Hello
I'm building a ground up entry level system to be done in two phases but unsure about which HU I should look for when it comes to pre-amp outputs...1, 2 or 3 sets?
Basically I'm shooting for 6.5 components up front, with 4x6's in the rear doors and use a single sub (8" or 10") under the rear bench seat (2000 GMC 1500 Ext. Cab). I've got the comps already, a Polk DB6501's and plan on getting the matching 4x6 Polk plate set for the rear. I want to use the HU to power both sets till I get the sub and amp. The final uystem will have the HU powering the rears with the front comps and sub off the amp.
With this setup in mind just how many pre-amp jacks do I really need? My budget is around $150.00 and I don't need Bluetooth. I will use a USB flashdrive and MP3 player (non-IPod) allot. I've always liked Clarion and my first choice was the CZ309. The new JVC's look good and seem decent enough with features. I like the new Sony GT640IU for the features, and larger diplay. The Kenwoods seem to be a mix bag but the MP342U may fit the bill. I'd like to run my RCA cable(s) when I do this, I just don't know how many sets I need to run?
Kenny J
Many wiring diagrams are illustrative in nature, but not necessarily technically accurate.
That, said, you can get away with running the system above off of one set of RCAs from the HU, but you will lose fader control and any direct control over the subwoofer from the HU. If you want full control over the individual drivers from the HU, you will need a set of RCAs for each pair of speakers, and a set for the subs, or two pairs in your case.
02 BMW 330Ci, Alpine DVI-9965, Alpine MRA F350 5ch, Alpine MRP T220 + 2x Kicker 6x9 FreeAir, Kicker KX1200.1 + Alpine 12" Type-R, 2-Way Security, Keyless Entry, Remote Start
As long as you are absolutely sure that you will never amp the rears (I would never bother amping 4x6" either) or run the fronts active off a 4ch amp, you will only need two sets of preouts: front and sub/rear. You will need to run two pairs of RCAs, one for the front amp, and one for the sub amp.
As far as brands go, I tend to like Alpine and Pioneer. Sonys usually have nice screens and good UI, but lack a few SQ/tuning features. Newer Kenwoods seem to be a mixed bag, and newer JVCs look fairly promising. Make sure you actually audition them though, as the menu system and UI of JVCs really turned me off a few years ago...
Well I looked around for wiring diagrams and found some good ones at JL Audio and other Amp Mfgs. But I saw some with one set of RCA'a and some with two sets running from the AMP to the HU. On JL Audio site they have anew Amp called the HD600/4 (four channel) with various diagrams. System four is what I'm shooting for called 'Four corners + Sub" with the Head Unit powering the rear speakers. Even in this drawing one set of RCA is used.
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/pdfs/HD6004_App_guide.pdf
As far as HU I'll keep my options open but I do have a budget. The Alpine CDA-105 looks solid and may try a scratch & dent model. The Pioneer DEH-4100Ub would be another. I just don't need a major $$$$ system considering my drive time is less than 45min each day total.
Unless you plan to spend the $700+ on that JL amp then you will likely have to run two(2) RCA cables. I believe JL just recently put that nifty feature into some of their amps. Most other amps, if not every, will require you to run one set for your highs (front speakers) and one set for your lows(subs). Also, both of those HU's have a subwoofer preamp output that will allow you to control the volume, cut off frequency, phase, and even let you trun the sub on or off. If you went with an amp that allowed you to use just one RCA cable then all adjustments would have to be made on the amp and you wouldn't be able to adjust the subs volume on the fly.