2020 Headunit - Replace or keep and go with good DSP?

What are the thoughts?

If I replaced head unit I would go with something similar in size and function (8"ish, Carplay and Android, etc) so realistically around ~900-1100 and would not do an amp on my front and rear speakers - just my sub.

Or if I add DSP ~200, would get a 4 channel ~150-400 for the front speakers, and a mono for the 2x10's I have currently.

I currently have Rockford Fosgate speakers in all locations - 1" silk dome tweeters, 2 way 6x9's, and 2 way 6.5's with doors done with 80mm butyl. I also have a cheap autotek Amp and 2 DVC 10's in a box with not enough airspace - will be building a proper box after I head home from working over in Athens Al, have the MDF and will throw together.

I just can not stand how the stereo sounds with the LOC and subs added.

I listen to Metal first, then country/rap/pop all come in after so I like sealed enclosure tight bass, but really love my mids and highs to be non-distorted.

I don't mind running new wires to everything, so if I go with DSP and 2 amps would run new speaker wires to everything.

 

You have to really work hard with a DSP to overcome the OEM tune. If you keep the stock radio be prepared to really roll your sleeves up to coax out bass guitars. You’ve already done the other things necessary though, the door treatment primarily, so it’s possible.

If you have no real reservations over pulling the factory radio though, you’ll get much more tune ability, and you can use it all to address the acoustics of the truck instead of being forced to devote some of it in an effort to restore the muddy bass the factory radio gives you.

It’s your choice regarding how to go about it, but you’ll likely end up with amps regardless of which direction you go first. Because if this, probably just consider a DSP amp right out of the gate. You can replace the factory radio later because adding amps doesn’t put you in a pigeon hole.

So, I personally would go with a DSP amplifier first, one that will take high level inputs so you don’t need a LOC. If that satisfies you, stop there. If not, finish the job with a sick new head.

 

Well - I said screw it - I got a 4 in 5 out DSP as I had a Amazon credit so giving the DS18 DSP a try, got it free so can't hurt I also got a SSL 400x4 to try out for the front mids and highs. I finished up my work trip yesterday and am back to the house - so will be pulling my speaker box - re-routing my wiring to prep for the DSP and front amp, and then building the new box this evening more than likely. I don't expect the 4 channel and DSP till Wednesday so this will be a nice little prep project. I'm also going to pull my front drivers side door speaker and verify the wiring as I get some "feedback" which sounds like a blown tweeter honestly - in the past when I had this it was a faulty ground connection or crossed wiring etc. May throw a little more sound deadening in as well, or perhaps some of my noinco foam to go over the butyl that I have left over from my Si.

I'm excited to get a more balanced and better sound - will decide on a new amp for my subs - and honestly probably new 10's at the same time towards the end of the month more than likely. Birthday is later this month so expect to get some cash as once you get old 40+, people don't buy gifts they just give money if anything at all lol.

 

Curious how this turned out. I have a LCI5 pro, Pioneer 5 channel amp with stock entune head unit 10" sub in skar box behind seat and kicker CS in all doors. I've been chasing a popping and crackling from the left front speakers for a year now and have swapped everything from speakers, to harnesses, new replacement LCI5 checked grounds, only thing left I can think of is the amp...

Was wondering if DSP would be worth trying.