Tuning amp

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bradw011
bradw011 Posts: 4
edited August 2011 in Car Audio & Electronics
Ok. Here is my current setup:

Head Unit: Pioneer MVH-P8200BT
Fronts: MM6501 Components
Rears: MM651 Coaxials
Sub: DB1040
Amp1: PA660
Amp2: PA330 (bridged, to the sub)

Prior to the MM's, I had the DB setup (DB6501/DB651) off the same PA660 amp, and I think I had it tuned to my liking, but I'm by no means an experienced tuner. So, I've got a few questions. Would it be better to use the crossover on the amp, or on the radio, or both? Currently, I'm using both, On the radio, I've got the HPF set at 120, and the amp, I believe, is set at the same. I know the MM's can handle more power than the DB's, should I also set the amp gain higher? On the DB's I've got it about 3/4 the way up.

Well, I guess thats it, for now! If anyone has any other suggestions or comments, I would love feedback, I'd like this system to sound as good as it possibly could!

Thanks Polk Community! Brad
Post edited by bradw011 on
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  • MacLeod
    MacLeod Posts: 14,358
    edited August 2011
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    Turn the gains down. They shouldn't be any higher than the "noon" position or halfway.

    120 is also too high for a high pass setting. Set it down to at least 63 Hz. Experiment with 50 and 40 as well if your head unit will go that far down. The lower the better cause it'll keep the sub bass up front with you and not all coming from the trunk
    polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
    MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
    08 Car Audio Nationals 1st ~ 07 N Georgia Nationals 1st ~ 06 Carl Casper Nationals 1st ~ USACi 05 Southeast AutumnFest 1st

    polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D
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  • bradw011
    bradw011 Posts: 4
    edited August 2011
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    haha that is the complete opposite of what the installer that put them in told me to do! I'll take you're word for it, though. So, to clarify, I'm using the crossover on the head unit? It goes down to 63Hz, I believe. I'll have to check. If I am using the head unit, what do I set the frequency on the amp at? Just all the way down, and let the radio do the work?
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  • MacLeod
    MacLeod Posts: 14,358
    edited August 2011
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    I'd turn the crossovers on the amps off so that they dont screw with the one on the head unit.
    polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
    MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
    08 Car Audio Nationals 1st ~ 07 N Georgia Nationals 1st ~ 06 Carl Casper Nationals 1st ~ USACi 05 Southeast AutumnFest 1st

    polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D
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  • LONG TIME BUYER
    LONG TIME BUYER Posts: 112
    edited August 2011
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    macleod wrote: »
    i'd turn the crossovers on the amps off so that they dont screw with the one on the head unit.

    ive always been told to tune with your amps cross-overs only,is this not ture?
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  • MacLeod
    MacLeod Posts: 14,358
    edited August 2011
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    Do whichever you like. I always find it easier to tune with the head unit as its right there at your fingertips where the amps are in the trunk or under the seat or something like that.
    polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
    MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
    08 Car Audio Nationals 1st ~ 07 N Georgia Nationals 1st ~ 06 Carl Casper Nationals 1st ~ USACi 05 Southeast AutumnFest 1st

    polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D
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  • bradw011
    bradw011 Posts: 4
    edited August 2011
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    well, after this, and browsing the rest of the forums, I think I've found what will work for me! I'll let everyone know how it sounds once it's all dialed in. Anyone else have any more tips/advice?
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  • MacLeod
    MacLeod Posts: 14,358
    edited August 2011
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    Not really. Its gonna be a lot of trial and error.

    One thing to note: when you finish tuning, let it stand for a day or two. There have been several times Ill spend a few hours in the car tuning and think Ive found the magic settings. Then get in the car the next morning and drive to work and think what the hell was I smoking last night?!

    As you tune, your ears will get fatigued and youll start to think crap sounds good. Your mind can and will play tricks on you when it comes to audio. So get a setting that you think sounds good, live with it for a day then try to improve on it and so on. Itll take you a few swings before you land on the one youll live with for a long time.
    polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
    MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
    08 Car Audio Nationals 1st ~ 07 N Georgia Nationals 1st ~ 06 Carl Casper Nationals 1st ~ USACi 05 Southeast AutumnFest 1st

    polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D
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  • 20hz
    20hz Posts: 636
    edited August 2011
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    why not run the amps full range and run a externall adjustable electronic crossover before them ?
    with this you will have full freq adjustments and gain adjustments (as long as you buy a good unit) .
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