[arod in Texas]

I am trying to decide on what DSP processor to add to my system. I don't care about having Logic 7 which I know the MS8 has but I do want autotune. My current system is Morel Dotech Ovation in the front with Audio System Ax-08 under seats and a JL XD600/6 running it all with Technic harness. I know about bit one but it is out of budget. Any recommendations that are easy DIY as far as tuning?

[kaigoss69]

Originally Posted by arod in Texas

I am trying to decide on what DSP processor to add to my system. I don't care about having Logic 7 which I know the MS8 has but I do want autotune. My current system is Morel Dotech Ovation in the front with Audio System Ax-08 under seats and a JL XD600/6 running it all with Technic harness. I know about bit one but it is out of budget. Any recommendations that are easy DIY as far as tuning?

You don't know what REAL Logic 7 sounds like until you have experienced it with the MS-8. The only other "auto-tune" processor I am aware of is the Alpine PXA-H800.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by arod in Texas

I am trying to decide on what DSP processor to add to my system. I don't care about having Logic 7 which I know the MS8 has but I do want autotune. My current system is Morel Dotech Ovation in the front with Audio System Ax-08 under seats and a JL XD600/6 running it all with Technic harness. I know about bit one but it is out of budget. Any recommendations that are easy DIY as far as tuning?

3SIXTY.2 ... just make sure that it has warranty.

[arod in Texas]

What do you guys think of the Alpine H660?

[VP Electricity]

The H660 is balky and tough to work with. It has limited manual adjustment.

The 660, the H800, and the MS-8 are the only auto-tune options you have. I have not tested either Alpine on the analog signals in a HiFi car.

I am currently running a 360.THREE and it sounds great - I have not tested the analog inputs, though, since I'm running it in optical mode. Supposed to like balanced in on the RCAs. Doesn't come with auto tune.

The Helix P-DSP has worked pretty well for us. Does not have auto-tune.

The 6to8 has had noise in HiFi cars and I can't recommend it in your case. And, it doesn't have auto-tune.

[superjay]

Arc Audio PS-8 is going to trump all these, but still doesn't have auto-tune.

One that note, auto-tune will only take you so far, then you have to manually fine-tune anyway. I can find a few authorized Arc dealers in your area who are qualified to tune your car.

Any way you decide to go, eliminate the factory amp and replace it with a MoBridge pre-amp. This will eliminate 99% of noise caused by adding on to the factory system. This brings the 6to8 back in for you, if you like the Mosconi interface better.

There is a new article out in PASmag by Garry Springgay on the PS-8 that will give you 8 pages of detailed review of this product. I've been waiting 2 years for the PS-8 to finally ship, and it's being assembled as we speak. Will ship at the end of the month trouble free

[VP Electricity]

There are many ways to integrate with HiFi noise-free, Jay. You shouldn't blame the integration in and of itself.


No noise is *caused* by adding onto the factory system - it's only caused in this case by products that don't work with balanced signals well. Regardless of what anyone might like about the 6to8, and it is a pretty unit, its inputs - which Italy claims are balanced - do not act that way. The oversensitive input-muting circuit would also probably be fixed by using the optical input, I imagine.

I expect the Arc to be great when it ships. I believe that it has a lot to offer. As a dealer, I don't offer it until it's shipping and validated, just like all our products. Real men ship.

[superjay]

Originally Posted by VP Electricity

There are many ways to integrate with HiFi noise-free, Jay. You shouldn't blame the integration in and of itself.


No noise is *caused* by adding onto the factory system - it's only caused in this case by products that don't work with balanced signals well. Regardless of what anyone might like about the 6to8, and it is a pretty unit, its inputs - which Italy claims are balanced - do not act that way. The oversensitive input-muting circuit would also probably be fixed by using the optical input, I imagine.

I expect the Arc to be great when it ships. I believe that it has a lot to offer. As a dealer, I don't offer it until it's shipping and validated, just like all our products. Real men ship.

I will agree with you on the 6to8. With optical in it's flawless and noise-free, which is why I recommend using the MoBridge with it, rather than high level inputs, or even reduced analog inputs.

Adding to a factory system can cause noise with poor integration or poor wire placement, but is typically caused by exacerbating existing noise in a system.

I keep talking up the PS8 because I've been playing with it for 18 months, and know what it's capable of. I talked with them last week; boards are in-house, and are being loaded now.

[cdgatti]

What about the Zapco Z8?

[superjay]

very nice processor, but not quite the same processing power as the others listed, and prettyexpensive.

[6spdcoupe]

The Helix P-DSP has been stellar in BMWs for us via both Mobridge Toslink as well as analog. No auto-tune, but I don't across many clients that NEED such a thing. *Some* may want at first, but after an appropriate tune that thought is out the window.

[6spdcoupe]

Originally Posted by superjay

very nice processor, but not quite the same processing power as the others listed, and prettyexpensive.

How so on the pretty expensive part Jay ? It is on par and in most cases Less than all the other alternates.

P-DSP - $699
6to8 - $799
DSP-Z8 - $549

[TMR]

How about the Rane 26z. No autotune but best sounding unit ive had in my car so far.

[mathematics]

Originally Posted by TMR

How about the Rane 26z. No autotune but best sounding unit ive had in my car so far.

lol i don't think too many were considering a rack mounted version, but yea, i'd use a rack mount =)

[kaigoss69]

With a good, clean, low-level analog or digital input, I don't see why there would be much of a difference in the "sound" of one processor to the next, assuming they all have similar features. I think the difference is 90% tuning, and 10% placebo effect.

[superjay]

Originally Posted by 6spdcoupe

How so on the pretty expensive part Jay ? It is on par and in most cases Less than all the other alternates.

P-DSP - $699
6to8 - $799
DSP-Z8 - $549

Don, I was thinking their older processor that was near $1200. Thanks for the correction

[Technic]

Originally Posted by 6spdcoupe

How so on the pretty expensive part Jay ? It is on par and in most cases Less than all the other alternates.

P-DSP - $699
6to8 - $799
DSP-Z8 - $549

I though that the Z8 was supposed to be in the $430 range MSRP?

[6spdcoupe]

Originally Posted by superjay

Don, I was thinking their older processor that was near $1200. Thanks for the correction

Anytime old timer ! And that would have been the DSP6 at $900 which ran from 2005 to 2011. Still a bit off, but I forgive you.

[6spdcoupe]

Originally Posted by Technic

I though that the Z8 was supposed to be in the $430 range MSRP?

That was preliminary MAP, not SRP, pricing at CES.

[superjay]

Originally Posted by 6spdcoupe

Anytime old timer ! And that would have been the DSP6 at $900 which ran from 2005 to 2011. Still a bit off, but I forgive you.

Superjay - overcharging since 1990

[6spdcoupe]

Originally Posted by superjay

Superjay - overcharging since 1990

I love it !

[arod in Texas]

Thank you guys for all your knowledge. I am definitely now leaning towards the Helix PDSP as it looks very interesting but I will definitely have to save up for it. Until I have the cash for it I was wondering if anyone of you have tried the JBL Ms-2? I listen to 99% of my music through IPod. Would this help me with staging and some eq capabilities. I know it is not a full blown processor which is what I want but it be a band aid until I can buy the Helix or something like it? I can get one for less than $100 right now. What do you guys think.