I planned on buying an AC Matrix, but after thinking about it, I really only need 2 channels of output.
This will go to my JL amp for the fronts, then through the passthrough outputs to my dbDrive 1200.1 sub amp (the older Platinum series, not the cheaper new ones). I control the subwoofer gain through the amps external knob, not the head unit.
I am keeping the factory amp on the center for the nav and rear speakers for passengers and disconnecting the factory sub since I will have 2 12" Treo TSX subwoofers.
I usually only use a front stage, and turn on the rears when I have passengers back there so I don't need much volume back there.
This means less factory wiring to cut (just the front L/R), and I should only need a 2 channel line driver that accepts the outputs from the stock nav HU.
This is the first car I have ever had that I'm keeping the stock HU in, so not much experience here! (I've been doing installs since I was 15, so 21 years now.)
I've seen the 2 channel RF 360 line driver,would this be a good choice? If not, or if there's something cheaper that is just as good, let me know!
I don't need processing, just a simple line driver that accepts the outputsfrom the factory nav HU.
Thanks for any help!

 

FYI, I will be putting the line driver before the factory amp, so I will need something that can take that low of a signal.

 

Rockford bld

 

Arc ald

 

The RF BLD has worked great for me.

 

Why do you run a BLD when you have an MS-8? Doesn't the MS-8 boost the voltage?

 

I think because the stock signal is too low for the ms8. That would be my guess anyways.

 

Ahh ok. I think I vaguely remember that now. The MS-8 doesn't like or wont power on with a super low voltage or something of that nature.

 

You can't run the setup with the disk without the line driver. You have to bypass the part where it levels out the signal. All I get without the line driver is "level low" and it won't go any farther and that's with it at 40 on the volume. I used to skip the input setup and it was ok, not as loud as I would like it but ok. The MS8 did a great job of boosting the signal but it also distorted easier that way.

Now I can set it to calibrate at whatever volume I want. Since the stock HU has an built in loudness type eq as volume rises I can calibrate at the volume level I want.

 

Thanks for the responses guys.
Looks like I'll be getting the RF-BLD.

 

Just for whoever else stumbles on this
RF BLD, works great, good price, great quality.

http://www.opentip.com/Electronics-C...p-1574898.html will let you just tap into the stock wiring and have an RCA end. Current MTX amps with the "High Level Input" option (thunder/RFL series) come with them included (and your friendly local stereo shop may be willing to hook you up with a pair)