4V preamp: worth it?

[Golitan11]

I have an Alpine SWR-12D4 subwoofer with an Alpine MRX-M110 amplifier and factory speakers (I may upgrade in the future) and I need to change my head unit. I am curently stuck between some from Kenwood (KDC-X397) and Pioneer (DEH-X7500S) because both have 4V preamp models, but for the same price, I can get Bluetooth with a 2.5V preamp (DEH-X6500BT). 4V preamp and Bluetooth models are too expensive for me (130$ is my maximum). So there are my questions:

1. Is a 4V preamp really worth it (more than Bluetooth for my smartphone)? Will it make such a difference with my actual setup?
2. Kenwood and Pioneer have really similar models. Kenwood has more power but Pioneer has a better equalizer. What brand/model is better (even if it is really personal I wanna know your opinions)?

Thanks.

[Wicks]

If you have a noisy ground level then a higher voltage RCA output could help you since the signal is "further" from its reference point, if that makes sense.

If your system is fairly clean, then 2V outputs will probly be just fine.

[SnowDrifter]

^^Couldn't have said it better myself.

A different way of looking at what he said: Higher preout voltage necessitates a lower gain setting. The lower the gain, the less any external noise will be amplified. However, you really shouldn't have any noise issues if you use quality RCAs, have good grounds, and keep your signal cables away from your power/turn on wires

[Wicks]

^^^ Ahhhh, another very good point, Sir!

Also keep in mind that many companies use "4V Preouts" as a marketing gimmick as well.

Similar to "Twisted Pair RCAs"...

Big words and colorful packaging doesn't mean a better product so its great that you're asking questions instead of just buying the flashiest item.

Sadly many companies would rather sell you a feature that you don't need rather then educating you on what you should get.

[Bryan Wisniewski]

^^good info yall. Been looking for a new deck myself. Now it's time to reconsider my options.

Thanks