Best place for analog volume knob

**enthewhite** · 07-28-2009, 10:15 PM

My setup is like this:

Stereo line out from ipod dock connector into> Clarion EQS746 out> 3 pairs of 7v stereo outputs into> amplifiers

I haven't found a volume knob yet, nor am I sure how to make one (just a simple variable resistor I am guessing) But, would it be bad to put a volume knob between the ipod and the eq/preamp?

I would just use the volume knob on the clarion eq but it is rather tiny.

I guess I am just not sure of the difference between changing the level of the signal from the ipod going into the clarion vs. changing the volume control on the clarion, and if one would be better for sound quality/loudness than the other.

Hope I made sense there...

**soundman98** · 07-29-2009, 09:10 AM

you really could adjust the signal anywhere, as long as you can get a rca cable to where you want to control the volume from.
currently this one is $12+shipping:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...+Control-.html

there is also the jl audio clrc, but that is usually about $50, the biggest difference is that it allows you to extend the volume knob with telephone cord to anywhere you need it.

**pcpete** · 07-29-2009, 09:27 AM

I second the Jl CL-RLC....but it does need power to work, as it is also a line driver...

**enthewhite** · 07-30-2009, 10:45 AM

I don't think I will need a line driver, since the clarion unit has input sensitivity adjustment and also puts out 7 volts

I just wasn't sure if taking a full volume signal from the ipod and adjusting the output volume from the clarion would be better or worse than adjusting the signal from the ipod and leaving the output volume on the clarion the same.

**soundman98** · 07-30-2009, 12:19 PM

i would say that it is best to adjust the volume after the clarion unit, but before the amps, being that the clarion bumps everything up to 7volts.

**enthewhite** · 07-30-2009, 12:49 PM

So then I would need 3 volume knobs since the clarion outputs 3 separate stereo channels?(front L+R, rear L+R, and sub L+R)

**soundman98** · 07-30-2009, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by enthewhite

So then I would need 3 volume knobs since the clarion outputs 3 separate stereo channels?(front L+R, rear L+R, and sub L+R)

ah-ha! you have run into the exact same problem that i have... the cheapest solution to controlling the volume on multiple lines at the same time, with one knob is the cl-rlc...

but becuase you are only using a ipod as the source, it would be easier(and cheaper) to put it on the ipod side, so you only need to control 1 stereo line(2 lines).