Clipping your amp doesn't have to do with the volume of your test tone.
Setting the gain with a lower DB test tone will result in a HIGHER gain setting and when you come across music that is louder than -3db you'll just be clipping it again.
Try setting your amp to a few volts below what Torres' chart says for RMS ratings.
Well, I NEED a higher gain setting, because my music sounds MUCH quieter compared to the 0db tone. I'm almost gonna say that either my ipod was clipping, if that's possible? because i put my ipod at 100% volume so i know its always at the same volume level, because my HU doesn't integrate ipods, its just an aux in, and the HU output is proportional to the Aux input volume...
Or
My head unit was clipping the 0Db tone even though it was at 3/4ish volume. Anyway the tone sounds much louder than my music, and i need one that sounds closer to the level of my music, or i need an ACCURATE way to compensate for the volume difference...the guys in the other thread said i should've used a -2 or -3 db tone..
Oh and if it matters, my subs can take the full 1700 watts RMS, so i think with the amp was maxed out the 0db tone did clip... So is there an accurate way to compensate or a better way to set the gains?
OK, so you're telling me you blew your amp by having it set too low?
And I use an AUX input on my Radio too, I set my volume on my Zune to 16 of 20 for max volume without clipping personally.
Tone's are going to sound much louder, they are the absolute loudest input signal possible assumin they are a 0db tone, so don't expect music to be as loud. I know it sucks but that's how it goes.
The -2 or -3db tone is used to set gains to compensate for music. Since you have a tone that is two-three decibels less than what is absolute max, you can compensate by turning the gain just a bit higher. This results in a louder setting for music but can also lead to clipping sooner if you come across a song that approaches the -2db threshold. (Such as BigPimpin's Music, DJ Billy E, or Bass Mekanik.)
Let's start from the begging.
Give me a rundown of your amp and subs.
Just Brand and Model Number would be good.