sorry for asking this beginner question.

but what's pre-outs for? can i live without them? 2V vs 4V pre-outs?

thanks.

 

"Lucid" is the man to best answer this and if he doesn't see this, you should PM him this link so everyone can see his answer.
I think "pre-out" actually stands for "pre-amp out" if that gives you any help. It's the unamplified signal that your audio source puts out. This signal can then be shoved into an amplifier, equalizer, etc before going to the speakers. I have little idea what the difference is between 2V and 4V signals.

 

so i can live without pre-outs if i am not going to add amps or alike?

 

yes, you would only need pre-outs if you were planning on adding an amp.

 

xviper is correct. Pre-outs are unamplified outputs that you take to an external amp or signal processor. They bypass a head units built in amplifier (if it has one) and give you the direct analog signal. This signal cannot drive a speaker. The higher the voltage of the pre-out, the greater the signal range and therefor the higher the quality (you can think of it like resolution, sort of...I believe)

They are completely useless without an external amplifier.

 

most decent head-units include some kind of pre-out (maybe just 2 pair, at 2V). if you're looking at buying a headunit without any preouts, you're looking at a pretty basic unit.

i'd spend the nominal extra so that I could an an amp in the future if I so decided. You also end up with a nicer head-unit in the end too.

 

Pre outs are used for adding an amp in the future. Most midline decks have at least 2 sets front and rear. Better have Non-fading for subwoofer. Better decks will have 3 pairs @ 4V or greater.

IMO if it came down to the line to get a deck with a good set of outputs for say $50 more I would say get that in case you ever do amp.

Some decks only have outputs and no internal amp. These are used by high end systems.

 

Stock, not sure what you are doing this weekend, but if you want to cruise by Costa Mesa, I will be finishing my stereo install (I hope!) and I will be able to answer many of your questions having recently learned about this stuff myself. I can show you what I'm doing and probaly use an extra hand.

I am doing a complete install on my own - amp, components in the door, rears, and HU. I was basically clueless about car audio until I started reading and posting here. I still am in a lot of respects but I'm getting better!

jd