BT 4180 Volume question
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 79
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From: Auburn, AL
BT 4180 Volume question
I recently did some audio upgrades to my 2012 Limited.
Old: stock HK, SS pn4.520 amp, BT 7.1, mm651 rear.
New: HK head unit with ICA pre-amp RCA, BT 4180 amp, BT 7.1 front/rear
With the old set-up, I ran the volume @3-8 bars with AVC set on 2, plenty loud but not as clear.
With the new set up, I find I'm running @8-13 bars with AVC still set on 2. I think at 70+, the AVC has it running at max volume because it did not get any louder when I turned it all the way up. The sound is clearer and I normally have plenty of volume (but can always use more, especially with lower volume ipod tracks), however this makes me a bit nervous constantly running in the top end of the volume.
For those with a similar set-up, is this volume setting normal? I am assuming the need for increased head unit volume is because of the pre-amp outputs, but someone with knowledge can set me straight. No real complaints, but I was expecting bleeding ears at max volume and want to know if this is normal.
Thanks
Old: stock HK, SS pn4.520 amp, BT 7.1, mm651 rear.
New: HK head unit with ICA pre-amp RCA, BT 4180 amp, BT 7.1 front/rear
With the old set-up, I ran the volume @3-8 bars with AVC set on 2, plenty loud but not as clear.
With the new set up, I find I'm running @8-13 bars with AVC still set on 2. I think at 70+, the AVC has it running at max volume because it did not get any louder when I turned it all the way up. The sound is clearer and I normally have plenty of volume (but can always use more, especially with lower volume ipod tracks), however this makes me a bit nervous constantly running in the top end of the volume.
For those with a similar set-up, is this volume setting normal? I am assuming the need for increased head unit volume is because of the pre-amp outputs, but someone with knowledge can set me straight. No real complaints, but I was expecting bleeding ears at max volume and want to know if this is normal.
Thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 31
From: Las Vegas
Food for Thought. poke around with Equalizer to push signal up a bit...
cannot speak here as an expert as I have not installed or played with BT amp / Stock HU combo.
pretty sure others will drop a useful note on this...
cannot speak here as an expert as I have not installed or played with BT amp / Stock HU combo.
pretty sure others will drop a useful note on this...
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 251
Likes: 4
From: the sticks outside of chicago
What are you using as your source? Ipod? just FM?
Mine before I changed the head unit (Hk, 2180 and 7.1's) was ear piercing at 8-9 bars, never had to turn it up past that. If you are using an ipod or other device, make sure that is turned up.
Mine before I changed the head unit (Hk, 2180 and 7.1's) was ear piercing at 8-9 bars, never had to turn it up past that. If you are using an ipod or other device, make sure that is turned up.
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 79
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From: Auburn, AL
I mainly use the HDPDplus with an old Iphone which settings haven't changed. Volume difference is consistent on FM and Weather, although I have not tried CD.
The HU has no real equalizer, only bass and treble adjustment (both are set one or two bars up from center), which don't significantly affect the overall volume.
The HU has no real equalizer, only bass and treble adjustment (both are set one or two bars up from center), which don't significantly affect the overall volume.
Last edited by WDE; Sep 17, 2014 at 08:32 PM.
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 79
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From: Auburn, AL
Without AVC, still running @10 bars around town, probably 13-14 on hwy.
Something doesn't seem right having to always run at 60%+ on volume (max is 17 bars).
What say the audio gurus?
Something doesn't seem right having to always run at 60%+ on volume (max is 17 bars).
What say the audio gurus?
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 515
Likes: 2
From: Colorado
Dude, you're scaring me as I just installed this setup but haven't had a chance to fire it up yet though. Curious to see if that is a one-off issue.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,718
Likes: 15
From: Bay area, CA
I just installed the 4180 and 7.1 front and rear with the stock hu and I'm afraid to turn it all the way up while standing next to it. At the volume you are at in your pic, the system is screaming. I haven't had a chance to take it out on the highway yet so I'm not sure what volume level I will need at 70+ but something doesn't seem right. Have you tried plugging in a different iPhone or iPod and see if that changes anything? I can't help a lot with the technical audio stuff considering I am an idiot in that department, but have you contacted iron cross or biketronics?
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Joined: May 2012
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From: Auburn, AL
The need for increased volume setting is consistent across fm, weather, cd, and iPod. The volume in the picture is loud and clear, but in no way would I ever describe it as screaming.
I used the high level outputs from the hu on the old system, but sent the radio off to Iron Cross for the pre-amp low level RCA outputs from the hu to have a cleaner signal for the amp. I've got two new variables in the equation and I don't know which one is the issue, or the unlikely event this is normal. It does not seem normal to me.
I don't recall there being any switches or adjustments to the 4180 that I could have screwed up.
I used the high level outputs from the hu on the old system, but sent the radio off to Iron Cross for the pre-amp low level RCA outputs from the hu to have a cleaner signal for the amp. I've got two new variables in the equation and I don't know which one is the issue, or the unlikely event this is normal. It does not seem normal to me.
I don't recall there being any switches or adjustments to the 4180 that I could have screwed up.
Last edited by WDE; Sep 18, 2014 at 11:42 PM.