Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio line driver worth it?

i saw a PG line driver for 100$, i was just wondering how much improvement in dynamics and sound quality one could expect. is the improvement work it? i just dont actually know anyone who owns a line driver, but im considering it

It would only be worth it if you have a noise issue in your car, and your amplifier can handle the extra input voltage. What is the output voltage on your HU currently?

its a blaupunkt tokyo, 3v preamp output

One more question, what kind of amp do you have and what is the maximum input voltage?

If it is 4-5v or less, than the line driver would be difficult to justify.

A line driver is always worth it.
Just to ensure having maximum signal.
Anything less than 5V is not optimum signal.
Question is do you have a problem with noise?
If you do not think it is a problem (i.e. you don't hear any) and you don't plan on competing in IASCA events, then don't worry about it.
If you plan on competing, then it is a good investment.
If you hear static, then it is a good investment.

well, a few questions. how would getting a line driver compare to getting a new amp? what would the results be? what effects if any would it have on the power im drawing from my car?

after more reading up , it seems like line drivers do alot for the price, give you louder clearer signal, reduce noise, increase frequency response, etc..any of these good choices?

http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/PHOTLD2

http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/AUDOVERDRIVEW

http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/HIFBLD1P

Well,

A line driver basically only sends a higher voltage signal to the amp. This CAN help eliminate noise, but won't change Frequency Response.

Keep in mind that if your amp can only take a max input = to that of the max output on the HU, than a line driver will serve no purpose. If you have an amp that can accept a 10v input, than you may want to consider one. If you don't have noise in your system now, there isn't much value in a line driver.

I agree with most of what you said, but the above quote. It is only worth it in specific circumstances. Having it in a virtually noise free system would be like having 60w when 50w is already too much.

IMHO, having a higher voltage signal (whether an amp is rated as capable of handling it or not) is always worth it for a competitor.
That's what I was trying to get across.
True, the average car stereo can do just fine without one.
But no harm can come from having one, only benefits (even if they may be so small as not to notice).
5V of signal from a HU going into an amp at rated for 5V will still have some noise.
Until the power of the signal is larger than the power of the car's electrical system (~12.5V) there will still be some noise.
What needs to be considered is how much noise is currently audible in the system, and if other (cheaper) preventative measures can be done to eliminate the noise.

But if the amp is only capable of a 5v input, anything over 5v will send the amp into clipping. This is definitely not advantageous.