Great video man. I learned car audio in the early/mid 90s as teenager. Things were much simpler then! Just bought my dream car and plan to upgrade the stereo right away. This video was super helpful and by looking at the titles of your other vids, I'll be seeing your face a lot more in the next few weeks. Well done!
@aaronbrougher1780 I started just a bit earlier. Really just right out of the gate, when that was all new and going on. Many friends had a 2 - 10x $ investment in their audio system, as they did in the vehicle itself. A lot of Alpine heads and Orion Subs and amps in my area early on. I did a couple of glove box installs in my cars, because EVERYTHING seen, was getting stolen back then. And I mean in good neighborhoods. Lol. I've always had something in every vehicle i've owned since then, but I reflect back at those times as being the best times for car audio, but that is with my biases. I wouldn't even consider a bank loan for a system now. Lol. I just bought a $120 wiring harness to install a $175 stereo in my kids truck. SO THE A.C. WOULD STILL FUNCTION. Lol I think we were in our vehicles much more back then as well. No PlayStation, or internet at the house.
You can replace your stock head unit. There are many replacement android based screens from China. Many of those head units have premium Snapdragon CPUs which can process hi-re files. All you need is a DSP for premium results. You just need to keep the stock head unit attached to the stock MMI but just put it in the trunk. It's easy to make a box for it. You'll just connect your replacement head unit to a DSP and then to an amp and connect the replacement speakers and woofer on the amp. You can connect a small speaker on the stock MMI just to play the notification sounds and in case you need to change some of the settings of the car like time, oil change notifications etc because your original headunit is still connected to it in the trunk of the car. It just isn't used for music anymore but just for the sound notifications and car settings. That's a good solution for high end cars that only have a stock radio instead of any kind of screen.
You’re also forgetting other issues some mounts are more than the actual unit themselves which is stupid. To do my cars headunit I’d spend over 700 just to swap the headunit. I’d rather just get an loc and add an amp
Love ur stuff i have a 2017 mercedes gls 450 with the harman kardon logic 7 system what do i need to do to get a signal to my amp its a kicker cxa 1200.1 and a kicker l7r 15 square 4 ohm wired down to 2 ohms amp is 1 ohm stable
Toslink over RCA would make the most sense for digital. Maybe an ethernet-based standard. HDMI would be way too fragile and difficult to use in automotive.
I'm upgrading my sound in a 2022 Ram 1500.You videos are straightforward and I gain insight but. I'm usually left with more questions. You have been a great starting point for me.
Pac adapter and a twk88 is match made in heaven. I run my audio via optical from the pac to the twk. Pure digital sound. No messy RCA cables from the front to the dsp. It works awesome. Set back is that its made for only certain vehicles. Thankfully, mine had it. Great video!
Nothing other than an AMPPRO should be considered if your vehicle is compatible with it. AMPPRO with toslink to a DSP is as good as it gets from a stock radio.
I have a wavetechDQ for my loc in my 2020 ram 1500 non amplified system. I see now amp pro has the ch 41(R.2) that works with my truck. You think using the amp pro would make my system sound alot better then using a regular loc? I was also thinking about getting a dsp, so if I got the amp pro and the JL twk88 I could jus use a tosh link cable to go from the amp pro to the twk88? And then all I would need is rcas from the twk88 to a 4ch amp and sub amp?
Good stuff. Been racking my brains the last 48 hours on trying to get a sub/amp hooked up to my stock 11.6 in starlink unit in my 23 Outback. This video cements what I suspected. The amplifier adapter is the least expensive, most convenient for me, but I don't think one exists for my car yet. Thanks for the info!
You just made me have a flashback to my first car audio system. A Jensen 500w amp and 2 pioneer premier 6x9s. I was using a personal cd player running to an aux. It sounded pretty good too
Perfect timing, just finished paying off my 2014 chevy impala non-limited and im about to throw all my hard earned equipment into it. I have to use one of these pac boxes to handle it.
Back in the day I was running (1985) I had a Porsche 944 turbo. We put in Rockford Fosgate 650 on the M&M 12s and had a Fosgate 360 on mids n tweets. I was running a Sony XR100 deck . Deck was clear but we added a PAC Signal Commander in the glove box with the EQ. Man oh man when you’d hit that switch the PAC just really made it EXTREMELY CLEAR N POUNDING BASS. Even got stopped on the hiway for excessive acceleration. We was playing the first part of Sammy HAGAR’s Bad Motor Scooter. Cop though it was me shifting like that. IN A CAR LOL. Well the cops ended up setting inside the car saying OH MY GOD we’ve never ever heard are seen a car this loud. LOL, back in then days cops was cool. Nowadays they’ll KILLYA
Hey Mark, been a fan of the channel for a long time. Would love to see a dedicated video on how to use the AccuBass feature built into the Audiocontrol amps
@Bob stone. This is a great Idea. I have Audio control loc with AccuBass and I’m not totally sure I have it working correctly. Mark would be a great choice for going over the Install. Last I checked there were no good videos on the Audiocontrol Loc
Hello and thank you for all of the unbelievably clean and superior work. Also thank you for all the advice on different vendors for quality gear. I live in Anaheim Ca and am planning my classic car audio insall. Please (if possible)could you consider doing a video on a classic car(1950’s-60’s) audio install/ recommendation. Rear deck, sound denting, amp rack,ect. Thanks again for all of the great content.
