43 replies to this topic

[G-rig]

Hi guys,

After a lot of indeciveness I've decided i want to keep my stock head unit for looks, functionality etc (and also upgrading to the factory sat nav unit with 30gb HDD soon).

As per the other thread got my gear installed by NF who did a very nice job consisting of:

SVEN2 LOC
Dynaudio 342
ID v3 8" sub stealthed &
PDX 4.150

It sounds a lot better, just not amazing considering the potential of the speakers etc. So i think i need to add a sound processor. Main features i want is the equalizer, sub gain control and cleaner sound obviously.

I dont need to adjust these on the fly, but a gain control up front in the ash tray/glovebox on a lead would be neat.

Wanted to get opinions - AudioControl DQL-8, PXE-H650 etc..? I don't feel i need the RUX-C701 and want to keep the setup stealth without installing a 1din unit somewhere.

thanks in advance,

Edit: forgot to say, the treble is fairly rolled off, mid range is a bit piercing and could be warmer/more detail and the sub is probably a bit heavy but can get lost with road noise, so it's probably good to crank it up a bit more than what's 'balanced'. Perhaps Time alignment would bring it out a bit more..

Edited by G-rig, 15 July 2008 - 07:25 PM.

[mac_man_luke]

Rockford 360 is about the best thing around at the moment

JBL, Audison and a few more have some in the near future.

The PXE-650 i believe is not yet avaliable

[G-rig]

mac_man_luke, on Jul 15 2008, 07:24 PM, said:

The PXE-650 i believe is not yet avaliable

Cheers, i thought it was out as one of the NF stores said they could get me one (about $700).

Will look into the others

[YT1987]

i would look at the Rockford 3Sixty.2 or if you can wait the Audison BIT ONE

[G-rig]

I also want to mostly set and forget, and not use remotes etc to the processor, just head unit vol adjust (plus sub gain).

This 3Sixty.2 sounds good.

[~Spyne~]

wouldnt even consider the h650

either the 3sixty.2, or wait for audison bit-one

[crosspug]

Heya,

Just a couple of notes on the 3sixty, firstly I'm pleased as with mine currently. BUT there are some things to consider from reading up on them.

Firstly, they have been known to add noise to the system in some cases (a slight hiss). I currently have this issue but I have not traced it to the 3sixty as yet (could be my old RCA's).

Secondly, there have been reports of an issue with the bluetooth modules failing. There is a service bulletin on the rockford website regarding this issue.

I'm using a laptop with a USB bluetooth dongle and it is working well software wise but obviously the 3sixty.2 offers a much wider range of tuning ability when compared to the .1 version that I am running.

Jono

[mad89]

In addition, there is also the JL Audio CleanSweep.

(I didnt read the whole thread so dont know if the JL will do what you want, but its another option! ).

[G-rig]

Hrm dont really want any additional engine noise or hiss.. and dont want blue tooth interferred with either.

The 3sixty.2 is probably a bit expensive too.

I got the opinion the H650 is better than the H701?

Is a processor going to sound as good as an Alpine 9887 with imprint? That was my initial idea, just depends how it would treat the AUX input of my speaker out from bluetooth kit. Whether it would switch inputs properly etc, otherwise keen to keep factory HU.

[G-rig]

~Spyne~, on Jul 15 2008, 08:28 PM, said:

wait for audison bit-one

I probably can wait for the Audison, as my head unit is 4 weeks away. When is it available here? Assume installers will thave the mic etc to calibrate the EQ.

The hissing issue is a problem with the RF's as far as what i've just read today.

[~Spyne~]

this is the review i remember reading...based on this, i wasnt overly excited by the h650
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/showth...hlight=pxe-h650

[Matt VIP]

Audison's BitOne was supposed to be here in July I think, however I'd imagine we won't see anything until about september. However, send an email to RMA Phil, he should be able to give you a heads up.

I wasn't aware that the BitOne came with an auto calibration mic though?

Don't even dream about the JBL. Its the best of the lot but given it was supposed to be out 2 years ago it might not even see the shelves.

BitOne gets my vote on specs for the moment..

[edit: oopsy. my bad. it does come with autoeq. http://blog.sounddomain.com/gadget/2008/04...dison.html#more]

Edited by Matt VIP, 16 July 2008 - 09:49 AM.

[crosspug]

G-rig, on Jul 16 2008, 07:18 AM, said:

The hissing issue is a problem with the RF's as far as what i've just read today.

Probably of little value to you but it seems any noise created by the RF 3sixty is from using it as a LOC, if you use an LOC (such as an Audiocontrol LC6) then use the RCA inputs apparently it works perfectly fine.


Just an FYI

Jono

[syd-monster]

G-rig, on Jul 15 2008, 07:09 PM, said:

Hi guys,
After a lot of indeciveness I've decided i want to keep my stock head unit for looks, functionality etc (and also upgrading to the factory sat nav unit with 30gb HDD soon).
As per the other thread got my gear installed by NF who did a very nice job consisting of:
SVEN2 LOC
Dynaudio 342
ID v3 8" sub stealthed &
PDX 4.150
It sounds a lot better, just not amazing considering the potential of the speakers etc. So i think i need to add a sound processor. Main features i want is the equalizer, sub gain control and cleaner sound obviously.

thanks in advance,

Edit: forgot to say, the treble is fairly rolled off, mid range is a bit piercing and could be warmer/more detail and the sub is probably a bit heavy but can get lost with road noise, so it's probably good to crank it up a bit more than what's 'balanced'. Perhaps Time alignment would bring it out a bit more..

A processor isn't going to fix these issues. Its only going to mask them and you might still be left with good but not amazing sound. The gear you have is all quality, it should sound great, hence I would research about tuning and more tuning first (ie playing with gains, phasing, crossover points, paning etc) before going to a sound processor.
Its also cheaper to get it tuned than to start buying more bits and it means you keep it simple (KIS principle)...
The other reason could be limits from your OEM heaunit. Borrow a half decent aftermarket head unit & temporary wire it into the car, straigh in to amp and listen, let your ears decide what sounds better.
thats my 2c advice.

Edited by syd-monster, 16 July 2008 - 05:32 PM.

[G-rig]

syd-monster, on Jul 16 2008, 05:30 PM, said:

Borrow a half decent aftermarket head unit & temporary wire it into the car, straigh in to amp and listen, let your ears decide what sounds better.
thats my 2c advice.

You're not the first one to suggest that. I think i should definitely hook up an 9887 or something for a listen as i'm not sure how much better a processer will be. To be honest it still doesn't have the detail that my old a4 Audi had (Audiovox HU, Blaupunkt CD changer and Bose 6x9 setup). That's why i'm a bit disappointed VW have skimped on this setup - most of the problem can be fixed with replacing the amp and crossovers but i suspect the HU is definitely the problem. Shame it doesn't have a proper line out.

I think i should rethink this and go for sound quality first. All the OEM integration is nice but no point if it doesn't sound good. As you said , it's good gear so should be amazing..