noob question re: crossover

ul9601 · 27th July 2010, 11:25 PM

Hi all,
I have a Pioneer KPX-9000 HU and I'm leaning towards getting an equalizer with a built-in amplifer for now, and upgrade to an equalizer with a preamp out later on when fund allows.
If my understanding putting together a system is any good (doubt it), I have three possibilities for 4 speakers and a sub configuration.

1) HU->Crossover->Equalizer->Speakers
& Sub Amp->Sub from the crossover

2) HU->Equalizer->Crossover->Speakers
& Sub from the crossover

3) HU->Equalizer->Crossover->Speakers
& Sub Amp with High Level Input->Sub from the crossover

Do any of the above make (practical) sense?
Cheers,
Sam

PedroDaGr8 · 28th July 2010, 03:15 AM

Option 2 seems like your best bet. That being said a lot of crossovers also split the mids from the tweets (where you mention speakers).

Perry Babin · 28th July 2010, 11:01 AM

Some (maybe all) of the KPX head units had very low output signal (~70mv?) so they'll only work well with the old Pioneer component system components. This will limit your options.

ul9601 · 28th July 2010, 10:27 PM

ok - what is the typical preamp output voltage for modern headunits?
so it's not simple as turning up the amp, then? - sorry about all these noob questions.

PedroDaGr8 · 28th July 2010, 10:32 PM

My headunit has 5V or 6V preouts (Pioneer Premier DEH-P980BT). I think most are in the range of 1-7V. This would mean your headunit is up to 2 orders of magnitude below the required range.

Perry Babin · 28th July 2010, 10:35 PM

Typical maximum preamp voltage for a normal/common head unit is between 2 volts and 4 volts. Most amplifiers can produce full power with input as low as 200mv but there aren't many that can produce full power with 70mv. Does your head unit have the output voltage printed on the label with the model number?

ul9601 · 28th July 2010, 11:05 PM

Most of the texts on the label are not really legible. I consider myself lucky to have decyphered the model number to be honest...
I'll have a look though when I get home.
Thanks guys.

ul9601 · 29th July 2010, 07:16 AM

nope - i can't read any other info on the label than 12VDC -ve ground...

27th July 2010, 11:25 PM	#1
ul9601 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2010	noob question re: crossover Hi all, I have a Pioneer KPX-9000 HU and I'm leaning towards getting an equalizer with a built-in amplifer for now, and upgrade to an equalizer with a preamp out later on when fund allows. If my understanding putting together a system is any good (doubt it), I have three possibilities for 4 speakers and a sub configuration. 1) HU->Crossover->Equalizer->Speakers & Sub Amp->Sub from the crossover 2) HU->Equalizer->Crossover->Speakers & Sub from the crossover 3) HU->Equalizer->Crossover->Speakers & Sub Amp with High Level Input->Sub from the crossover Do any of the above make (practical) sense? Cheers, Sam

28th July 2010, 11:01 AM	#3
Perry Babin diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Louisiana	Some (maybe all) of the KPX head units had very low output signal (~70mv?) so they'll only work well with the old Pioneer component system components. This will limit your options. __________________ Links >> Basic Car Audio Amp Repair * Basic Car Audio Electronics * New Site * Basic Switching Power Supply Design * Basic Computer Skills << Links

28th July 2010, 10:35 PM	#6
Perry Babin diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Louisiana	Typical maximum preamp voltage for a normal/common head unit is between 2 volts and 4 volts. Most amplifiers can produce full power with input as low as 200mv but there aren't many that can produce full power with 70mv. Does your head unit have the output voltage printed on the label with the model number? __________________ Links >> Basic Car Audio Amp Repair * Basic Car Audio Electronics * New Site * Basic Switching Power Supply Design * Basic Computer Skills << Links

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28th July 2010, 03:15 AM	#2
PedroDaGr8 diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: San Diego, CA	Option 2 seems like your best bet. That being said a lot of crossovers also split the mids from the tweets (where you mention speakers).

28th July 2010, 10:27 PM	#4
ul9601 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2010	ok - what is the typical preamp output voltage for modern headunits? so it's not simple as turning up the amp, then? - sorry about all these noob questions.

28th July 2010, 10:32 PM	#5
PedroDaGr8 diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: San Diego, CA	My headunit has 5V or 6V preouts (Pioneer Premier DEH-P980BT). I think most are in the range of 1-7V. This would mean your headunit is up to 2 orders of magnitude below the required range.

28th July 2010, 11:05 PM	#7
ul9601 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2010	Most of the texts on the label are not really legible. I consider myself lucky to have decyphered the model number to be honest... I'll have a look though when I get home. Thanks guys.

29th July 2010, 07:16 AM	#8
ul9601 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2010	nope - i can't read any other info on the label than 12VDC -ve ground...

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