Get ready to custom make everything for it depending on what vehicle it is lol. RetroSound makes vintage looking radios, but has all the modern goodies you want like Bluetooth, and albeit not as powerful, 4 channels rms amplifier. Just won’t have as good of options like CarPlay/navigation that you’d get with a double din (or bigger) normal screen. Alternatively you can do what most people do and hide the radio in the glovebox if there’s no clean way of mounting one w/o hacking up your dash, or not being able to create a custom center console. Make sure you sound deaden it. I know from experience how damn loud it is inside those metal old cabs and how much sound would bounce off everything/vibrate.😂
Awesome video!!! No more headunits for me anymore. I have the Helix DSP.3 with the Bluetooth card so now I go directly from my Galaxy S8 to the DSP...I'll never use a headunit ever again!!
Very nice to see you talk about a solution to grab the clean line level signal from some factory head unit! I never get good result using LOC but when we can get the true unprocessed line level even from a factory Head Unit, what a difference! You should do a full install video using such solution when you'll get a good candidate vehicle at the shop. Also it would be nice to see you touch the digital factory link such as MOST that can also allow getting a clean unprocessed line level signal from the factory system.
I will say when it comes to how stuff works you are the best at explaining it, between you and Steve Meade, I've learned so much more about car audio than I could of doing it with no help, thank you for the videos keep them coming
I have a 2023 jeep compass and they made the stereo essential almost impossible to remove. I want to use any one of the mentioned suggestions but want to be sure I get all I need before taking on the task. The built in DSP Amp sounds appealing. If I get said device is the install complex or relativity simple. I have installed almost all of my aftermarket stereos for years, just never ran into the situation where I couldn't put a new stereo in.
I have a cheaper LOC without any of the extra tuning or whatever that you recommended. So now I’m just getting an aftermarket stereo and a stereo kit that makes it work for my car. In tired of not having an equalizer
Man i really need to figure out the best option for my 2021 subru with the starlink. I have had a standard basic pac lp3-2 but im not getting a consistent ouput signal. My singnal starts off good but then the voltage starts going down. Not sure what one of these devices would help my issues?
I'm really wishing I had my old buick still! An Install seems to have went from basic Plug and play, To now Headache with a bunch more $$ for equipment..😮
0:21 that PAC has an optical connection?? I cant imagine cars using fiber digital plugs for sound being the type of cable and how long you would have to go without breaking the internals of the cable when running them. These are mainly used on home theater receivers.
Hi i have a premium system i stall in my toyota highlander platinum that has sub in the trunk but it is not that powerful. So my question is can i connect 2nd amp to the sub woofer wires or am i gona blow the aftermarket amp or any thing like that because every speaker in my car have diffrent thing to come out. Some only highs some base some mids thanks
I have 2003 Saab 93 aero 13 speakers so know aftermarket radio possible. I was wondering can I use a line output converter to dsp because the dsp I was looking at only has rca inputs?
I have a 2017 Ford F250 with a factory head unit - With the Pac Amp Pro (AP4-FD21 Amp interface w/ the optical TOS LINK signal fed) running into my Audio Control DM 810 - does the optical cable BYPASS the RCA's running from the head unit? I haven't installed anything yet, it's still in the planning stage. I'm pretty sure that optical cable eliminates the need for the RCA's coming from the stock head unit. Any opinions would be appreciated. Thank you
Hello car fabrications, I have a 2024 Toyota Tundra with the JBL premium factory system. I’m upgrading with JL C7’s and amps. Do I use the Amp Pro or the fix86? If it’s the Amp Pro, is there anything else I should be using for the best signal pickup from the factory unit? Thank you for providing us with stereo information and I love the channel
I've been using a Bluetooth adapter for pioneer's IP Bus on an oldschool headunit in my truck. Been liking it. I want to get some sounds in my beater car that doesn't have a headunit. I was planning on using the same type of Bluetooth adapter except with RCA outs instead of IP Bus straight to the amp. Haven't gotten to the point of figuring out how I was going to adjust levels, but a DSP may be the way to go. Now to figure out which one.
I have a 2020 CADILLAC CT5 with the bose system in it. Is thier anything that will work with the bose amps or would just replacing them the easiest way to go?
Hi,have you ever work with a Lexus GS 450h 2007 with Mark Levinson system? I saw the video,but I had people that tried to install a LC audio control converter and a Digital signal processor and they told me that the sound was bad,can you tell me if this is real,I dont want to waste money,I need to be shure that if I want to replace the factory amp and speakers,is for a better quality sound and more punch,more power,can you help me with your experience?
I have a quick question I'm installing a pac amp pro in my jeep wrangler it does not have a factory amp do I have to run speaker wire from amp to the the pac pro.
@caraudiofabrication is it possible to keep the OEM radio installed and add a secondary aftermarket radio and tap it's front and rear wires to the OEM speaker lines? I want to put the aftermarket deck hidden in back, it is controlled by blue tooth. Would having it wired that way cause and issues?
I have a 2017 Accord LX. I want to replace the head unit but it appears the headlight settings and maintenance menus will be lost which is no go for me. The stock unit clips way too early as indicated by my fancy JL amp. So I was thinking of just putting something isolated in the car that won't clip its output. Any suggestions?
I've got a 15 Mazda3, which the BOSE system in my car only changed the eq through the underseat amp, I'm told that it's that way for most of the mazda line. So you can leave the headunit stock, and just replace the amp.
