I have a 2010 TL with Navi and the ELS 5.1 system. Last month I upgraded the system. I started from the OEM amp, wired the outputs to the MS-8 then to the Alpine amps to the speakers. I have no issues with Navi or the phone integration. I've been tweaking the system for some time but have an issue:

I wired the system to spec, 8 inputs into the MS-8 and 8 outputs. I'm using a combination of the MS-8 outputs and Alpine outputs to power the speakers. All channels are working 'correctly'. However I’ve lost the capability of the native 5.1 output from the OEM head unit, so when i play 5.1 DVDs some of the channels don’t make it to the appropriate speakers, it looks like the MS-8 is ignoring some of the channel signals. Crutchfield thinks it could be defective.

Has anyone done this type of upgrade and seen this issue??

 

First of all, you did not wire the system to spec if you have 8 inputs into the MS-8. If using the speaker leads from your HU/OEM amp, the MS-8 is very specific in the requirement for feeding only the front channel and the sub outputs into the MS-8. Under no circumstances do you wire 8 inputs into the MS-8. Period. This alone is the probable cause for the problems your having with playing 5.1 DVD-A's and not realizing the surround, as the channels other than the front/sub you're trying to feed into the MS-8 are not being recognized. Re-read item number 6 on page 4 of the Quick Start Guide which came with the unit, or review the wiring diagram found on page 9 of the USERs Guide where it very clearly shows the wiring from the factory harness being fed into the MS-8, with the caveat DO NOT USE associated with the L/R side, L/R rear, and Center Channel feeds.

 

^Woah wait...hold on...stop. What the hell is an MS-8? More importantly, why do you need one?

 

Six Shifter,
Do you have the MS-8 installed in your car?
Do you have the native 5.1 working correctly?
How would you expect to get 5.1 from a stereo signal, as you describe?

I found the answer, the MS-8 sums all channels and returns a stereo signal separated into two channels left and right only. It digitally creates a 7.1 or 5.1 signal back to the speakers. At the point the ELS 5.1 stops working.
Thanks.

 

Correct on all accounts. While the factory HU can correctly reproduce a true 5.1 DVD-A disc, the MS-8 only creates the effect from the front stereo inputs. However, the one thing the MS-8 does is create a better front stage than the OEM HU does. I've just spent roughly 4,000 miles of listening to it on a recent round trip Texas, and I've yet to even play with the EQ settings - which I chalk up to the Focal speakers I'm using.

 

No one has answered the question, why add MS-8 to a perfectly good system. Six Shifter, Can you give an answer, or just insults to the OP?

 

The MS-8 is an aftermarket processor which allows you to connect it direct to your OEM system without the need of purchasing an aftermarket head unit. It's for people who are not completely satisfied with the ELS system and in my case (and Six-Shifter's) have decided to replace the speakers and add additional amps.

I know that a lot of owners are happy with the stock system, but I personally did not think that it was anything overly special. I am somewhat bias though because I always install aftermarket systems in my vehicleS. Google JBL MS-8 and you will find more detailed info about the unit.

If you are happy with the stock ELS system then I would recommend that you not consider the MS-8. Stereo fidelity is a personal choice.

 

^Thank you Brew!

 

Brew, could you tell me how you interfaced the amps with the OEM system. I'm having to rethink the way i installed the signal processor. I guess my options are maybe going with a line converter of wiring directly into the amps. Thoughts?

 

If the 5.1 functionality of the ELS system is important to you then you will have to go with a line converters to your amps. I went with 2 JL Cleansweeps when I initially did the install but quickly realized the fidelity limitations of the ELS system. Below is my initial thread:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ht=aftermarket

IMO, you may want to reconsider how important the ELS 5.1 is.