Okay, guys, one probably simple question...

What level on the Empeg did you set to "normal" listening volume? -10 on the volume setting? -20?

I realize how loud you CAN get depends on the signal going TO the amp, so if I have them set 'normal' to -5, then I won't be able to get very loud (not that I need to be BLASTING, but sometimes road noise just NEEDS to be drowned out..)..

Me, who's looking to get his Mini Cooper upgraded, in a BIG way.

The procedure for properly setting your amplifier gain controls is listed here. Follow those procedures to get the proper amount of S/N from your empeg and amps. The "normal listening volume" is determined by the gain setting on the amplifier, not by the level on the empeg.

Hmm.. Interesting, thanks. Didn't occur to me that there'd be that much info in the FAQ for installations, thanks.

One question, you say:

In reply to:

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Play a loud (but sonically clean) piece of music on the player.

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What is 'loud'?

Thanks!
Me.

What is 'loud'?

Something that approaches 0db deflection very often during the track. Not classical music or jazz. Ideally, something highly compressed like the latest Sheryl Crow album. Something that saturates the sonic spectrum without sounding distorted. It should also be something you're familiar with, so you know what it's supposed to sound like and you'll be able to tell if it's distorting or not.

Okay, just wanted to make sure I was thinking of your definition. (I'm kinda familiar with that, since I used to be in Radio.) :>

And I'm touched! You have a link to my VFD thread in the FAQ. And here I thought you didn't care.

Me.

I set mine to 5 and adjust the volume on my head unit.