i was wondering if i should get a line driver to boost the signal from my deck to my amp.

but i was wondering if line drivers really worked. i dont wanna pay an arm and a leg for one. if i get a cheap one, is it worth it???

 

I used a line driver because my deck only had 2v outputs and yes it really worked. there are some for sale on this board for $70 i think, a good deal in my opinion.

 

Having a good strong voltage into your amps is beneficial for many reasons and definitely worth it.

I would add a good line driver to many decks even if they claim "high pre-out voltage" as they are rarely as strong as they claim.

I have an extra Phoenix Gold PLD-1 if you're interested. $70 obo.

 

Another bump for using a line driver. ^^^^ = good deal. [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]

 

There are 3 reasons to use one...

1. You have induced noise getting into the signal, and you want to lower the noise floor by increasoing the low level signal.

2. The amps won't get to full power with the decks preout voltage.

3. You want to be able to drive the amp into heavy distortion for SPL competition.

I think 2v is generally suitable for most daily drivers with no noise issues...

 

^^^
I don't buy number 2. My deck's RCA doesn't distort even at full volume. I've been playing with the gain on my amp, and I always manage to get distortion at a certain volume - this would imply to me that I have reached the amps max potential - so I turn it down so I never get distortion in my system. My deck is old school and claims only 1.8 v, yet the amp still gets to full power.

Number 3. well, I guess suit yourself.

Number 1. clean signal transfer, without a doubt.

 

He meant 'IF' The amps won't get to full power with the decks preout voltage, THEN using a line driver would be a good idea.