Car Audio 101

bigaudiofanat

division, I do not think that many people know or have a volt meter nor will that help you rely set gains. You would need a oscilloscope for that which I do not think people want to spend 300 dollars on that and learn how to use it. Yes it is for new people and the best I can do is tell them to set it by ear. Some might be better than others but I am not going to recommend learning about 2 or 3 tools that will cost an extra 500 dollars to set it. I believe that people are capable of understanding what distortion is "or clipping" and how to turn a knob down so that there is none.

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Division

A cheap digital multimeter (DMM) will run ~20 bucks and should be in any installers/DIY-ers toolbox already. You do NOT need an oscilloscope.

Here's a pretty easy tutorial anyone can follow on how to use a DMM to set their gains. The source is pretty reputable.

Clipping can be very difficult to hear, especially at lower frequencies. I'm a pretty big fan of math, and with some basic calculations, a volt meter, and a a 50hz test tone, you can properly, and more importantly accurately set your gains. Familiarize yourself with Ohms Law.

Why use a DMM to set your gains?
Accuracy, repeatability, and unlike your hearing, math doesn't change after years of excessive volume.

Here are some additional links to refer to when properly tuning a system:

Wattage - this puts ohms law in english.

Ohm's Law
Ohm's Law Calculators (is the most useful calculator)