Line Drivers, USB Dacs, Equalizers, Crossovers, Processors galore!

[Ruffy 10+ year member]

I had same kind of problem you having, I couldn't decide on soundcard/DAC for my SQ Carputer setup. So I had to read over 1000 posts on mp3car.com forum before I made my mind. I can share with you some thing I learned about the "SQ and the Carputer":
1. Power Suply matters a lot. If you are plannig to use a power inverter, forget about the SQ. It'll make a constant system noise no matter how well u ground it. (proven //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif )

Use only DC-DC PSUs. Opus-250 most powerful PSU available http://www.digitalww.com/opus250.htm plus it got automatic shutdown/sleep option.

2. Forget about the RCAs, think Optical. All soundcards I know don't produce more than 1-2 volts output and that includes Audigy X-FI and M-AUDIO Audiophile. Auzentech X-Meridian is the only one exception with 4v preouts but its not out yet.

Just use any card equipped with toslink style optical out.

3. External DSP/DAC with Optical Input.

Zapco DSP6-SL is #1 but pricy. The best price/quality DSP/DAC is Alpine PXA-H700/H701. It will convert your optical signal to 4v analog, also got: 165 Band Graphic EQ, 27 Band Parametric EQ, Dolby PRO LOGIC II, Time Correction, etc

I'm trying to not spend $800 on one single item, hence the reason im going car pc route and not a pioneer Z1. If i get the zapco or alpine then all my price savings go out the window.

And quite frankly. I can't afford it! I have 2 loans to pay off and maintence on the car.

And Im still unsure on if I'll be using a laptop or build a real carpc. I bought a laptop last thanksgiving for $350 at walmart on black friday. I can always buy another one this year for around the same price and use this one in my car. Cheap CarPC with battery backup.

The "power On" modification is easy as I have a docking station. I've already opened it up and know it's internals well.

 

[igeriys 10+ year member]

Pxa-h700/701 is the only thing u need no matter if u using pc or laptop, it gives you all sound processing, equalizing, x-overs, 4v outs and DAC so u don't have to spend money on soundcard.

And if you get lucky you can find for under $400.

I got mine for $400 shipped.

 

[Ruffy 10+ year member]

Pxa-h700/701 is the only thing u need no matter if u using pc or laptop, it gives you all sound processing, equalizing, x-overs, 4v outs and DAC so u don't have to spend money on soundcard.And if you get lucky you can find for under $400.

I got mine for $400 shipped.

Yeah but id need the controller for another $200

Was just quoted $800 for a Zapco at several dealers. Sheesh.

If only the newer Alpine Vehicle hub had optical inputs

 

[bri487 5,000+ posts]

Yeah but id need the controller for another $200

Was just quoted $800 for a Zapco at several dealers. Sheesh.

If only the newer Alpine Vehicle hub had optical inputs

its cheaper to get it built int he amps, since you dont have to buy the controller. you dont need it, you can use a laptop/pc. the 800 is the price people pay for it to run with their c2k's.