Hello, If I want to only install a Subwoofer and Amp, what should i consider buying? I'm going for something that has a big thump. (Honda Civic LX 2012)
?.... If I send all speaker signals to their corresponding amps...RCA's are not needed correct? For reference I'm running a ACM-1.300 mono & RF R2-300X4 for mids/highs. TY!
I have a 2018 Nissan Armada that we just put a $700 aftermarket radio in, it’s the 12.1 inch one from rhino radios. I replaced the stock one because I had no screen signal and no audio or Bluetooth capabilities and now we have the rhino radio one in there and we have a screen for it, but we still have no radio/no sound even when making a phone call could the stock car amplifier be causing this issue?
Hello man really enjoy the vids, just need some extra help I have a seat Leon 2015 I want to upgrade my sound system here the stuff I already have : 5ch pioneer amp, Ts 6975 V3 , Ts1675 V2 and also ts- s20 tweeter no sub as yet, Am planning to install my V3 on my parcel shelf and the V2 in the front doors but am not too sure if it will work while having factory speaker in the back door. Please anyone help and thanks in advance
I want to install a sub + amp in my car. The stock head unit does not have the required outputs, and is quite basic and outdated (other than aux in no fancy stuff). Should I consider installing a new modern head unit with all those fancy gadgets, including the required outputs for the sub Or rather invest in a line out converter. A new head unit would be 2x the price of the line out converter, which seems reasonable for the ammount of features it will add to the car as opposed to just a line oitput. Will the output signal be similar from these 2 options, or is there some kind of reason to prefer one above the other quality wise. Looking forward to any suggestions. Cheers.
hi im getting a amp with dsp built in, plus a sub amp. but can i set the amp gain through the software or do i need to set the gain manually on both amps. by the way love your channel ...
Hello i have audi a3 8v with 9vd audi sound system it sound signals to speakers comes out directly from the headunit , my headunit also have MOST output a optic fiber connection that connected to b&o amplifier in higher equipped cars with b&o speakers , im considering to setup amplifier that can get signals via optic fiber MOST connection and the output to speakers i want to use the wires connected to headunit is that possible
I think the using a DAP (iPod on steroids, hi-res music player) option is one of the best, easiest and cheapest options (with a DSP) and using a 3.5mm/4.4mm to RCA. Most have line-out options and output well over 2vRMS. That’ll sound just as good as ANY aftermarket head unit and be a great deal easier/cheaper. Many DAPs have controls that can easily be used without looking (Fiios M11 DAPs are great for that). Talking about an easy clean signal,… That’ll set you back a decent amount BUT less than all but the cheapest aftermarket head units and many times easier/faster to implement. And it’ll be at LEAST as good as an aftermarket head unit (sound quality wise) and you’ll have it for listening to headphones/earphones, can even start getting into high end ‘phones,…
The biggest problem I have in my '14 Grand Cherokee is nobody makes an amplifier integration kit that retains ALL the factory features. Either you lose voice commands and nav prompts, or you lose parking sensor audible warnings (depending on who you're buying it from). The PAC unit you had connects directly to the radio, bypassing the OE amp. Well the parking sensor module goes directly into the factory amp. I created a cheap setup that actually let me retain my factory amp, all the features (including fade which is commonly lost), and let me use my own amp. Basically just steal the signal from the OE amp, process/amplify it, and send it to the speakers. For whatever reason, nobody makes this and I don't know why. My system ultimately failed as I was just using a cheap DSP and eBay 50 watt amps to test my theory, but down the road I'll purchase real equipment to do it all over again. A company, or someone more knowledgeable than me, surely could make an all-in-one unit that does this, and it would be a hit with the Chrysler crowd who don't want to lose features. Why PAC hasn't is beyond me, unless maybe it was just more cost-effective to create a single unit that could work with amplified and non-amplified systems.
my son wants to only replace the stock speakers in his 2011 GMC Canyon but you have some videos that say that is bad and some say its ok. I can't find anything on keeping the stock head unit but adding a small amp and replacing stock speakers. Help Please.
I have a 97 BMW 540i. It’s fully loaded and includes a factory “DSP” integrated stereo that has no amp in the head unit. This is because the amplifier is a separate unit in the trunk which directly controls a built in rear deck subwoofer system. Do you know, or have heard, if an Audio Control DSP or DSP/Amp could untangle the mess and allow full control? Could it handle amplified high level straight from the factory amp or maybe even directly from the factory unamplified head unit?
I moseyed over to Crutchfield. They have the Kenwood Excelon DNR1007XR that has "a 13-band parametric equalizer with digital time alignment". How does that compare to an external DSP? My plan is to get one or the other. Soon!
Hi, I have no head unit or USB at all and want to play music only from my phone (which I use as my head unit). Would I be able to use an amplifier with a DSP to play music charge my phone and play music at the same time? Also, would my factory speakers just plug into it? Thanks in advance - sorry I’m so ignorant to all of this haha.
I have a 2020 mustang gt convertible. Want to do subs initially, with front stage later on. I notice a distinct difference in sound profile when the top is down. Not the usual change in cabin resonance, mind you. Almost as though the B&O engineers eq the lower 2/3rds down approx 6db to keep people from smoking their drivers with loud music while driving top down. Is there a solution for cars like that? Or is this one of those scenarios where I would have to find the circuit that is responsible for activating the top down profile?
