Sundown dual SD3/Hybrid Audio audio build Q & A

Yes well you asked, and actually the $600 Fosgate is OK, but probably wouldn't be my first choice. I don't think you are understanding what a DSP really is or does. The beauty of a DSP is that it takes in the raw signal as it is produced and gives you total control of it. It's is basically a big computer after all. You can then do all kinds of things with it like time shift, phase shift, de-equilization, equalization, etc. All of it digital so what comes out is a near perfect signal to send out to your amps. Even after the amps get the signal, you can control what the amps do with it too. This is a big deal in an automotive environment where speaker placement is not always ideal. The DSP not only controls the signal, it controls the output to tell the amps what signal to send where and by how much. Timing everything so that no matter where the speakers are you get near perfect sound stage placement. There are lots of ways to skin the cat, but the DSP is probably the best IMHO. You sure could replace the head unit, but you are not going to find an aftermarket head unit that is going to give you the same kind of performance you get from a DSP. At least not at the price point you are talking about.

I mean I get folks have different economies of scale when it comes to hobbies, but a DSP alone is not competition stuff. These are becoming more and more mainstream. I have never really seen $1.5K for an amp or a processor as lot because they usually last at least as long as the car I drop them in. As with anything there are cheaper ways to do things, but the ol' you get what you pay for concept is still alive and well. For what you are looking to put in, maybe a decent head unit or a stock with LOC is your better option. I don't know.

 

You maybe right in saying that I dont fully understand what the DSP will give me. I know that it will make the sound 100% better, however im not sure of the price point that will give me quality sound. Ive already got more than what i was anticipating in this audio build, Im not capped yet, but if i can keep it under the cap that would be nice. I would like to spend maybe $300 max on the DSP, i can go more if the features justify the amount.

So let me ask you this...

What will a HQ DSP do that a mid grade will not do?

 

https://www.minidsp.com/products/minidsp-in-a-box/c-dsp-6x8

 

Many satisfied customers using the Pioneer DEH-80 PRS if you can handle single DIN...quite a bit to be had for the coin there.

 

I have been talking to @Mrmarv about this but we could not find it. I think this is exactly what I want! I'm about to check it out and I will let you know. Thanks

 

MiniDSP CDSP

https://www.minidsp.com/products/minidsp-in-a-box/c-dsp-6x8-detail

Oops.... im a little late to the party :/

 

Werd. Big thread on it here if you wanna take in some opinions before committing.

 

The miniDsp seems to be a solid option. There are a few things missing in the processing but for the price it's not bad. I went BitOne so I could take out all the equalization Hyundai put in their system. I ended up moving it over to the Toyota but the stock unit had the same issues. Certainly for the price it would be worth a shot.

 

Those are not bad

 

Ok so new plan....

Going with a single amp. Returning the subs will be costly!

Plus this just happened.... I called Amazon to return my 2 kicker cx600.1 amps for a refund... Not only did they refund my money but i also get to keep the amps!! So know i will be going with the kicker cx1200.1 to power my subs.

Also i have 2 kicker cx600.1 amps for sale! haha.

 

Cool, great deal! I was going to say check out the ARC XDi 1100.1 for your subs

 

Ok so here is what i have coming to me currently...

Hybrid Audio Technologies Unity U69-2v2 6x9 component set (front)


Hybrid Audio Technologies Imagine I61-2v2 6.5 convertible component set (Rear)

ARC Audio xdi600.4

Kicker cx1200.1

Posting this here for easy reference....

 

Looking good!

 

should be solid

 

I think the miniDSPc-dsp is a great unit. I have it in my truck and it works great. I bought the USB mic from miniDSP for tuning purposes. I run my front speakers(tweeter and Midbass) active and can set crossovers, time alignment and EQ each speaker individually. So if your looking at the DSP route it has my vote.

 

How useful did you find the mic to be? And how is the GUI interface for the application you use to tune?

 

The mic is key to tuning properly. This series of videos gives a good idea of the process on how to tune using the mic, dsp, pink noise, and another program called roomEQ.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i8cxJaDyjg
He uses a Helix DSP but the miniDSP does many of the same functions, a few less, but still very powerful tuning device.

The GUI is very basic and easy to use.
https://www.minidsp.com/images/documents/Product Brief-CDSP 6x8.pdf
^ This has a view of the GUI under the typical application section on the right side of the page.

 

Thanks man. I will have to check out the video when i get home.

 

Ok so i have the subs installed into their boxes and currently both of them are being powered by my single MTX thunder 600w rms amp.... they are beating pretty good i have to say. I have my 1200w amp coming in today however im probably going to bread them in on my 600w amp and put them on the 1200w in a couple weeks!

I need to install my sound dampener however i still need to pick up a door panel removal kit.

 

The door panels come off pretty easily. ********* has a nice video to demonstrate it. Once a few things are removed there is a kind of slot in the bottom corner closest to the hinge you can put your fingers in and pull. Ive pulled mine off many times without breaking any clips.