Amp Install

[scokill]

I have not set the gain. There are a lot of little switches and knobs. Not sure what it all means. My first amp.

Which JL amp do you have? Do you have one set of RCAs feeding the amp two? Do you have a subwoofer?

Without knowing exactly which one you have I'll see if I can help.

Pre-out switch, don't worry unless you are using this amp's output to feed another amp.
There should be an input switch 2 channel/4 channel. If you only have one set of RCAs feeding the amp this should be on 2 channel. If you have 2 sets of RCAs set it to 4 channel. Depending you the head unit outs you will have only balance/fader with one set, or balance and fader with two sets.

Filter Mode=HP This will send ONLY frequencies above what you set on the dial to the speaker. 80hz might be a good place to start...perhaps lower if no subwoofer but sending lows to 6.5 inch speaker isn't desirable IMO, but you can set this to taste. If you have a subwoofer you might want to set higher depending on what frequencies you are sending to sub. I think mine is set around 90 hz. You can have a "louder" speaker without distortion limiting the low frequencies, or you have a full range speaker that gets all frequencies but can't be pushed as much without distorting on the low end.

As someone mentioned above, set your balance/fader to middle positions, treble/bass or any EQ to flat, volume to 3/4 of max. Turn the input sensitivity dial clockwise until you get a hint of distortion and then back off a little. If you adjust the HP filter either up or down you will need to adjust the input sensitivity again.

There are a people with more knowledge than me but this is what I do.

 

[bigblank69]

Reading this on setting the gains makes me glad I have a SMD-DD1.. So much more accurate for setting the gains and no distortion ever

 

[scokill]

Reading this on setting the gains makes me glad I have a SMD-DD1.. So much more accurate for setting the gains and no distortion ever

I don't have any distortion and don't have it, but it might be nice.

 

[bigblank69]

It is nice, been working with amp gains for 20 years and its nice to finally have a tool where I know 100% the gains are set perfect.

The tool allows you to find where the deck distorts (it's the second to last for volume on the CMD8) and then turn up the gain to see where the amp distorts.

 

[mraz72]

Do they do this sort of tuning on factory stereos with Amps? I am wondering if those with factory amps should run through this procedure?

 

[LeeFlan7]

How was the install to the head unit? I have the SX version of your Boat and I’m about to add an amp with speaker upgrades, also, were the stock speaker wires good for the new speakers, thats a lot of wire I can avoid running if it is fine already