All hail line drivers!!!!
12-18-2005, 11:33 AM
#11
Yankee
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,599
A line driver will reduce signal noise significantly when installed correctly because it increases signal/noise ratio. To reduce noise from existing system and to avoid boosting an already noisy signal a line driver should always be mounted near the source unit (usually front of the car - say glove box if it will fit). This gives the signal from the deck the least risk of picking up noise that is usually associated with long lines of cable running from the deck to the amp at the rear of the car. Also, use a 0 noise cable from the deck to the line driver. From the line driver it is safe to run a crappy cable because the signal/noise is boosted so high. If you run regular (even relatively high-end) from the deck all the way to the rear where a line driver is the line driver will boost the noise the system generates to that point so it's ability to improve SQ is limited.
Adding equipment to a signal path (equipment that introduces additional noise), can not reduce system noise nor can it improve the fidelity to the recording media. Noise is additive, a line driver boosts signal including system noise.
But can a line driver make the system sound better... yes (sounding better does not equal accuracy nor does it equal realism) it simply means it is more pleasant.
12-18-2005, 02:08 PM
#13
Line drivers with out an isolated psu are known for picking up noise... shouldnt be an issue with a name like phenoix gold, but something everyone else should look for....
Although, If I wanted a high signal level in my car I'd just use the speaker outputs from my deck... [img]graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]
Although, If I wanted a high signal level in my car I'd just use the speaker outputs from my deck... [img]graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]
12-18-2005, 10:06 PM
#14
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 192
Hey
Of the 5 different single ended line drivers I have used the Audiocontrol Overdrive had the most realistic sound IMO. The best difference I heard was fingers sliding down the strings of a guitar, sounded like a live show. No other line driver I have tried has recreated this sound as well. Both PG models I tried seemed to flatten the sound, male voice especially lacked presence.
Balanced line drivers make a different change in the sound, all better but different. The Adcom piece outperformed Soundstream, Zapco and PG pieces but it is hard to find and uses different connectors than the other pieces.
Good Luck, J
Of the 5 different single ended line drivers I have used the Audiocontrol Overdrive had the most realistic sound IMO. The best difference I heard was fingers sliding down the strings of a guitar, sounded like a live show. No other line driver I have tried has recreated this sound as well. Both PG models I tried seemed to flatten the sound, male voice especially lacked presence.
Balanced line drivers make a different change in the sound, all better but different. The Adcom piece outperformed Soundstream, Zapco and PG pieces but it is hard to find and uses different connectors than the other pieces.
Good Luck, J
12-19-2005, 02:00 PM
#17
500 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 884
Originally posted by Jaxom:
Both PG models I tried seemed to flatten the sound
Both PG models I tried seemed to flatten the sound
12-19-2005, 08:13 PM
#18
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 192
Hey all
All of these were stock units when I listened them. I know the opamps can be upgraded, I tried a few different ones in the PG PLD-1. Of the 15ish other opamps I tried the Analog Devices AD746 dual & OP467 quad sounded smoothest overall. Since there is no pin-for-pin compatible replacement for the 4136 it makes it hard to replace without an adapter or was pin to pad wired.
Modifying is fun!
Later, J
All of these were stock units when I listened them. I know the opamps can be upgraded, I tried a few different ones in the PG PLD-1. Of the 15ish other opamps I tried the Analog Devices AD746 dual & OP467 quad sounded smoothest overall. Since there is no pin-for-pin compatible replacement for the 4136 it makes it hard to replace without an adapter or was pin to pad wired.
Modifying is fun!
Later, J