How do i dasable anc in a 2024 c8 corvette i cant seem to find any info there isnt an adapter for it . I want to install a subamp under seat using loc but read people have sounds when accelerating
Is there a way to use a DSP with stock equipment to just clean up and fix audio problems and quality? I am talking, no amps for the speakers, so RCA out wont help. Thanks! So I am looking for OEM wiring in, and wire out options to the speakers skipping amps.
So now I’m getting confused…. I have a 2018 Durango but do I need a LOC like the one in the bud or an Advanced Amp Pro like the PAC? Or do I need something even different?!? For now I will keep stock unit, infinity REF components for front and back and tweeters. Will add a sub and amp for all later. Should I do 4, 5, or 6 channel amp with what hook up to the dash unit??? Help!!!!!!
and even if you can replace the factory touchscreen it’ll be at least $500+ for a basic aftermarket touchscreen and you also will need additional aftermarket adapters and devices for your whole system to work properly, etc.
@caraudiofabrication does using a OBD genie/fouscan actually work by removing bass roll off? Id like to keep my oem radio as it controls a lot of features on my 21 f150 2.7 supercrew. Have you tried any of these OBD Tools on oem radios?
I’ve got a 93 ramcharger. Im proud of this thing. Rare color, Mexico spec. I spent so much money on a nice sound system. I’m happy with the sound but not the look. I like the stock look. I’m doing my research into Bluetooth modding factory stereos. Im gonna hide everything. One thing though. How would I hid a subwoofer? Or how can I get nice bass out of speakers? And I want a loud clean sound. Sounds like much but if you have any ideas, please help me out. I’ll comment again when I’m done.
Maybe someone can answer me... #1) Are DAC only needed when using headphones (or the like)? In a car audio situation is it best to get a decent (or better) DSP/DSP Amplifier and call that good? #2) I have a new android phone so is it acceptable to use an adapter cable and hook directly to the DSP/DSP Amp, or should I invest in another option (High res player for ex)? I would prefer hard wire and not BT, but I'm open to input. Thanks ahead of time! Great videos by the way... I've been trying to get caught up as I just found you a few days ago.
I have a 2024 chevy trax. I'm doing 3 way components in the front doors and Apiller and coax in the back doors with 4 10s in the cargo. 1 150.4 amp for the mids/highs 2 1500.1 amps for the subs. Trying to wrap my head around how to connect it to the oem headunit is mind boggling...
Hi mark I need your help please I have Camry xse 2019 with original factory head unit radio 7 inch I want upgrade all 6 speaker and add subwoofer 8 inch and 2 speakers 4 inch in rear dashboard with amplifier 1340 rms 5 channel What should be do or selected from this vedio Dsp or line output converter or line input converter
Hey Mark I have a aftermarket system --2'10's , all new focal speakers and tweeters with 2 amps installed with my factory deck I have a white noise is there any way to get rid of it?
Great video man. I learned car audio in the early/mid 90s as teenager. Things were much simpler then! Just bought my dream car and plan to upgrade the stereo right away. This video was super helpful and by looking at the titles of your other vids, I'll be seeing your face a lot more in the next few weeks. Well done!
@aaronbrougher1780
I started just a bit earlier.
Really just right out of the gate, when that was all new and going on.
Many friends had a 2 - 10x $ investment in their audio system, as they did in the vehicle itself.
A lot of Alpine heads and Orion Subs and amps in my area early on.
I did a couple of glove box installs in my cars, because EVERYTHING seen, was getting stolen back then.
And I mean in good neighborhoods. Lol.
I've always had something in every vehicle i've owned since then, but I reflect back at those times as being the best
times for car audio, but that is with my biases.
I wouldn't even consider a bank loan for a system now. Lol.
I just bought a $120 wiring harness to install a $175 stereo in my kids truck. SO THE A.C. WOULD STILL FUNCTION. Lol
I think we were in our vehicles much more back then as well.
No PlayStation, or internet at the house.
You can replace your stock head unit. There are many replacement android based screens from China. Many of those head units have premium Snapdragon CPUs which can process hi-re files. All you need is a DSP for premium results. You just need to keep the stock head unit attached to the stock MMI but just put it in the trunk. It's easy to make a box for it. You'll just connect your replacement head unit to a DSP and then to an amp and connect the replacement speakers and woofer on the amp. You can connect a small speaker on the stock MMI just to play the notification sounds and in case you need to change some of the settings of the car like time, oil change notifications etc because your original headunit is still connected to it in the trunk of the car. It just isn't used for music anymore but just for the sound notifications and car settings. That's a good solution for high end cars that only have a stock radio instead of any kind of screen.
What swappable, aftermarket head screen unit would you recommend for a twenty seventeen honda civic? What amount the amp?
This is for when you can't, new silverados are coming out with full screen which goes from dashboard to head unit.
You’re also forgetting other issues some mounts are more than the actual unit themselves which is stupid. To do my cars headunit I’d spend over 700 just to swap the headunit. I’d rather just get an loc and add an amp
Or get an DSP and just connect directly to it (with coax from an DAP, 3.5mm jack, BT module, etc) bypassing everything factory when listening for SQ.
I can’t wait for the day a company uses HDMI to connect car audio components instead of interconnects that have been around for nearly a century…
Why would you use the flimsiest connector known to man in an automotove application
Love ur stuff i have a 2017 mercedes gls 450 with the harman kardon logic 7 system what do i need to do to get a signal to my amp its a kicker cxa 1200.1 and a kicker l7r 15 square 4 ohm wired down to 2 ohms amp is 1 ohm stable
@@MrBigpimpin14904 you can tap into factory sub amp in trunk using the wiring diagram online
Toslink over RCA would make the most sense for digital. Maybe an ethernet-based standard. HDMI would be way too fragile and difficult to use in automotive.
