Originally posted by contouranado:
that might keep him from blowing his speakers, but the gains on an amplifier are by no means a volume control. they are used to match the voltage output of the head unit. just a heads up
Turning down the gains from the optimal setting (such as 4V pre-outs to a sensitivity setting of a 4V setting on the imput of the amp) will effectivly turn the amplifier into a lower powered version of itself. No harm will be done by doing this. In fact, it's likely safer for all components. There's little to no risk of clipping or the amp overheating = speakers happy. 
Most people get into trouble by using the gains in the opposite means described trying to get more power out of an overtaxed amplifier. They'll run the amp into clipping (which means possible power output of twice its rating) which can then damage speakers (especially tweets).
1999 Ford Contour SVT #900/2760 (SOLD)
2005 Mazda 6s
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