any amp that takes at least a 5v input?

sparkymarky · 11-01-2014, 08:26 AM

Can you use any amp as long as it accepts at least a 5v low level input?

Some amps say they can take 5v/6v low level but dont specifically state they are 'balanced differential inputs'....

I'm wondering if it needs to be 5v+ AND balanced inputs or whether just being 5v means it IS balanced input capable.

cdgatti · 11-01-2014, 08:32 AM

doesn't have to be 5V, for instance the JL audio amps have 0-4V sensitivity and work great. The BMW hifi head unit puts out 5V when the volume knob is full and distorting heavily. You need the balanced inputs capability. Some common amps that are known to work are: JL Audio, Arc, Alpine, Helix, Zapco and others will chime in with other brands that they have used successfully.

Technic · 11-01-2014, 12:59 PM

The 5V is DC; max AC output of the iDrive/OEM HU is about 3V.

11-01-2014, 08:26 AM	#1
sparkymarky Captain 103 Rep 709 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Middle earth. iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 bmw 330d M Sport [0.00]	any amp that takes at least a 5v input? Can you use any amp as long as it accepts at least a 5v low level input? Some amps say they can take 5v/6v low level but dont specifically state they are 'balanced differential inputs'.... I'm wondering if it needs to be 5v+ AND balanced inputs or whether just being 5v means it IS balanced input capable. __________________ 2014 M4. Non-ZCP. GTS EDC, DCT & Diff software with eibachs... gamechanger. Last edited by sparkymarky; 11-01-2014 at 08:49 AM..
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11-01-2014, 08:32 AM	#2
cdgatti Colonel 255 Rep 2,547 Posts Drives: e90 328i Join Date: May 2011 Location: KY iTrader: (4)	doesn't have to be 5V, for instance the JL audio amps have 0-4V sensitivity and work great. The BMW hifi head unit puts out 5V when the volume knob is full and distorting heavily. You need the balanced inputs capability. Some common amps that are known to work are: JL Audio, Arc, Alpine, Helix, Zapco and others will chime in with other brands that they have used successfully.
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11-01-2014, 12:59 PM	#3
Technic Lieutenant General 2288 Rep 13,001 Posts Drives: 2021 i3S, 2024 i4 M50 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Florida iTrader: (18)	The 5V is DC; max AC output of the iDrive/OEM HU is about 3V.
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