@@HazeyAuto Ethernet cat8 is the best cable you can buy today
I'm upgrading my sound in a 2022 Ram 1500.You videos are straightforward and I gain insight but. I'm usually left with more questions. You have been a great starting point for me.
Pac adapter and a twk88 is match made in heaven. I run my audio via optical from the pac to the twk. Pure digital sound. No messy RCA cables from the front to the dsp. It works awesome. Set back is that its made for only certain vehicles. Thankfully, mine had it. Great video!
I have the exact same setup. Found the PAC after my FiX86 failed. Much cleaner install and sums much better than FiX did for me.
Nothing other than an AMPPRO should be considered if your vehicle is compatible with it. AMPPRO with toslink to a DSP is as good as it gets from a stock radio.
I have the pac ampro for my ram and the sound it's worst then the stock radio. Is it possible that my ampro came damaged?
I wonder is Mercedes s550 has that?
I have a wavetechDQ for my loc in my 2020 ram 1500 non amplified system. I see now amp pro has the ch 41(R.2) that works with my truck. You think using the amp pro would make my system sound alot better then using a regular loc? I was also thinking about getting a dsp, so if I got the amp pro and the JL twk88 I could jus use a tosh link cable to go from the amp pro to the twk88? And then all I would need is rcas from the twk88 to a 4ch amp and sub amp?
Good stuff. Been racking my brains the last 48 hours on trying to get a sub/amp hooked up to my stock 11.6 in starlink unit in my 23 Outback. This video cements what I suspected. The amplifier adapter is the least expensive, most convenient for me, but I don't think one exists for my car yet. Thanks for the info!
Curious if you got your system installed?
I've used Crutchfield forever. They are great. Even if it's only product research.
Man how am I just learning about this channel? The knowledge you share is priceless!!! 💯
Welcome aboard!
You just made me have a flashback to my first car audio system. A Jensen 500w amp and 2 pioneer premier 6x9s. I was using a personal cd player running to an aux. It sounded pretty good too
My lc2i pro has been working hard for me for over 8 years now. Amazing little device.
Perfect timing, just finished paying off my 2014 chevy impala non-limited and im about to throw all my hard earned equipment into it. I have to use one of these pac boxes to handle it.
Back in the day I was running (1985) I had a Porsche 944 turbo. We put in Rockford Fosgate 650 on the M&M 12s and had a Fosgate 360 on mids n tweets. I was running a Sony XR100 deck . Deck was clear but we added a PAC Signal Commander in the glove box with the EQ. Man oh man when you’d hit that switch the PAC just really made it EXTREMELY CLEAR N POUNDING BASS. Even got stopped on the hiway for excessive acceleration. We was playing the first part of Sammy HAGAR’s Bad Motor Scooter. Cop though it was me shifting like that. IN A CAR LOL. Well the cops ended up setting inside the car saying OH MY GOD we’ve never ever heard are seen a car this loud. LOL, back in then days cops was cool. Nowadays they’ll KILLYA
Hey Mark, been a fan of the channel for a long time. Would love to see a dedicated video on how to use the AccuBass feature built into the Audiocontrol amps
Yes please. Also an Epicenter tune video.
@Bob stone. This is a great Idea. I have Audio control loc with AccuBass and I’m not totally sure I have it working correctly. Mark would be a great choice for going over the Install. Last I checked there were no good videos on the Audiocontrol Loc
@@erichughes3077 yesss
I didn’t know I needed this in my life until you said it 😮
I have tried Epicenter and the LC2i Pro. When I installed a high quality head unit, to replace these, it drastically improved my sound and range.
Hello and thank you for all of the unbelievably clean and superior work. Also thank you for all the advice on different vendors for quality gear. I live in Anaheim Ca and am planning my classic car audio insall. Please (if possible)could you consider doing a video on a classic car(1950’s-60’s) audio install/ recommendation.
Rear deck, sound denting, amp rack,ect. Thanks again for all of the great content.
Get ready to custom make everything for it depending on what vehicle it is lol. RetroSound makes vintage looking radios, but has all the modern goodies you want like Bluetooth, and albeit not as powerful, 4 channels rms amplifier. Just won’t have as good of options like CarPlay/navigation that you’d get with a double din (or bigger) normal screen. Alternatively you can do what most people do and hide the radio in the glovebox if there’s no clean way of mounting one w/o hacking up your dash, or not being able to create a custom center console.
Make sure you sound deaden it. I know from experience how damn loud it is inside those metal old cabs and how much sound would bounce off everything/vibrate.😂
Awesome video!!! No more headunits for me anymore. I have the Helix DSP.3 with the Bluetooth card so now I go directly from my Galaxy S8 to the DSP...I'll never use a headunit ever again!!
Sounds nicee, i will also planning to do that with my mosconi 6 to 8 dsp pro and the bluetooth module😀👍
Very nice to see you talk about a solution to grab the clean line level signal from some factory head unit! I never get good result using LOC but when we can get the true unprocessed line level even from a factory Head Unit, what a difference! You should do a full install video using such solution when you'll get a good candidate vehicle at the shop. Also it would be nice to see you touch the digital factory link such as MOST that can also allow getting a clean unprocessed line level signal from the factory system.
