I am considering a Dave Navone 2ch LOC plus a Clarion 7-band EQ with built-in line-driver to add to stock WRX radio. Cost is similar to an AudioControl LC6 active LOC...
Wasn't sure if there is much difference between a good passive LOC + active EQ/line-driver combo or using an active LOC like the LC6 to begin with. The passive LOC + EQ option gives me more frequency control but I wasn't sure if I would lose any signal quality over the active LOC.
Anyone have experience with these?
LOC + line driver vs active LOC
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dedlyjedly
- Silent but Dedly
- Posts: 1212
- Joined: Thu Dec 07, 2006 7:03 pm
- Location: Las Vegas
I have always preferred active line output conversion as the passive system will inherently waste some of the signal voltage. Obviously you've taken this into account and are considering running the signal into a line driver/eq combo. To be completely honest, I don't know if the line driver will compensate entirely for the passive LOC, so I'll look at this in terms of functionality and how the various equipment options would meet your needs.
I know that the Navone LOC is considered to be of good quality, but I haven't used one before while in contrast I have had good success with several AC products. I also don't know what Clarion piece you're looking at, but I consider most 5-7 band graphic equalizers to be fairly inadequate at addressing all of the frequency response issues in most systems. I would personally look at a less expensive active LOC like the PG SLD44. You already said you only need 2 channels of conversion, so I see no downside as compared to the AC. Then if you find a more basic eq suits your needs (which unfortunately you won't know until you RTA your system) you should probably compare the prices between the Clarion eq and the PG TEQ6 or preferably the PG TEQP4. If budget allows I would highly recommend something like one of the 30 band analog eq's over the type you're considering.
If time permits I think your best bet would be to purchase the SLD44 and get your system installed. Then you will be able to properly assess your processing needs and make a decision on an equalizer.
I know that the Navone LOC is considered to be of good quality, but I haven't used one before while in contrast I have had good success with several AC products. I also don't know what Clarion piece you're looking at, but I consider most 5-7 band graphic equalizers to be fairly inadequate at addressing all of the frequency response issues in most systems. I would personally look at a less expensive active LOC like the PG SLD44. You already said you only need 2 channels of conversion, so I see no downside as compared to the AC. Then if you find a more basic eq suits your needs (which unfortunately you won't know until you RTA your system) you should probably compare the prices between the Clarion eq and the PG TEQ6 or preferably the PG TEQP4. If budget allows I would highly recommend something like one of the 30 band analog eq's over the type you're considering.
If time permits I think your best bet would be to purchase the SLD44 and get your system installed. Then you will be able to properly assess your processing needs and make a decision on an equalizer.
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lawrence131
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Thu Jun 24, 2010 10:49 pm
thanks dedly - all those options were floating around my head hehe. I wanted an active line driver and an EQ (which has a built in line driver) so I went the cheap way and got a highly rated passive LOC going to EQ which can amp and EQ the signal to send to the amp. I figured this should be a fine signal and cheapest way to get all three.
tapped speakers -> Navone LOC -> EQ with line-driver -> amp -> speakers
I'll test what it does with the signal between this setup and the true active
LOC unit using:
tap-speakers -> audiocontrol LC6 -> EQ -> amp -> speakers
i have a spare LC6 bought for summation on a S550 so I can test these neck and neck, will post how it goes.
tapped speakers -> Navone LOC -> EQ with line-driver -> amp -> speakers
I'll test what it does with the signal between this setup and the true active
LOC unit using:
tap-speakers -> audiocontrol LC6 -> EQ -> amp -> speakers
i have a spare LC6 bought for summation on a S550 so I can test these neck and neck, will post how it goes.