Thinking of going DSP

[dsw1204]

This will be my first venture into signal processing and know very little about it. So, I am asking for some advice/recommendations on the subject.

My setup is as follows: Eclipse 55040 head unit (may switch out to Eclipse CD8053 or CD8051...I like the older Eclipse head units), Arc Audio KS 900.6 amp, Morel Tempo Ultra 602 two-way component front stage, Eclipse 6x9 coaxials in back. No sub. The car is a 1991 Honda Accord EX.

What should I be concerned with? Since this is my first try with DSP, I think I want to keep costs down as much as possible. I am looking at a new Minidsp 6x8, a used Audison Bit Ten, or a used JBL MS-8.

I am kind of leaning toward the MS-8 because it seems like it is the "DSP for Dummies"...and that is me right now.

What should I know? And, any recommendations?

Click to read more...

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

I'm a big fan of MS-8 and I used one for almost 2 years in my car. I ditched it fast when I learned it was to be discontinued. Even before that happened I knew spare parts were very hard to get. If your display breaks, for example, you can't adjust it, you can't recalibrate, and it's a very bad situation. Even though I know it can produce fantastic results very quickly I cannot recommend it due to the risks.

MiniDSP has become very popular, and it will not be hard to get support for it both with warranty work and figuring out what to do with it. Audison has solid DSPs but if you need help from them they're probably going to give you the cold shoulder for buying outside their dealer network.

 

[dsw1204]

I'm a big fan of MS-8 and I used one for almost 2 years in my car. I ditched it fast when I learned it was to be discontinued. Even before that happened I knew spare parts were very hard to get. If your display breaks, for example, you can't adjust it, you can't recalibrate, and it's a very bad situation. Even though I know it can produce fantastic results very quickly I cannot recommend it due to the risks.
MiniDSP has become very popular, and it will not be hard to get support for it both with warranty work and figuring out what to do with it. Audison has solid DSPs but if you need help from them they're probably going to give you the cold shoulder for buying outside their dealer network.

That info about the MS-8 is very interesting to know. I knew it was discontinued, but I did not know about that display issue. I will probably go elsewhere for a DSP. That is too bad, because it seemed to be very user friendly. And, it seems that most don't seem to be so user friendly.

Also, from what I understand, some of these DSPs are meant for use with OEM head units. I am not using an OEM system, so do I have to be aware of DSPs designed for OEM?

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

That info about the MS-8 is very interesting to know. I knew it was discontinued, but I did not know about that display issue. I will probably go elsewhere for a DSP. That is too bad, because it seemed to be very user friendly. And, it seems that most don't seem to be so user friendly.
Also, from what I understand, some of these DSPs are meant for use with OEM head units. I am not using an OEM system, so do I have to be aware of DSPs designed for OEM?

not really. It'll function the same way, just the install methods will be different

You might lose some audio tuning capabilities with the aftermarket head unit though since the DSP will handle most if not all of the tuning.

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

It's the de-EQ function that made the MS-8 special for stock HUs. The Bit does it also but it's only the calibration volume. You have to use the Bits remote for volume.

 

[dsw1204]

Okay, for someone who has never touched a DSP, is there a DSP that any of you would recommend?

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

The bit ten wasn't that bad to get but I went into it already knowing the fundamentals

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

I use Massive Audio Core-1, and it has a very minimal feature set for use with an OEM source unit. The software is easy to set up and it will try not to let you blow up your speakers. The remote knob lets you change between the 3 memory save slots, and it's small enough to go in a lot of places.

 

[dsw1204]

I use Massive Audio Core-1, and it has a very minimal feature set for use with an OEM source unit. The software is easy to set up and it will try not to let you blow up your speakers. The remote knob lets you change between the 3 memory save slots, and it's small enough to go in a lot of places.

Will the Core-1 be good to work with an aftermarket system? I only ask this because the first DSPs I ever heard of were Epicenter's DSPs. I called them up and asked them about one of their processors and they told me that it was meant for OEM systems. I had to look at another model for aftermarket systems.

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

Every DSP. Real DSP not what Audiocontrol calls a DSP(it is but very basic) will work better with a aftermarket HU

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Will the Core-1 be good to work with an aftermarket system?

I only recommend it for an aftermarket system. You can use whatever head unit you want that gives you the features you need and like.