I run a JL twk with a Bluetooth input love the hidden stealth look in my race car
I will say when it comes to how stuff works you are the best at explaining it, between you and Steve Meade, I've learned so much more about car audio than I could of doing it with no help, thank you for the videos keep them coming
I have a 2023 jeep compass and they made the stereo essential almost impossible to remove. I want to use any one of the mentioned suggestions but want to be sure I get all I need before taking on the task. The built in DSP Amp sounds appealing. If I get said device is the install complex or relativity simple. I have installed almost all of my aftermarket stereos for years, just never ran into the situation where I couldn't put a new stereo in.
Can this be used on a 15’ GL550 Mercedes I was told the system is fiber optic and hard to modify for aftermarket audio
Another great video! Very descriptive but still easy enough to understand..
Thanks Mark. Yet another great video. Thanks.
Topping D10 with optical cable for the win!
Those pac are amazing used them Before. For the noise reduction I usually disconnect the factory module as it never exists 😂...
I have a cheaper LOC without any of the extra tuning or whatever that you recommended. So now I’m just getting an aftermarket stereo and a stereo kit that makes it work for my car. In tired of not having an equalizer
I wish you had covered MOST150 integration, this gives the cleanest possible signal from stock HU. Pure optical!
From my understanding this option is currently only available for Mercedes, vw, Volvo. Very specialized use
Man i really need to figure out the best option for my 2021 subru with the starlink. I have had a standard basic pac lp3-2 but im not getting a consistent ouput signal. My singnal starts off good but then the voltage starts going down. Not sure what one of these devices would help my issues?
I'm really wishing I had my old buick still! An Install seems to have went from basic Plug and play, To now Headache with a bunch more $$ for equipment..😮
I ended up going with the Alpine PXE-850. Very nice unit.
This was a great review of options. Thanks!!
0:21 that PAC has an optical connection?? I cant imagine cars using fiber digital plugs for sound being the type of cable and how long you would have to go without breaking the internals of the cable when running them. These are mainly used on home theater receivers.
Bro i was literally lying in my bed thinking about the fact I don’t want to replace my head unit and this video pop up at the right time😮
this is GREAT information, thank you
Can you please do an AMP PRO in-depth video? Thanks
Hi i have a premium system i stall in my toyota highlander platinum that has sub in the trunk but it is not that powerful. So my question is can i connect 2nd amp to the sub woofer wires or am i gona blow the aftermarket amp or any thing like that because every speaker in my car have diffrent thing to come out. Some only highs some base some mids thanks
would love if you did a video on bluetooth amplifiers. budget friendly to high end
Whats the best route for upgrading the speakers and adding a 4 channel in a 2019 Silverado with the bose ????
Does the loc drain the battery when radio is off or does it work like a proper relay?
I have 2003 Saab 93 aero 13 speakers so know aftermarket radio possible. I was wondering can I use a line output converter to dsp because the dsp I was looking at only has rca inputs?
I have a 2017 Ford F250 with a factory head unit - With the Pac Amp Pro (AP4-FD21 Amp interface w/ the optical TOS LINK signal fed) running into my Audio Control DM 810 - does the optical cable BYPASS the RCA's running from the head unit? I haven't installed anything yet, it's still in the planning stage. I'm pretty sure that optical cable eliminates the need for the RCA's coming from the stock head unit. Any opinions would be appreciated. Thank you
What would you recommend to upgrade speakers while keeping the factory head unit on a '23 Tacoma with the regular JBL system.
Hello car fabrications,
I have a 2024 Toyota Tundra with the JBL premium factory system. I’m upgrading with JL C7’s and amps. Do I use the Amp Pro or the fix86?
If it’s the Amp Pro, is there anything else I should be using for the best signal pickup from the factory unit?
Thank you for providing us with stereo information and I love the channel
Can you make an Harness for a C7 Corvette for adding an amp!
I've been using a Bluetooth adapter for pioneer's IP Bus on an oldschool headunit in my truck. Been liking it.
I want to get some sounds in my beater car that doesn't have a headunit. I was planning on using the same type of Bluetooth adapter except with RCA outs instead of IP Bus straight to the amp. Haven't gotten to the point of figuring out how I was going to adjust levels, but a DSP may be the way to go. Now to figure out which one.
If you're looking for a low cost, but effective unit, check out the Dayton 408.
I have a 2020 CADILLAC CT5 with the bose system in it. Is thier anything that will work with the bose amps or would just replacing them the easiest way to go?
If I have replaced all of my factory speakers with aftermarket and it sounds decent would a dsp make it better? I will be using factory head unit..
MARK will any of these fix a rebooting issue for the headunit?
Hey do you have any videos on hi res audio?
Hi,have you ever work with a Lexus GS 450h 2007 with Mark Levinson system?
I saw the video,but I had people that tried to install a LC audio control converter and a Digital signal processor and they told me that the sound was bad,can you tell me if this is real,I dont want to waste money,I need to be shure that if I want to replace the factory amp and speakers,is for a better quality sound and more punch,more power,can you help me with your experience?
I have a quick question I'm installing a pac amp pro in my jeep wrangler it does not have a factory amp do I have to run speaker wire from amp to the the pac pro.
@caraudiofabrication is it possible to keep the OEM radio installed and add a secondary aftermarket radio and tap it's front and rear wires to the OEM speaker lines? I want to put the aftermarket deck hidden in back, it is controlled by blue tooth. Would having it wired that way cause and issues?
