How to set gains correctly

[userfriendly]

Here is a tutorial from JL Audio on how to properly set your amps gain controls. This is the best you can do short of having access to an oscilioscope (tama ba spelling?)

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/support_pages.php?page_id=143

You can download test tones here: http://www.realmofexcursion.com/

You can compute your target voltage here: http://www.subwoofertools.com/forum/setgain.asp

Only drawback with this method is you are setting your amp for the rated capacity. If your amp is underrated, you will miss out on some watts. But afaik, the only way properly set rest of the watts is with the use of an o-scope. If you have one you probably don't need this guide anyway.

Here is another guide from Elemental Designs, may video and text version: http://www.edesignaudio.com/edv2/gains_video.php