Question about line levels, line drivers and/or EQ's

**malcom2073** · 08-29-2009, 04:25 PM

Alright, so I finally replaced my head unit and got my subwoofers installed. I'm running a 2000w 2ch pyle driver amplifier (I know, it's crap), and it's not nearly as loud as I would've expected. Infact it's not much louder than my old polk audio system which was only rated at 200w with a sony headunit.

As far as I can tell, this can be attributed to the fact that my motherboard is putting out a very low voltage audio level. My question is: Would getting a line-driver make the system louder without distorting the signal as turning up the gain does, and are there any suggested good EQ's with built in line drivers so I can have a bit of extra control. I've found a boatload of EQ's from the $20 to $800 range, but I'm not sure what the heck most of the specifications mean. I'm just looking for something to give me a bit more control as without a headunit I have none. I'm not an audiophile, infact I'm fairly deaf so the sq dosent bother me as much as lack of control. I've searched the forums but haven't found a really good answer to this, only people saying the specs on motherboards don't say what voltage they generally output, which I already know it's low

.

Thanks in advance.

**tripzero** · 08-29-2009, 04:35 PM

why not use software EQ?

**mentor** · 08-29-2009, 04:35 PM

I've had similar issues with my setup when connecting the soundcard's output directly to the amp. I then ordered a Kicker KQ9 which is a half-din equaliser and crossover. Its very reasonably priced (got mine off ebay) and the 9 band equaliser works really good. Also the inbuilt crossover allows me to feed mid range to my 4 channel amp and bass to the dedicated sub amp.

**malcom2073** · 08-29-2009, 04:36 PM

Kev: I can, but that still doesn't solve the volume problem.

Edit: mentor: Did that increase the volume without distortion?

**Sonicxtacy02** · 08-31-2009, 09:46 AM

line drivers typically dont raise distortion levels AFAIK. If you wanna test one before you buy i can bring to the next meet. Or hell i could just let you run your rca's through my 3sixty with a flat EQ. Its practically the same thing.

**mda185** · 09-01-2009, 02:01 AM

I run my computer audio output through an old Precision Power PAR-225 in dash EQ preamp. This has built in line driver with 9 volt peak to peak output. This works extremely well and I have full control over the volume in addition to 5 bands of EQ. A good quality line driver like this does not increase distortion and in most cases, cleans up the sound because you are not pushing the outputs of your sound card as hard. This was considered an audiophile piece in the 1990's. I bought mine used for $75. Audio Control makes a good quality unit with similar features called the Four.1i. It sells for about $225.00 new. Precision Power also made another model, the PAR-245 that has similar features. They come up for sale on Ebay periodically. In general, you want to find a unit with voltage output capability of at least 4 volts RMS. You also want a unit with a built in switching power supply to reduce the probability of alternator noise causing problems. Cheaper units may not have a decent power supply. The PPI and Audio Control units do. I have used both and can recommend them without reservation. The older PPI unit has DIN connectors and if you are not handy with a soldering iron, you should look for the PAR 245 or Audio Control unit because they use conventional RCA connectors.