I just bought a pioneer premier 4ch. amp to run off the factory h/u. Just wondering if I'd get better sound quality utilizing the hi-level imputs or if I should go with the RCA line out converters & cables

Thanks

 

Interesting question- each has merits.
The simplest install would be just plug into the high level in with the speaker outs, no question. The quality will depend as much as anything on the input section of the amp itself.

RCA generally transmits less hiss and is not as liable to transient destortion, but is much easier to have induced electrical whine.

I always try both in a car if I can, and compare to see if the difference is signifigant. With Premier it is most likely not too much between the too.

Not a "real" answer on my part, but hope it helps.

If cornered, I have used more LOCs than not, but I also use well made LOCs, which may end up adding $$$ to a install.

Let see what others say, and then let us know what you decide to do please!

 

I would say that unless you spend the money for good converters (like David Navone's), just go right to the amp. Even with quality converters, it IS another place where noise could be introduced into the system. Some even have ground connections and adjustments - just to make things even MORE complicated.

It's not a big deal to try one, then try the other if you're not satisfied. I'd use the amps connections first - why spend money on converters if its not necessary. If it sucks, you can re-do it. Make some quick connections if possible, just to try it out. Other wise you'll go thru all the wire tucking and hiding only to pull some of it out again.

~HH

 

I already spent $15ea on 2, 2ch. Jensen LOC's at best buy. However, my main concern is electrical whine- nothing will drive me nuts faster than that. I guess I will have to try it out both ways and see that sounds better.

 

when using RCA- route away from all other electrial as much as you can, route power in a different direction to the amp. For ease, you could try the rca without the headunit totally installed, wouldn't be quite as much work... just a thought.

 

wasn't aware that protege5's came with high level outs? and if so, that would be a better option than a line converter... no matter what type of amp? am i missing something?

 

High-level outputs are just the speaker wires. They are called high-level because the signal is already amplified at the head unit. Some amps can accept either this signal, or a low-level signal from RCAs - which is basically unamplified. The stock P5 radio has no low-level outputs.

If an amp cannot accept the high-level inputs, the amplified speaker signal must be "stepped down" to low level signal and converted to RCA cables using the converters we've been speaking about.

~HH

 

so it would be better to use the "speaker level inputs" rather than "LOCs" ?

 

Well, I went with the LOC's and am pleased. There's no electrical engine whine and sound quality is good... I've just decided that I hate the factory deck and that's the next thing to go. But overall, results were very very good. Thanks!

 

looking at it the best I can, at least you now have the RCA lines in place to do a aftermarket headunit!
Is the stock unit a features issue? Just curious?
Start the hunt for a headunit with looking at some just to see the features that are on the market, then make a list of the type of features you are wanting, and then go shopping! The internet is a great window shopping mall... Good luck, and let folks here know if there is any way we can help!!

 

Actually, I really dislike the fact that there is an adjustment for Mid-level sound apart from the bass and treble. I can never find a setting I like. Also, it skips too much

 

I don't know if the MP5 has low out's. Low outs is your best option for quality sound. Personally, I installed a new head unit in mine to get the rca capability. Running the wires is not bad, and the p5 should come apart pretty easy. Maybe your best bet would be to go high input for now and whenever you change over to a new headunit, upgrade yours to a low input(rca). It maybe a good idea, however, to pre run the rca's now anyway while you have it apart. That will always leave you option just incase you get a different amp or decide to make changes such as low input upgrade. Hope this helps!!!

 

Then you have a great start to a list of features you are looking for. Go to Best Buy, or Tweeter, or local shops, whatever, and look at all the different headunits. Some will have two tone controls, some will have three band parametric eq, some will have seven band eq, some will have five band eq, some 12 or 15 band eq, and some, yes, the dreaded treble, mid, and bass!
Do you burn disc? Another feature to look for.
How much do you listen to the radio? There are some nice tuning sections out there- the new Pioneer SupertunerIIID is purported to be nice, but I have not yet heard it. I ordered one to play with last night though....
Anit skip, lighting, removable faceplates! YIKES the list can be endless!
Shopping can be fun, get together a list of must have features, would be nice to have features, and features out would rather die that live with, and then go shopping.
Don't forget the internet, it will be able to lenghten your spending dollars quite a bit for you if you can find a unit there.

Good Luck! Let us all know as the search progresses-

 

Ok Dave - I've got one for ya:

Remember back in the day, when decks actually had ADJUSTABLE dimmers that worked in conjunction with the dash light dimmer? WTF happened to those?

I HATE the fact that most new decks lack this feature, and have no dimmer or just a "step-down" dimmer. I'm a "dim dash lights" guy, and even my deck (Kenwood) is way too bright on the step-down.

I can't believe that some decks, albeit mostly cheaper ones (but some mid-level one's also), have NO dimmer function at ALL!

So - do you know of any decks that have the true adjustable dimmer, plus: MP3 CD capable, and detatchable face?

I'd actually even take a deck that has the step-down, but where the level to which it "steps" can be programmed. Anything really, so long as it can get dim - I mean really dim.

~HH