Solid DSP amplifier?

Friends, anyone install a solid amp that works really well? Heard great things about Helix but had trouble finding a dealer online with fair prices. Looking for experience. Thank you all. Appreciate you.

 

You should go post on car audio forums about what your goals and requirements are to get some good suggestions.

I've had good help at diymobileaudio

Might come down to price range.

Helix seemed to be top notch per reddit.

I've seen posts saying Addison sounds better than helix.

 

What did you go with? Your setup looked nice!

 

Appreciate you Crow. Sadly I’m not on those. Figured someone on here might know just as well, at least enough for me.

 

I went with an Alpine 6 channel amp and Kenwood DMX head unit, but there are tons of good amps out there.

Really depends on what you are trying to do and what you are working with. I tried some separate DSP's and they all were terrible.

 

I went with the JL Audio VXI series amps with DSP's. They are complicated. My setup isn't done so I haven't taken it for a real tune. Still sounds great though with just the amps doing their thing.

@Ripper238 has a good point. My kenwood HU has timing built in. But it's channels probably won't map to the speakers accurately. Or rather, don't with my 4runner.

Have you looked into DSP's? Do you know you want one? Are you going to tune yours?

I went the route I did to save on space and people said they were nice on several posts. I really didn't know what I was getting into but I'm very happy I did.

 

I also recommend diymobileaudio. Their classifieds section is awesome. A lot of the members are addicts and they continue to upgrade so they sell their used stuff for around 50% usually. I bought 2 amps and 4 speakers from the classifieds section. Amps were used, speakers were new, still in the box.

 

Thanks crow!!! I’ll check there too

 

Here is my thread from over there. Might help you a little. I learned a lot poking around over there and asking questions.

https://www.diymobileaudio.com/threads/new-member-looking-to-buy-and-learn.466021/#replies

 

I definitely agree with the DIYMA forum recommendation... Great place to learn. Their marketplace is a good place to look for used gear if you're inclined to shop the used market.

Definitely set a price budget and a set of goals. The assumption is you're going 2way or 3way active if you're looking at a dsp, but if you are only looking to amp coaxials or a passive component setup then you may not get the full benefits of investing in a dsp setup.

Here are some reccos (from entry level to higher end/budget):

• Kicker Key
• JBL dsp4086
• Zapco ST line
• Audiocontrol D series
• Audison Forza
• Mosconi pico, d2, or gladen one
• Minidsp Harmony w/dirac live
• Helix M series
• Arc Blackbird
• Zapco Z series
• Helix P series
• Mosconi Pro

If your build has the space also consider a separate dsp + amp(s) setup. Also consider who will be tuning your system and if you're willing to pay someone to tune it for you. The learning curve can be daunting and/or fun depending on how much time you're willing to invest tinkering. I'm partial towards diraclive to ease with the tuning.

 

I'm not on there but to ask questions and get sanity checks. Sometimes pretty bone headed questions. They are really into the audio there and very responsive at least in my experience so would be worth your time. Sorry I'm not immediately helpful. Someone here suggested I ask questions over there. Glad I did.

 

I can vouch for DIY Mobile Audio forum. I just bought a Helix V Eight DSP Amp MK2 on there used for a great price. Have yet to install it yet, but seller is beyond helpful. Honestly, I felt more comfortable on there than buying used on eBay

just need to find a good deal on a stealth box

 

Audio guy here. For a dsp, ive used from a rockford fosgate 360.1, .2 and .3, Audison, JL, and all in between. I run a dayton audio 408 seperate, with 2 Damore Engineering amplifiers currently in my runner. Works like a champ, and was a 10th the cost of most i mentioned above. If you want a "dsp/amplifer", there again, are tons that work great. Id look at Audio Control, ARC, Helix, JL. Not hard to go wrong these days.

EDIT- Use a bunch of your choice of dampener (i prefer Second Skin) on any bare metal you get into. Door panels, roof, rear hatch and the like. Im a huge believer. (Ran in the audio lanes/competed for a long long time, and even brought a ring back to USA after it being in Canada for years at worlds, and i just love music/audio, at home, and in my ride. Im hoping my heaven when i go, is driving on a lonely road, with my dog, and my music playing)
https://www.4runners.com/threads/audio-build-2018-runner.7716/