Line Output Converters
Let’s say that you have a car stereo in your vehicle that is straight from the factory. In other words, this care stereo or head unit is not one that you installed yourself. It came with the car with you bought it. You would likely need a line output converter in order to add any sound devices like an amplifier to your head unit.
If you are not familiar with mobile audio sound, chances are that you are not familiar with line output converters. Line output converters are used to translate your factory car stereo’s speaker output into a specific signal that is good enough to power up an amplifier’s pre-amp input. Of course, this is all dependent on how good of a quality this factory car stereo is. If it is a high performing one, then you are good to go. However, if it is one of those cheap duds that they put in just to fill the hole in the dash, it would be better all around to just get a new head unit.
You can get different types of line output converters. There are adjustable line output converters. The adjustable line output converter allows you to tweak the signal until you get the sound you need. There are also line output converters which allow you to add more or less components. It will depend on what you want to install and integrate with your head unit as to which line output converters you buy.
Some line output converters can take up to and handle four speaker inputs as well as up to four outputs from RCA cables. You could either install a four channel amp or install multiple amps with this type of set-up.
According to line output converter instructions, this device reduces your speaker signals that are incoming so that those signals that are outgoing will mesh with your amplifier pre-amp input connections. In addition to your line output converters, you would need some extra cords to connect to your amplifier.
Now, just keep in mind that not every car will need line output converters. If you are in unfamiliar territory with this kind of thing but you want a kicking car audio stereo system, you should get the advice of a mobile audio professional. They would best be able to tell you exactly what you have to do base on what you wish to do with your mobile audio sound. They’ll let you know if line output converters are what you need.