Hey all, just picked up a 2006 Acura TSX and am looking to upgrade the crappy factory sound system. I previously had a 2011 Tacoma and have some goodies left over that I'd like to use:

-Hybrid Audio Technologies Imagine 6.5"
-JL XR650cxi rear 6.5" coaxials
-Alpine PDX5 amp
-Arc 10" D2 sub

Considering selling the Arc and the PDX5 and moving to a 12" IDQ12v3 / PDX V9 setup.

From what I've read, everyone recommends a JBL MS8 sound processor since there are no aftermarket dash kits and the factory HU must be retained. I have no desire to install an aftermarket head unit in the lower storage pocket, so I would like to go this route.

Would the MS8 work well with the PDX V9? I've also heard many people suggest going active, which I know nothing about.

If anyone could make some suggestions, I would really appreciate it. My setup in the Tacoma sounded great but I'm kinda lost with this MS8 thrown into the mix.

Thanks,
Matt

 

the ms8 is a great product but is designed for competition and overkill for everyday use it it very complicated for a novice. i would recommend the jl clean sweep or the arc audio sri. the arc audio sri is a great choice it gives you 6chs and an aux input.

 

Or you could save a bundle by trading in the PDX for an amp with balanced inputs, forget about the processor and connect straight from the factory HU. You will be amazed at how good it will sound.
This information gets lost as time goes by and new people come on the boards but the factory HU is clean and flat and is as good or better audio wise then most aftermarket decks.
Also, the PDX is class D, if you want the best sound you have to go with a good class A/B amp for the mains. I said a good class A/B; the PDX will sound better than most of the cheaper brands regardless of typology.

Jeff

 

i know jl's 300.4 would be an excellent choice but the amp does not have rca outputs for a sub amp. i have an hifonics sub amp hooked up to a 10'' and was planning on buying the jl digital 300 watt amp because it has rca outputs. any suggestions?

 

Are you stupid jl is never an excellent choice. So many other higher end better choices for the same price. Ahhhh noobs........

 

wow, you sound like your from the a..hole philly area. was simply asking a question about an amp with balanced inputs. i am far from an audio noob. been installing car audio for 15yrs.. i dont prefer jl but seems that with the tsx requiring balanced inputs. jl seems to be the best choice with space as a concern.

 

There are other brands that offer balanced inputs on some of their amps, Kicker Zx, Rockford FG Punch and Power series and some of the Infinity Kappa amps. I’m sure there are others and possibly some esoteric brands but that’s the ones I know of in the mainstream market.
The only issue I have with the 300/4 is the lack of preamp outs. As far as quality I have no issues, it’s a good clean class A/B amp and I have been running one since 2006.
BTW, I’m not a noob, I have close to 40 years of electronics and audio experience under my belt. I built a parts bin tube amp when I was 16 years old and recently built a digitally controlled analog preamp to replace the ELS amp in the 2nd gen tech. I also worked out how to correctly replace the TSX factory amp and designed the balanced converters needed for the 1s gen TSX and 8th gen Civics.
Jeff

 

thanks merkman for the info..
the amp im planning on picking up is the jl xd400/4. it has rca outputs which will work with my application..

 

The new Alpine PDX also have balanced RCA's. I have used the same PDX-M6 and F4 in my last 2 cars (2009 Mazda with Blose and 2011 Honda Accord with Premium/Nav) and have not had noise issues. I will be using the same in the TSX once I get around to doing an install (need to decide on an ipod adapter first).

Equipment wise, this stuff is what's in the closet upstairs

Amps I just mentioned
JL 12W6 sealed to bring up the rear
MB Quart Q-series 6.5" woofers
Bravox CS60K comps
Massive Audio CK6 comps
Alpine SPX radiator tweeters
Polk MM651 coaxials

I have a lot of possible ways to configure this, obviously. Part of me wants to go for the "surround" effect and put full range 6x9's in the rear shelf as well as coax in the back doors, just for that full-room sound (have to buy a 3rd amp though). Or maybe the usual 2.1 that I typically run. Then I'd have to choose which speakers to put in which doors.

Decisions, decisions... at least the sub is a given!

 

i just pick up a jl xd 400/4 and planning on the install in a week or so