I have a 2017 Accord LX. I want to replace the head unit but it appears the headlight settings and maintenance menus will be lost which is no go for me. The stock unit clips way too early as indicated by my fancy JL amp. So I was thinking of just putting something isolated in the car that won't clip its output. Any suggestions?
I'd just love to add an EQ to tailor my music live. Is that an option?
I'm curious if you can add a dsp after a factory amp? Or
I've got a 15 Mazda3, which the BOSE system in my car only changed the eq through the underseat amp, I'm told that it's that way for most of the mazda line. So you can leave the headunit stock, and just replace the amp.
Do you have any solution to bypass bose amp on Mazda cx3 2018 model since i want to install my custom sound system
Hey just subscribed. I just had the amp pro installed in my yukon, lost half my bass? It's been back to the installer but no change in bass output?
I want to know how many car tape out put can i used 🙏
Hello,
If I want to only install a Subwoofer and Amp, what should i consider buying? I'm going for something that has a big thump.
(Honda Civic LX 2012)
We can assist with a consultation via our website
?.... If I send all speaker signals to their corresponding amps...RCA's are not needed correct? For reference I'm running a ACM-1.300 mono & RF R2-300X4 for mids/highs.
TY!
I have a 2018 Nissan Armada that we just put a $700 aftermarket radio in, it’s the 12.1 inch one from rhino radios. I replaced the stock one because I had no screen signal and no audio or Bluetooth capabilities and now we have the rhino radio one in there and we have a screen for it, but we still have no radio/no sound even when making a phone call could the stock car amplifier be causing this issue?
Hello man really enjoy the vids, just need some extra help I have a seat Leon 2015 I want to upgrade my sound system here the stuff I already have : 5ch pioneer amp, Ts 6975 V3 , Ts1675 V2 and also ts- s20 tweeter no sub as yet,
Am planning to install my V3 on my parcel shelf and the V2 in the front doors but am not too sure if it will work while having factory speaker in the back door.
Please anyone help and thanks in advance
Can I install a aftermarket amp on my Toyota noah hybrid 2017
So i have a 2022 ct5 cadillac. Witch of these would you recommend since i cant replace the head unit?
I want to install a sub + amp in my car.
The stock head unit does not have the required outputs, and is quite basic and outdated (other than aux in no fancy stuff).
Should I consider installing a new modern head unit with all those fancy gadgets, including the required outputs for the sub
Or rather invest in a line out converter.
A new head unit would be 2x the price of the line out converter, which seems reasonable for the ammount of features it will add to the car as opposed to just a line oitput.
Will the output signal be similar from these 2 options, or is there some kind of reason to prefer one above the other quality wise.
Looking forward to any suggestions.
Cheers.
hi im getting a amp with dsp built in, plus a sub amp. but can i set the amp gain through the software or do i need to set the gain manually on both amps. by the way love your channel ...
DSP amps you typically will set the gain level in software
Could you tell me what harness I would need for a 2023 mazda 3 sedan
Hello i have audi a3 8v with 9vd audi sound system it sound signals to speakers comes out directly from the headunit , my headunit also have MOST output a optic fiber connection that connected to b&o amplifier in higher equipped cars with b&o speakers , im considering to setup amplifier that can get signals via optic fiber MOST connection and the output to speakers i want to use the wires connected to headunit is that possible
I think the using a DAP (iPod on steroids, hi-res music player) option is one of the best, easiest and cheapest options (with a DSP) and using a 3.5mm/4.4mm to RCA. Most have line-out options and output well over 2vRMS. That’ll sound just as good as ANY aftermarket head unit and be a great deal easier/cheaper. Many DAPs have controls that can easily be used without looking (Fiios M11 DAPs are great for that). Talking about an easy clean signal,…
That’ll set you back a decent amount BUT less than all but the cheapest aftermarket head units and many times easier/faster to implement. And it’ll be at LEAST as good as an aftermarket head unit (sound quality wise) and you’ll have it for listening to headphones/earphones, can even start getting into high end ‘phones,…
Can you set me up with some info and or videos on quality dap’s I’m interested
The biggest problem I have in my '14 Grand Cherokee is nobody makes an amplifier integration kit that retains ALL the factory features. Either you lose voice commands and nav prompts, or you lose parking sensor audible warnings (depending on who you're buying it from). The PAC unit you had connects directly to the radio, bypassing the OE amp. Well the parking sensor module goes directly into the factory amp.
I created a cheap setup that actually let me retain my factory amp, all the features (including fade which is commonly lost), and let me use my own amp. Basically just steal the signal from the OE amp, process/amplify it, and send it to the speakers. For whatever reason, nobody makes this and I don't know why. My system ultimately failed as I was just using a cheap DSP and eBay 50 watt amps to test my theory, but down the road I'll purchase real equipment to do it all over again.
A company, or someone more knowledgeable than me, surely could make an all-in-one unit that does this, and it would be a hit with the Chrysler crowd who don't want to lose features. Why PAC hasn't is beyond me, unless maybe it was just more cost-effective to create a single unit that could work with amplified and non-amplified systems.
my son wants to only replace the stock speakers in his 2011 GMC Canyon but you have some videos that say that is bad and some say its ok. I can't find anything on keeping the stock head unit but adding a small amp and replacing stock speakers. Help Please.
