6

    buickv6 Member

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    I initially used the high level input for my JL600 amp, but I had a couple of issues. The auto high level amp turn on feature did not work with my factory JBL system. Second was the signal at 45 watts per channel was too much, with my gain all the way down it was still too loud.

    I ended up running a ignition wire for amp turn on and installing a high level converter, make sure the watts rating is adequate. I relocated my factory amp and cut off the 4 wire plug for my electrical connections. It all works excellent now.

    074.jpg
     
  15. May 28, 2013 at 4:12 PM
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    buickv6

    buickv6 Member

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    another pic...

    072.jpg
     
  16. May 28, 2013 at 4:30 PM
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    TRD Toy85

    TRD Toy85 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    ill shot you a pm , the one posted is helpful and I think I can pull my low input from wires 3,2,5 and 4 and avid high inputs or any converters .

    But now after doing some reading, some others claim you cant tap into the signal between the headunit and the jbl amp, because the way the system works it will only provide a constant voltage and there wont be any volume adjustment....


    ya the amp turn on feature often seems hit or miss . What tells the factory jbl amp to come on? no remote power wire running to it ?

    I guess its no big deal to go to the fuse box if i have to or behind the factory unit.
     
    Last edited: May 28, 2013
  17. May 28, 2013 at 4:50 PM
    #17
    TRD Toy85

    TRD Toy85 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    that must sound good. I'm only going to be using 1 8" sub, Just looking for a little more bass and better quality bass then the jbl.

    Really wish I didn't spend the money on the jbl pkg now, though it sounded good at mild volume when I was at the dealer, its when you crank it up the sound just goes to hell...
     
  18. May 28, 2013 at 7:48 PM
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    buickv6

    buickv6 Member

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    I have read that the output from the HU to the JBL amp is a actually a data signal and will not work as a low level signal. Let us know your outcome, you would think someone has tried this?
     
  19. Nov 13, 2016 at 12:04 PM
    #19
    hazard2600

    hazard2600 Well-Known Member

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    I have a bunch of noise in the speakers that I can't get rid of. I've got an '09 taco and I'm trying to find the schematic for the amp. I just need to fine the power line for it so I can add a switch in line.
    After testing, i believe it's one of two white wires with blue stripes.
    Any ideas?
     

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