I am redoing my system and adding 2 amps on my 07 non-tech RDX. One amp is mono (amp), one is 4 channel (4 mids, tweets). I am keeping the system as stock, or stealth, as possible. I know I need a LOC comming from the stock amp to take the speaker level signals back down to pre-amp so I can hook up my new amps.

Question is, how important is the quality of a LOC, or is it pretty generic. I have looked at Audiosource L6C, JL Clean Sweep and other quality pieces but they are all over $150 bucks. I could also go with some generic brand and find something for all my channels in the $40-$50 dollar range. If I go with the generic can this reduce the quality of the sound? I don't want to have spent all this money on bood speakers, amps, sub, power and ground blocks, fans, etc. and then have a crappy sound cause I cheaped on the LOC, but I really can't see that reducing a signal level can affect the quality of the signal. Anybody got any thoughts?

thanks for the help

 

Usually in this area its "you get what u pay for" type of a deal.
The more expensive ones usually are so because they include some form of sound processing which is a good thing, and the circuitry involved keeps noise to a very minimum. There are some that are quite good at keeping noise to a min but offer no sound shaping which are thusly cheaper, MtX comes to mind.
Reputable vendors such as Crutchfield usually sell good stuff also.

I myself have the AudioControl DQL-8 sitting on the shelf for install when I can find the time.

And please remember to take the pics of the installation process whenever you get crackin

 

Having done this in 7 of my past vehicles and my RDX just yesterday, Im gonna say that it doesnt matter. I have used both high end and best buy quality LOC's and they dont seem to make a difference. The one I just got from best buy was a steal at $17. The sole purpose of an LOC is to simply convert the audio signal. There are no fancy processors needed to do this. You are'nt trying to set up a DPL II surround sound, your just providing a signal for your amp(s) plain and simple. Let me know if you need any assistance setting your system up, it can be a bit tricking if you are new at this.

 

Good to know carsrmilife!

Could you please do a write-up on your install in the RDX for us? Any pics would be great too

Thanks

 

I could do a write up for you guys, but I didnt take any pictures unfortunately. If I get some down time this weekend I could take everything off and snap some pics.

 

Thanks guys this is some great info. I actually found an audiosource l6c on ebay for $70 bucks used that seems pretty reasonable so I guess I am gonna settle somewhere here in the middle (lol).

I will be sure to take pics when I get it going. Im hoping to start it soon, but starting a new job and you know how that goes.

 

Another route that is much more involved and bypasses the stock amp is to solder your speaker leads into an RCA female end (then you can run traditional RCA's front to back). I ended up doing this and then bumping signal back up in the back with a simple line driver.

I HAD to go this route because my OEM amp was noisy and was MUCH worse once connected to aftermarket. Make sure your OEM amp is quiet before choosing your path!

Good luck,
J.