I have a 97 BMW 540i. It’s fully loaded and includes a factory “DSP” integrated stereo that has no amp in the head unit. This is because the amplifier is a separate unit in the trunk which directly controls a built in rear deck subwoofer system. Do you know, or have heard, if an Audio Control DSP or DSP/Amp could untangle the mess and allow full control? Could it handle amplified high level straight from the factory amp or maybe even directly from the factory unamplified head unit?
Any advise on a Corvette C 7 Audio Up Date. ( New Speakers and adding an Amplifier !
Can definitely assist. Check out the consultation section on our site.
@@CarAudioFabrication Can you do a Video on a C 7 Corvette, which will be very helpful, for a novice like me. Thanks!
@@CarAudioFabrication I did not see anything of Interest showing any Harness or how to connect a Bose amp
I moseyed over to Crutchfield. They have the Kenwood Excelon DNR1007XR that has "a 13-band parametric equalizer with digital time alignment". How does that compare to an external DSP?
My plan is to get one or the other. Soon!
Hi, I have no head unit or USB at all and want to play music only from my phone (which I use as my head unit). Would I be able to use an amplifier with a DSP to play music charge my phone and play music at the same time? Also, would my factory speakers just plug into it? Thanks in advance - sorry I’m so ignorant to all of this haha.
I have a 2020 mustang gt convertible. Want to do subs initially, with front stage later on. I notice a distinct difference in sound profile when the top is down. Not the usual change in cabin resonance, mind you. Almost as though the B&O engineers eq the lower 2/3rds down approx 6db to keep people from smoking their drivers with loud music while driving top down. Is there a solution for cars like that? Or is this one of those scenarios where I would have to find the circuit that is responsible for activating the top down profile?
So would I need dsp and the lc2 acubass
Can I add an lc5i pro to head unit then go back to stock speakers without an amp?
How do i dasable anc in a 2024 c8 corvette i cant seem to find any info there isnt an adapter for it . I want to install a subamp under seat using loc but read people have sounds when accelerating
Is there a way to use a DSP with stock equipment to just clean up and fix audio problems and quality?
I am talking, no amps for the speakers, so RCA out wont help.
Thanks!
So I am looking for OEM wiring in, and wire out options to the speakers skipping amps.
So now I’m getting confused…. I have a 2018 Durango but do I need a LOC like the one in the bud or an Advanced Amp Pro like the PAC? Or do I need something even different?!?
For now I will keep stock unit, infinity REF components for front and back and tweeters. Will add a sub and amp for all later.
Should I do 4, 5, or 6 channel amp with what hook up to the dash unit???
Help!!!!!!
Hope you will eventually do one for the Grand Highlander JBL audio
Can you make a video using digital audio player into DSP and how it would switch back and forth from stock units?
That looks nice and of course expensive. 👍
and even if you can replace the factory touchscreen it’ll be at least $500+ for a basic aftermarket touchscreen and you also will need additional aftermarket adapters and devices for your whole system to work properly, etc.
So…What’s the best line output converter for a BMW X5?
What are the best DAC’s for the car that have a optical out?
@caraudiofabrication does using a OBD genie/fouscan actually work by removing bass roll off? Id like to keep my oem radio as it controls a lot of features on my 21 f150 2.7 supercrew. Have you tried any of these OBD Tools on oem radios?
I have a kenwood that takes the place of the radio it has all the controls etc built in.
I’ve got a 93 ramcharger. Im proud of this thing. Rare color, Mexico spec. I spent so much money on a nice sound system. I’m happy with the sound but not the look. I like the stock look. I’m doing my research into Bluetooth modding factory stereos. Im gonna hide everything. One thing though. How would I hid a subwoofer? Or how can I get nice bass out of speakers? And I want a loud clean sound. Sounds like much but if you have any ideas, please help me out. I’ll comment again when I’m done.
What can you do for a KIA EV6 GT Line with Meridian 14 speaker system
Crutchfield is great but my 2013 e550 mercedes with the hk system has no suggestions at all. Really surprised me
Hi Mark. Greetings from Grenada 🇬🇩. What touch screen head units do you recommend to optimize music playback directly from TH-cam?
Maybe someone can answer me...
#1) Are DAC only needed when using headphones (or the like)? In a car audio situation is it best to get a decent (or better) DSP/DSP Amplifier and call that good?
#2) I have a new android phone so is it acceptable to use an adapter cable and hook directly to the DSP/DSP Amp, or should I invest in another option (High res player for ex)? I would prefer hard wire and not BT, but I'm open to input.
Thanks ahead of time!
Great videos by the way... I've been trying to get caught up as I just found you a few days ago.
I have a 2024 chevy trax.
I'm doing 3 way components in the front doors and Apiller and coax in the back doors with 4 10s in the cargo.
1 150.4 amp for the mids/highs
2 1500.1 amps for the subs.
Trying to wrap my head around how to connect it to the oem headunit is mind boggling...
Are there any of DSP’s with setup mic’s like the Kicker Key series??
Hi mark
I need your help please
I have Camry xse 2019 with original factory head unit radio 7 inch
I want upgrade all 6 speaker and add subwoofer 8 inch and 2 speakers 4 inch in rear dashboard with amplifier 1340 rms 5 channel
What should be do or selected from this vedio
Dsp or line output converter or line input converter
Hey Mark I have a aftermarket system --2'10's , all new focal speakers and tweeters with 2 amps installed with my factory deck I have a white noise is there any way to get rid of it?
I got into a car accident 1 month ago and now my onstar not working no more should l need to put a new stereo