RCA Splitters

[Sodium Duck]

I found a head unit I want really bad, but it only has one pair of preamp outs. Eventually, I will need two. In the past I have used RCA splitters, but was just curious if this affects sound quality at all? I never noticed a difference.

[Sodium Duck]

These things.

[KCALB SIRAY]

Those you have compared to another, yes, could affect sound quality. The ones you have are basic, lower end splitters. The casing and internal wire will play a difference in your ultimate layout. I've used all different kinds, including the ones you are holding and have not heard the difference, but at other times I have with different layouts. My suggestion is go with a higher end, shielded cable that will ultimately give you the lowest harmonic distortion levels from you amps and cables.

[POORSHA]

For no loss in quality try The audio control eqshttp://www.audiocontrol.com/t34/5248/14160/Trunk-Mount-Equalizers/EQS-Six-Channel-Trunk-Mount-Equalizer.html

[sqcomp]

Out of curiosity, what amplifier are you using?

[Sodium Duck]

I sold it all off, I'm doing a new system all over. I have no clue what amps I'm going to buy.

[goku87]

These things.

All splitters, regardless of what they are made of, copper, nickle, or even 100% platinum, will introduce loss, for the simple reason that you are taking one signal and dividing it. As with anything in the universe, if you divide something, you get less of it.

In conclusion, go with the radio shack ones. They all do the same thing. :thumbsup:

[Sodium Duck]

Even the fancy trunk mount multi-channel equalizers?

[goku87]

Even the fancy trunk mount multi-channel equalizers?

If it requires power, then it will probably helping out your signal (i.e. fancy trun mount multi-channel equalizers). I am just talking about passive interconnects a few inches long like the splitter you pictured above. :smile:

[sqcomp]

What source unit are you using that only has one pre out? The amplifier(s) you choose may have pre outs.

One pre out from the source to the amplifier, then a patch cable to the next amplifier. IMO, it would probably be good to have a line driver (depending on the source) to keep your signal Voltage up.

[talnlnky]

Don't worry about the rca splitters being bad for sq. COPPER IS COPPER. SQ will not go down on those anymore than any other pair unless they are damaged, or are somehow picking up a wierd noise (which is extremely unlikely to happen at the splitter).

the whole concept of SQ wires is an amazing marketing scheme.

What WILL be affected is the load your deck will have put on it. It'll have twice the power draw... meaning, twice the amperage. your deck SHOULD be fine... i've never heard of a deck dying due to the load from dual RCA's on a single pre-out.

What MIGHT be affected is your voltage on your pre-outs. Due to the higher amp draw, your voltage may sag slightly... this won't effect SQ, but if it does happen it will effect total volume. HOWEVER! You won't notice any change in volume because the voltage would have to sag by like 10% before you'd notice a change in volume (if listening at normal to loud volume levels)


A line driver would be nice.... but may actually lower sq depending on a few factors that we have no clue on. At the very least, it will add cost when chances are you wouldn't ever NEED one.

[pennyracer]

so when you buy a new head unit you want at least five preamp outputs if you can spend the money to get them . that takes care of using y cables for less controll thats part of the deal when you spend less money on a deck they have less options like preamp out puts for example thats one of the first things i look for right out of the gate

[Sodium Duck]

Yes, I agree Penny. But how many head units do you know of that can receive weatherbands and have weather alert? :biggrin:


Dual XD-642W http://www.fadfusion.com/selection.php?product_item_number=20081400159

* 1.0 DIN weather-resistant chassis

* 4 x 50-watt

* 7-channel NOAA weatherband

* Detachable face

* Positive white dot matrix liquid crystal display

* Includes 1-pair of preamp outputs, and 1-pair of auxilary outputs (RCA) and iPlug™ interface





I'm still up in the air about it though. It's very tempting to splurge on an in-dash navigational unit instead. Just get a CB with NOAA bands or something.

[pennyracer]

myself i would not buy any dual brand unit i hear they are just not reliable . spend a little more and a brand name unit is my thaught im shopping for another head unit myself and man its hard when i want so many options for the lowest price and a brand name unit

[goku87]

Holy crap! It's weather-resistant?!!???! :eyebulge:

[Sodium Duck]

Yea, it's a marine radio. That's why it has weatherbands as well.