Can the difference between 2.2 volts and 4 volts preamp output blow subs?

Question

i blew my subs when i put my new stereo in, i looked it up today and my old stereo was 2.2 volts, and my new stereo was 4 volts. im talking about the designated subwoofer preamp rca jacks in the back of the stereo's. i left my amp settings the same and i think that blew my subs when i turned the music on loud in the car, is that possible?

Answer 1

Yes, the increased voltage on the RCA could blow out your subs.

The way it works, the old radio with the 2.2 volt rca required the gain on the amp to be set higher so that you have enough signal going to the amp.

when the new radio with the 4 volt input was installed, there is a lot more signal going to the amp.  The gain setting needs to be reduced so compensate for the increased voltage.  because the gains were set high, you got a lot more signal and output from the amp to the subs.

Sorry, but you got your answer

Answer 2

Well, the new line level output will send a higher level signal to the amplifier input (the same as turning up the volume on the receiver) The Amplifier will then amplify the higher level input to a higher level output than before (even with all the settings the same) so, potentially you could have burned up a voice-coil. You nearly doubled the input voltage, which would likely double the output voltage (assuming you amp is big enough) or else you would have serious clipping.

Incidentally, the clipping is a bigger problem for the speakers than too much power. A clipped signal sends straight DC to your speakers and will blow them in a matter of seconds if the signal is clipped badly enough.

In order to avoid this in the future, you should turn your amplifier input gain down all the way when adding new components to the signal path. Start off at a nice low volume and then tune everything up from there.

Answer 3

YES...gain settings would have changed on the amp dramatically and your new h/u was putting out way more power so you were into some serious clipping.