4 channel amp and sub install questions

[blackb13]

I've installed many amps at my old job, specifically AudioControl and yes, the LC4.800 definitely doesn't an LOC; it'd be a waste of money and a potential hit to sound quality.

Personally though I'm waiting to see if an aftermarket radio solution becomes available for our trucks before I install my four channel amp. I've found that Ford radios just don't play cleanly, so I'd rather wait until the aftermarket solution is available and do the whole thing in one go.

I'm sure some exist, but I've never seen a professional or even semi-professional setup that used high-level inputs. How much are LOC's? Like $10-20? You've already got the RCA's behind the head unit ready to go in the event of an aftermarket upgrade. What if your new amp doesn't have high level inputs? What about upgrading to a DSP? RCA's are the standard.

There would be no more of a "potential hit" in sound quality compared to running speaker wires back to an amp. In 10+ yrs as an installer, even using the cheapest possible, crap RCA's didn't introduce noise in a properly installed system.

IMHO, YMMV and all that...

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[Lordran_Hollow]

I'm sure some exist, but I've never seen a professional or even semi-professional setup that used high-level inputs. How much are LOC's? Like $10-20? You've already got the RCA's behind the head unit ready to go in the event of an aftermarket upgrade. What if your new amp doesn't have high level inputs? What about upgrading to a DSP? RCA's are the standard.

There would be no more of a "potential hit" in sound quality compared to running speaker wires back to an amp. In 10+ yrs as an installer, even using the cheapest possible, crap RCA's didn't introduce noise in a properly installed system.

IMHO, YMMV and all that...

The high level inputs are for when installing an amp into a factory system, like how OP is getting ready to do, since factory radios don't have RCA outputs (except in very rare circumstances, like some of Scion's radios).

And it depends on the LOC, the cheap ones will definitely be that cheap. Higher quality LOCs like the LC2i are easily over $100.

But I agree, I prefer RCA out when available, which is why I stocked up on RCAs before I left my last job so that I could have them for when I eventually replace the factory radio.

 

[blackb13]

The high level inputs are for when installing an amp into a factory system, like how OP is getting ready to do, since factory radios don't have RCA outputs (except in very rare circumstances, like some of Scion's radios).

And it depends on the LOC, the cheap ones will definitely be that cheap. Higher quality LOCs like the LC2i are easily over $100.

But I agree, I prefer RCA out when available, which is why I stocked up on RCAs before I left my last job so that I could have them for when I eventually replace the factory radio.

I understand what the OP is trying to do (been there, done that), which is why I recommend using a LOC.

Not arguing with you here... I just wanted to clarify that you mentioned that using a LOC (which requires RCA's) would be a "waste of money," but then agree that you also "prefer RCA" outs. Confusing to say the least...

A LC2i is basically a DSP and still uses RCA's for it's output. So either way, you're using RCA's. My thought is, why not just run them in the first place?

 

[Lordran_Hollow]

I understand what the OP is trying to do (been there, done that), which is why I recommend using a LOC.

Not arguing with you here... I just wanted to clarify that you mentioned that using a LOC (which requires RCA's) would be a "waste of money," but then agree that you also "prefer RCA" outs. Confusing to say the least...

A LC2i is basically a DSP and still uses RCA's for it's output. So either way, you're using RCA's. My thought is, why not just run them in the first place?

The problem with LOCs is that they're not always the cleanest conversion, a cheap quality LOC will introduce distortion when it converts down to a low signal.

And for cars that have factory amplified systems, cheaper LOCs can't handle the power from a factory system and will cook. I've seen it personally. The LC2i and the LC4.800 have the ability to handle up to 40v of power.

With the LC4.800 it HAS the LC2i already built into it. You have the option to use EITHER the RCA ports OR the speaker level/High level ports. Hence why I'm saying it's a waste, the amplifier itself already is an LOC built into its hardware.

The LC2i is also not a DSP, it's specifically an LOC that has the ACCUBASS system AudioControl created to help with bass roll-off, that's the closest it gets to being a DSP, otherwise to call it a true DSP is a flat out error.

Quality amps nowadays don't need LOCs when interfacing with factory systems.

Me saying I prefer RCAs/low level/pre-amp level is for when I add an aftermarket radio, but given that that isn't an option on the factory radio, that's why we're using high level/speaker level.

