Alpine PDX - Balanced/Speaker Level Inputs
11-08-2009, 02:57 AM
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Vehicle - 2007 550i with Premium Sound (13 Speaker Logic 7 System)
I have some experience with upgrading BMW stereo systems. I was looking to make as small a footprint as possible, and wanted to tap in at the amp in the trunk instead of tapping in at the head unit, especially considering the single optical output to the amp in the rear.
Tapping in at the trunk therefore required tapping the speaker level outputs from the L7 amp. This in turn requires either line output converters (LOC) or amp(s) which accept balanced inputs.
I have used JL amps in the past since I know they take speaker level inputs. But I wanted to make use of the space in the trunk where the optional 6 disc changer is installed (I have an iPod interface and do not need a 6 disc changer). The JL's were too big, but a PDX would fit perfectly.
Anyway, in looking at the PDX-5, I can across conflicting opinions as to whether the PDX-5 would accept speaker level inputs. The literature from Alpine expressly states 'NO', but many people on the board have stated they drive it with speaker level inputs with no problems. I purchased one and installed it, knowing I could add an LOC if required.
When the system was initially turned on after installation was complete, the PDX started letting out a high-pitched whine, followed by going into protection mode (the blue LEDs turn to red).
LOCs were required; my PDX-5 certainly does not accept speaker level inputs.
I have some experience with upgrading BMW stereo systems. I was looking to make as small a footprint as possible, and wanted to tap in at the amp in the trunk instead of tapping in at the head unit, especially considering the single optical output to the amp in the rear.
Tapping in at the trunk therefore required tapping the speaker level outputs from the L7 amp. This in turn requires either line output converters (LOC) or amp(s) which accept balanced inputs.
I have used JL amps in the past since I know they take speaker level inputs. But I wanted to make use of the space in the trunk where the optional 6 disc changer is installed (I have an iPod interface and do not need a 6 disc changer). The JL's were too big, but a PDX would fit perfectly.
Anyway, in looking at the PDX-5, I can across conflicting opinions as to whether the PDX-5 would accept speaker level inputs. The literature from Alpine expressly states 'NO', but many people on the board have stated they drive it with speaker level inputs with no problems. I purchased one and installed it, knowing I could add an LOC if required.
When the system was initially turned on after installation was complete, the PDX started letting out a high-pitched whine, followed by going into protection mode (the blue LEDs turn to red).
LOCs were required; my PDX-5 certainly does not accept speaker level inputs.
11-08-2009, 10:20 PM
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My Ride: 04 545i sport, stick, L7, sat, nav. Charcoal/ runflat/ cdv delete.
Suede headliner/ trunk, 3 way front speakers, four 8" subs in rear shelf, ACM, iPod dock in ash tray using gateway 500 with MP3 text and video on screen, MRTM aluminum pedals/ door pins, 10 farad cap, sound processor, line conditioner, 2 amps ( 4x100 and 2x200)
Do you have a picture of the trunk where the 6 disc changer is?
11-12-2009, 05:48 PM
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Originally Posted by methodsound' post='1050534' date='Nov 9 2009, 01:20 AM
Do you have a picture of the trunk where the 6 disc changer is?
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