Upgrading system

[I84885]

Hello fam just got a 2017 big horn planning on upgrading system I want to keep 8.4 media center what plug n play should I get so I dont have to cut any wires. I plan on running 2 amps 1 for subs the other for door and dash speakers basic system for now not alpine upgrade. I saw. Amppro has an interface and I've a company that makes a custom harnes . Suggestions needed

 

[Elevated 2013]

Rockford Fosgate DSR1 is a great DSP that will connect straight to the system and allow you to add amps easily and then gives you an app to adjust all of the tones, speaker timing and levels individually.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[I84885]

Thanks will check it out

 

[78Staff]

There are basically 3 major options/choices to keeping existing head unit and adding/upgrading amps/speakers.... RF DSR1, Metra DSP, and PAC 41 R.2.

DSR1 is what I originally was going to go with but shop talked me into the Metra DSP product, say they have had issues with the DSR1. (looking back, they don't stock any RF, which is likely why they steered me to the Metra). I have had nothing but problems with the Metra. It keeps loosing a single channel - sometimes it plays, sometimes not. They've replaced it 3 times now, and it goes "bad" anywhere from a week to a couple months after install. Always the same channel - Right Rear. Wiring, amp channels, etc have all been checked. Shop thinks it's a CANBUS issue. They've been good about swapping it out but I am changing to something else. But honestly, if you read you read up on the RF DSR1, it seems to has a lot of issues as well. I just don't thing these "factory integration" DSP's are quite there yet .

The DSR1 and Metra are both DSP's - the other option (PAC) is simpler in that it's just an interface that allows leveling out the output from the 8.4 and adding preamp outs for Front/Rear/Sub, with minor Freq adjust ability. But it's not meant to be a DSP or a big EQ, although you can add on via it's TOSLINK interface I believe. It's probably what I am going to swap over to, unless I decide to replace the entire radio, which I really don't want to do unless I absolutely have to.

Note there are two PAC 41 versions - the original which only worked in factory amp setups (ie the Alpine upgraded setup) and now they have the R.2 version which will also work with setups without the factory amp, which I would assume your BigHorn has.

 

[I84885]

Thanks for your response as far as your issues you made need LGD 20s. I've read if the radio doesnt see resistance it will completely cut out output. you add the LGD inline before you tie into your dsp

 

[78Staff]

Thanks for your response as far as your issues you made need LGD 20s. I've read if the radio doesnt see resistance it will completely cut out output. you add the LGD inline before you tie into your dsp

Yeah the Metra DSP is supposed to handle that without any need for a external load device - which makes sense as all the other channels are working fine, and the one that drops only does it intermittently. After they replaced it the first time and it happened again, I suspected possibly a wiring issue on that channel specifically, but they tested everything and it was all good supposedly. I"m actually heading in next week to discuss options, so will bring it up again, as well as the ext load bit as well.

 

[I84885]

Ok. Good luck. I'm using the LC7i. The installer had those same issues you mentioned on another 1500 but after he installed the LGDs the problem was resolved

 

[I84885]

AC LGD 20

 

[88ROOK]

Thanks for your response as far as your issues you made need LGD 20s. I've read if the radio doesnt see resistance it will completely cut out output. you add the LGD inline before you tie into your dsp

RF DSR1, simple install and has the resistence built in, so no need for the inline load resistors, good for multiple amps and fine tuning. Ive not had one problem ,EXCEPT for the fact i would invest in high quality RCA cords because the cheap ones come loose and cause a bad connection. tucks up nicely under the dash and all tuning is done by phone (bluetooth)

 

[I84885]

Thanks I will check it out. I like the idea of tuning thru bluetooth

 

[78Staff]

I wound up swapping over to the RF DSR1... or, I will that is, when it comes in later this week. Have had enough of the Metra unit and it's oddities. Latest issue was something got stuck with the amp turn on - I hit the keyfob to unlock the doors, and it sent signal to turn on the amps and started blasting "white noise" through all the speakers - very loudly too. No way to make it stop (8.4 has no "on/off"). I had to pull the amp power at the battery to stop it, then connect to the DSP and wound up having to factory reset it to get it working right again. Had shop order the DSR1 the next day.

 

[I84885]

Wow I know that had to **** u off. hopefully your new device wont have any problems. I went with the LC7i and the Lgd And I havent had any issues so far. Swapped out all the door speaker and added 2 10 inch kickers and it sounds great

 

[Cbuts05]

I'm using dsr1 myself put in few weeks ago, it's not too shabby, not perfect, but works great. I got 3 amps

 

[rotwiler]

I started with basic loc, then bought a lc2i and when it just didn't do it for me(odd volume changes, processed sound) I bought a ax dsp, sounded great, but app issues, would not recognize the factory amp, so all control of bass had to be through the bass knob, got old fast. Then found a open box amp pro ch41, been perfect and works/sounds excellent.

 

[I84885]

I read amp pro was a good way to go

 

[78Staff]

Being installed Tuesday... CH41 was my next choice, but am going to try the DSR1 first to keep some adjustability.