Will the LCi2 Pro be pointless if I pair it with a Kicker Key 500.1 for my sub?

Do they essentially do the same thing? I can't really find an answer anywhere.

 

Yes. The key500.1 has a built-in dsp. For connecting high-level (using speaker wire) you cut off the ends of the included rca adapter and connect to your speaker wire. With the lci2, it provides pre-amp (rca) connections that you run to an amp. In this case, you skip that step because it's already inside the amp.

The caveat is that you will lose sound from your rear speakers (assuming that's where you're sourcing the audio from).

 

Which do you think does a better job? I'd have one less thing to mount, but I would prefer to have better sound if the LCi2 is better for a stock head unit. Also, would I lose sound completely? I was going to use the front speakers since most people suggest that due the rear output being so low.

 

Couldn't tell you, but you're outputting a sub signal, so sound quality isn't going to mean much. I'm sure either unit will be fine for what you need. You only lose rear speaker sound because you will disconnect the rear speaker wire to use as input to the dsp(lci/key)

 

Copy that. Thanks for the help.

 

So a few things I want to clarify

the LC2i is a fancy line-out converter (LOC)
Very different than a DSP (digital signal processor)

The key has a LOC and a DSP with a microphone and auto-EQ tuning.

they do very different things. You probably want the Key, as it works well and makes the install super easy.

if installed correctly, you will not lose sound to any speakers.
You also want to get your audio signal from the FRONT speakers and NOT the rear speakers.

 

Awesome. Thanks.