thrasher

I know this has been discussed more than a couple times before, I search a ton. I'm trying to set up a car audio system in an old stereo case in my room and I'm running the speakers off a computer.

Now I was told that a 3 amp DC power source should be enough to run a moderate system, yet I'm not getting any sound when i test wire it all together. I'm running a y-splitter to the amp (small kenwood KAC 5201) to the speakers. From what I've read this should be fine, all the compontents are new or i've tested them.

So I'm guessing I don't have nearly enough power?? The source was like 60$ so I'd rather return it soon if I don't need it.

Thanks guys

[ July 13, 2005, 04:51 PM: Message edited by: thrasher ]

Newb

iTrader: (4)

So, computer is signal source, 1/8" adapter to RCA's, amp running off of power supply, to speakers.

If the amp is turning on you should be getting audio output, assuming it's getting audio input from the RCA's. Do you have anything to test for that?

thrasher

hmm not really, i know signal is sent from the sound card (i have my regular computer speakers hooked up right now). I'll double check that the amp isn't a dud by throwing it in my car tonight.

thrasher

I'm looking into wiring several computer powersources together, I've heard of this before and it seemed to work...?

zarx

well electrically 3 amps at 120 volts is equal to 360 watts. Usually transformers are around 80% efficient so your actual useful output should be around 290 watts. And that dinky little kenwood amp maxes at 250 watts....I can see no reason why it isn't working. You're sure you're not using the 5 volt output on the supply?

thrasher

nope, its definatly a 3 amp supply. I've been noticeing since i tested it on my computer the computer speakers have been going downhill, hopefully this didnt' kill the sound card, I dont know why it would.

Haha and i know the amp is small, its all I need to run 2 speakers though, I got a great deal locally.

Any other ideas?
Thanks for the help

rahim

Its not ac, so he won't be getting 290 watts, how many volts is your 3 amp DC power supply? its probably not more then 12-16 volts, which means 16v x 3a = 36 watts at 50% efficiency, means you might get 18 watts, could be enough for music, depends how efficent your speakers are

[ July 18, 2005, 02:38 PM: Message edited by: rahim ]

thrasher

ahh yeah its only 13V, I must be the problem. The speakers are infinity 6000 CS, 90 rms. Is 18 watts enough to run an amp at all though?

rahim

i think it should still turn on

thrasher

would something like this be better suited? http://www.canadiancaraudio.com/ubb/...;f=2;t=008350.

Before I buy that or anything else I'd better figure out why I dont' seem to have any signal. There isn't a real difference between house and car wires are there? (not perfect, but its just for testing)