Phoenix Gold Phorum

lets talk OEM integration.

The 2010/2011 Camaro has a head-unit that is integrated into essentially every other aspect of the car from the heated seats to the power windows. Which makes it horrible to try and replace (not to mention so far, horribly expensive)

Which means - OEM integration.

I have never used a sound processor before in any of my installs, so my experience with them is essentially - zero.

Alpine Imprint - it uses a mic to fix everything from time alignment to holes in the sound with a 512-band EQ. This looks like a sweet unit that does some amazingly cool stuff... but its right on the edge of voodoo to me.

The JL Cleansweep - cheaper which is nice, uses a 128 band EQ, but doesnt adjust for TA or anything else... it just takes what the OEM head unit gives it and EQ's it to almost flat, also has a remote turnon lead to turn on the amp(s) - fast, easy, cheap - definitely the way I am leaning at the moment... will have to get a line driver since it outputs at 4v. I dont think it does signal summing without buying an additional piece which is a negative.

Fosgate 360.2 - this one I know very little about... it allows for aux inputs directly into the 360.2 (MP3 player). Outputs a 5v signal. does not have a remote turn on lead to turn on amps.

What have you all used (if you have used one) and what do you recommend? ease of use is a biggie as is reliability - I want to set it and forget it. I dont want to have to fiddle with the system in this car once its done.

Right now, the JL Cleansweep is looking the most promising just based on its apparent ease of use, remote turn on and price...

I have also heard that ARC Audio makes a unit and that Audio Control does or did make a unit - but that they are much more involved than these 3.

While I can't add anything to the comparison of various OEM integration solutions, you should also checkout the Audison Bitone.1.

fuzzysnuggleduck wrote:While I can't add anything to the comparison of various OEM integration solutions, you should also checkout the Audison Bitone.1.

Thats what I was thinking aswell, though the price is pretty steep, and Im not sure if they have worked all the bugs out yet, Ive heard the first run had a few glitches, this info has come from other forums so it is not first hand info.

I guess the suggestion depends on how your factory system works. Is there a headunit to amp preamp-level connection you can tap into in your car? That's how I did it in mine... usually if there is an external amp this is possible.

If not, then what about the outputs from the amp? Are they EQed? Crossed over? Are there any full range channels?

Being and old school RF fan stay away from the 360. They work well but the bluetooth stuff goes bezerk and you can't control the unit. The Alpine has goods and bads but can be limited if you like to tinker. The JL is nice but all it really does is give you the ruler flat output which may or may not be a good thing. My vote is the bit one, or possibly the H701. Both of these will offer plenty of options but can be a little tricky with that much to deal with.

Are you looking for a full processor or something that will give you RCA's? What about a ReQ?

heres another thought that i'm looking into for my mazda (that sounds equally as jacked for taking out the factory head unit)


bypass the audio completely, install a headunit in the glove box or where ever there is room and leave your factory headunit still on, intact just the factory amp disconnected

JBL has the new unit that about to come out. I think its for real this time. A competitor just used it last weekend at a big show and they said its in production. There is the longest thread I have ever seen over at DIYMA about it.

JBL MS-8 and Audison Bit.One. are two big brawlers ATM.

BitOne:
-8 rca inputs
-8 speaker level inputs
-31-band EQ
-full time alignment, per channel
-6/12/18/24dB HP/LP/BP X-Over, per channel


MS-8:
- 8 speaker level inputs
- 8 line level inputs
- Auxiliary input
- Fully configurable electronic crossover
- 31-band EQ


There was discussions on the Car Audio threads here in Oz. I'll quote what I am in strong accordance with...

Knowing the technical ability of most of those in this thread and the typical enthusiast who would want this product I would have thought it would have been safe to assume most of you would have or have access to an RTA. Would an afternoon spent with said RTA, a decent set of ears and some time alignment tweaks not yield a more satisfying "tune" that you would be confident with, than pressing a button and hoping for the best with Auto-tune?

The only selling point I've seen is an alleged "better" algorithm for an "auto-tune" that most of us would not use anyway.

Just my thoughts.

I've only had experience with the JL unit.

Ages ago, I use to have the VDO Dayton CD3300. It had an "auto EQ" mic in it. I tried this thing out... and seriously done nothing for me. Highs and midrange OVER emphasized, and midbass was lack. Sub bass sounded like it was echoing in a tin can. Sounded strange!

I used the preset EQs and was more satisfied

Audison Bit One, end of the discussion. Save till you can get one, it's worth it.

I have heard good and bad about the Bit One - which is why it wasnt part of my list.

An Audison product that adds noise to your system... for what they cost, I figure I can wait until they work the bugs out.

like I said before, I have never used a processor - seriously doubt I would know what to do with one if I WERE trying to use one, which is why the Cleansweep sounds like a good idea.

As for the high/low level outputs to the factory amp, there ARE low level outputs if I spend the extra money and get the Boston Acoustics upgrade, but why bother if I know going into the deal that I am going to be pulling the stereo anyway?

I wouldnt mind putting a head unit in the glove box, but IMO - just not a realistic idea in the Camaro.

Alpine Imprint should not be consider oem integration

k2f-gold wrote:Alpine Imprint should not be consider oem integration

werd

Alpine makes a OEM unit with imprint, just not called imprint only, its called PXE-H660, also the Audison still has problems and has not been updated like they said they were going to.

The JBL is prob gonna be the best unit out, they worked on it before releasing to make sure it works properly, not like Audison.

There is also the Zapco DSP 6 that only does 3 sets of Rca outs but is really nice and complete, but it doesnt have hi-level inputs

http://www.zapco.com/prod/DC_Ref/DSP_DRC_Frame.htm

scottn29 wrote:Alpine makes a OEM unit with imprint, just not called imprint only, its called PXE-H660

yes. think this is the one. any idea how does this unit performing? not sure if it's the same as those hu with built in imprint.

anyone tried the audio control lc8i?

12voltjunky wrote: anyone tried the audio control lc8i?

Yup... anything by Audiocontrol kicks ass

What about the PG SLD44? Can't believe nobody has mentioned it here

scottn29 wrote:Alpine makes a OEM unit with imprint, just not called imprint only, its called PXE-H660

Thats the one I am thinking about... the Alpine OEM integration unit with Imprint

The 1 Alpine OEM setup I've installed was pretty badass, and gets my vote.

I have installed a couple MTX reQ's too, and they work great for the price.