Need some clarification/advice (LOC)

[kaltenberg91]

So I bought a new car last year (2010 Impala (no bose)) and I'm no longer able to go without any bass. Since its xmas i figured its the perfect time to put some bass in the trunk. My question is essentially should I go with this "LOC" (Pac Aoem GM1416 Select Buick Chevrolet GMC Amplifier Add on Interface 4 CH RCA | eBay) That appears to hook right up to my stock head unit and give me the RCA's for an amp. Is there any real advantage to this over a LOC that taps right into the rear deck speakers? Also is there a difference in sound quality over a $30 LOC or a $100 AudioControl LOC? I know replacing the HU would be best, do it right ya ya, having had lots of different set-ups and power in the past and other cars I feel weird going this route but I'd like to keep the dash interface looking stock. If all else fails I have a nice JVC HU I can install but would like to give this LOC route a try.

My future setup;

Stock HU

(1) HDS312 sub

(1) Q1-1200D amp

Ported Enclosure 1.5-2^3

Knu Konceptz wires

(2) sets of Infinity Kappa 6.5 Compo's (already have)

Thanks for any help guys!

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[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

The cheap one will maintain the factory cut off. The Audiocontrol will override it. The real best way is adding a processor.

 

[kaltenberg91]

Cut off like turn keys off, open door stereo shuts off? The Audio Control has a built in processor correct? I was thinking the LOC would make a quick plug n play solution for my DD. If I have to put abunch of time under the dash I might as well get a trim kit and install my JVC unit. So is the only difference between the LOC I posted above and an more expensive option like the Audio Control the factory cut off? (Besides some useless option that dont apply to this application)

 

[kaltenberg91]

The real best way is adding a processor.

Or do you mean a completely different device (a "processor") than any LOC

 

[kaltenberg91]

Can someone clarify a little more please I'm looking through the search results but not getting exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks!

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

Ok. The FACTORY deck has a low end cut off so it does not send frequencies to the speakers they can not handle. A LC2 will bypass that and restore the signal.

A processor would allow you to completely set and tweak whatever is hooked to it.

Say you had amped front stage and sub. A processor hook up to the factory deck would give you 31 bands of EQ, time alignment, crossovers. Better than any aftermarket deck besides one still available right now.

 

[kaltenberg91]

Oh ok frequency cut-off, makes sense. Since the low-end cut-off is coming from the head unit where do I need to install the LC2 then? Processor would be nice but I don't think I need one at this time.

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

If it's the LC2 you can tap into one of the rear speakers

I hope you plan on amping the Kappas

 

[kaltenberg91]

Ok great thank you very much btw. I will amp them in the future, when I install everything I'm going to run wires like it was amped (since everything will be torn apart already). A second amp isn't in my car audio budget right now, gotta buy too many gifts for other people haha. Soon though I hope.