Ok, so far I have an ok system, however it is far from perfect. Basically I’m running the supremo set 6 of a soundstream Van Gogh 4 channel amplifier, with the crossover points used on the amplifier. At the moment the signal comes from an old clarion DRX 9255 which is very limited to say the least, with only bass treble and fade adjustments. Basically I want something that can do two way active with more adjustments plus sub. Sub fade controls is more important rather than cross over points as this is done via the adjustment module on the VRx and I am happy with this arrangement as generally all I do with this is fade the sub or bring it more into the spectrum. I am more set and forget in this respect, however I could be satisfied with simple fade controls on the hu as I do at present.

If I were to keep the factory hu, what options would you take? Would you add in something like an external processor from this and control it from there being fed from an LLC, just go something such as a JL 360 etc? Or take a totally different path all together such as simply a HX-D2/9655E and mod the dash to accommodate it. At present the hu is not accessable easily and this is an issue for me when driving and I am not keen at present to mod the dash. I am aware that there are dash kits available for the mk2 focus, however I do not want to adjust the aesthetics of the dash at all as this is the centerpiece and would draw too much attention. As in something like a 30 band EQ, processor? I know in another thread Henry mentioned that BSS etc, however I am not familiar with this brand.

Can you list reasons of what you would do, and specifically the equipment. I know that Ram in Vic is doing something but I am not sure of what that is. Also I should point out that space is slightly limited as there is a Ti12d Elite in the boot, and if you know this then you know that the box and the motor structure is huge. I have enough space for a soft bag either side of the motor.
Cheers,
Anthony

I own an AudioControl 6XS Active crossover Which i have setup to do A set of 2 way splits and a sub woofer running active (a driver to each channel on amplifier which is perfect for the van gogh 4 channel amplifier)

The crossover points are rully adjustable and the db slope can be changed aswel up to 24db/octave. I set mine up and let it be forgotten. It can put out 9volt rms signals on the rca's.

just checked the audiocontrol website and the DQXS looks very good. I don't suppose that anyone has had any use with one of these units? It really looks like it does everything that I want. Idea of a price at all or where Id pick one up?

With the factory HU, would there be any problem with the signal quality? I assume that it wouldn't be as good say as an HXD2, but with some of the units the quality from all reports wasn't too bad (eg navone).


are there any other units out there that are comparable? How have you found the use of the audio control unit?

Over $1k I have been quoted, $1300 if I am getting the right model with the right memory!

As for comparable units - search for Alto and have a look at their range. They have some really fantastic products and Blackrazor in NZ was bringing them in halfway through this year so you should be able to get your hands on them reasonably easily.

Had a search for the alto products and apparently they are noisy little buggers. Any other suggestions?

Rockford Fosgate 3-Sixty.1 and 3-Sixty.2 - both incredibly practical and flexible units for OEM Integration. This month's CA&E has a great review on it and if you would like a scan send me a PM (may not be available here yet as I have them shipped from the US).

Apart from that, the other option is the JL (already mentioned) and the Alpine VehicleHubPro. The problem with the Alpine is to my understanding is exactly that, a hub for external devices. It does not EQ, cross or anything that we like. Personally I think unless you are running something like a BA Falcon, the VHP is a glorified LLC.

Alpine have had the PXE-H650/OEM Audio Processor up for a while now however there is no release date set in stone (est. late 2006). Whilst it seems just like the JL, it also has time alignment and the usual boons you expect from an Alpine processor.

Remember, all the devices are expensive units around or exceeding the $1,000.00 mark and for that money you could fabricate a fascia for your existing DRX-9255 and add some signal processors (second-hand off CAA of course, like my Zapco's in the FS section ).

I'm all for OEM integration - providing it is cost-effective and brings a great result. As you said, you are not a tweeker however whilst the HX-D2 is a great unit I decided not to purchase as I wanted more flexibility in my tuning. So I bought a DVA-9655E and will be going the PXA route. Thats not to say I still won't be using other signal processors in the chain!