on the sub side i've got 2 jl w1v2 12's (4ohm,) at 2 ohm, to a jl g1700 (350rms apiece)
on the mids & highs, i have jl vr 6 1/2 comps, and jl vr 6/9's, all wired at 4ohm to a jl g4500 (80w rms x 4)
i monitor my voltage at the processor, w/ the mic on the audiocontrol epic-160, it's contant at between 13.8 and 14.1 v
everything's wired at 4g, out of a dist. blk., and 4g frm. dist. blk. to battery, with series 7 streetwire rca's.................question...............
why do i have to have my jl amps at almost full gain (a little over 3/4) to achieve a "good" sound? this setup works fine, just wondering what gives? .......my hu, jvc arsenal a805 puts out 5v and the audiocontrol processor matches it. the input selector on the jl amps, either 'high" or "low" is set to low. but when set to a "high" voltage input level, the amp produces hardly any sound at any gain level........the whole setup is also run to a 1farad cap. i know it's a little small, but so far, my voltage maintains.................any idea on the gains being maxed out thing? thankx!!..............
Those are good questions about the gain. Since the JL Audio G1700 amp does not have a regulated power supply, then the input voltage it gets from your system will affect its output. If you car's power system runs closer to 12.5 volts, then you will not get the 700 watts. You get 500 watts at 2 ohms.
Also, the gain control is adjusting the amps input sensitivity. This is kind of like a volume control. You make the amp less sensitive, then the sound goes down. You make the amp more sensitive, then the volume goes up. Adjusting this sensitivity can cause poor sound if the sensitivity is set to low, good sound when it is closely matched, and distorted sound if the sensitivity is set too high. Given the slight (if any) overhead on the power end, I would think this is the reason you need the gain turned up like you do. As long as you get the good sound before you go all the way up on the gain, then you are okay and should not need to worry about damaging your amp.
HTH!
http://www.crutchfield.com/bio/Paul