 

[blackb13]

The problem with LOCs is that they're not always the cleanest conversion, a cheap quality LOC will introduce distortion when it converts down to a low signal.

And for cars that have factory amplified systems, cheaper LOCs can't handle the power from a factory system and will cook. I've seen it personally. The LC2i and the LC4.800 have the ability to handle up to 40v of power.

With the LC4.800 it HAS the LC2i already built into it. You have the option to use EITHER the RCA ports OR the speaker level/High level ports. Hence why I'm saying it's a waste, the amplifier itself already is an LOC built into its hardware.

The LC2i is also not a DSP, it's specifically an LOC that has the ACCUBASS system AudioControl created to help with bass roll-off, that's the closest it gets to being a DSP, otherwise to call it a true DSP is a flat out error.

Quality amps nowadays don't need LOCs when interfacing with factory systems.

Me saying I prefer RCAs/low level/pre-amp level is for when I add an aftermarket radio, but given that that isn't an option on the factory radio, that's why we're using high level/speaker level.

I only mentioned the LC2I because you did. And "accubass" not being considered a "DSP" could be argued, seeing as how it is processing a signal...digitally.

It's not what I would do, but if the OP wants to run speaker wire to AND from the factory head unit that's also acceptable, particularly with this specific amp and if they're not wanting to upgrade in the future. I'm just sharing my actual experience with using a LOC in the Maverick.

That being said, your overall response is more succinct and provides clarity to your earlier statement(s) - that is appreciated. I think we're in agreement aside from our preferences in this particular scenario. And I can agree to disagree.

 

[colinl]

I'm sure some exist, but I've never seen a professional or even semi-professional setup that used high-level inputs. How much are LOC's? Like $10-20? You've already got the RCA's behind the head unit ready to go in the event of an aftermarket upgrade. What if your new amp doesn't have high level inputs? What about upgrading to a DSP? RCA's are the standard.

There would be no more of a "potential hit" in sound quality compared to running speaker wires back to an amp. In 10+ yrs as an installer, even using the cheapest possible, crap RCA's didn't introduce noise in a properly installed system.

IMHO, YMMV and all that...

It's really not too hard to imagine a modern amp to offer the same or better capabilities as a line out converter.

In the case of a DSP amp like this one, probably better.

 

[Thagh0st]

I only mentioned the LC2I because you did. And "accubass" not being considered a "DSP" could be argued, seeing as how it is processing a signal...digitally.

It's not what I would do, but if the OP wants to run speaker wire to AND from the factory head unit that's also acceptable, particularly with this specific amp and if they're not wanting to upgrade in the future. I'm just sharing my actual experience with using a LOC in the Maverick.

That being said, your overall response is more succinct and provides clarity to your earlier statement(s) - that is appreciated. I think we're in agreement aside from our preferences in this particular scenario. And I can agree to disagree.

A line out converter isn't a DSP, a DSP does full active xo, separate eq per driver, individual driver level matching and Time Alignment. A LOC is used to attenuate the speaker level output ( high level ) down to an RCA level (low level).
Just saying you can't go fully active using a LOC, which is the main reason I would use a DSP vs the LOC to begin with along with being able to flatten or clean the signal from the head unit.
But to me the most important part is the time alignment and parametric EQ

 

[Marlon641]

This is my first stereo upgrade in a newer vehicle with Sync. I'm going to list out what I have and what I intend to use. I want plug and play and not to have to tap into any factory wiring.

I have a Audio Control LC-4.800 amplifier that I removed from my old truck. I want to get a plug and play harness to run to my amplifier. I want to run the front 2 channels (parallel) to my factory speakers and run 2 channels for a subwoofer. I'm going to build my own box and 8" subwoofer. I looked at 2 vendors LLJ and PlugandPlaykits.com and see the harness I think is required. Is it this simple? I see discussions on LOCs and confused if it is required?
Researching has brought confusing and differing answers. Thanks in advance.

have you pulled the trigger on install yet? I’m really curious how it turns out

 

[firestang70]

have you pulled the trigger on install yet? I’m really curious how it turns out

No I hate spending money and wrestle with clicking the button lol. I have built a subwoofer enclosure. My amplifier is in place. I need to order my subwoofer, speakers and harness. I will update when I have finished.

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