DQL-8 - AudioControl 8 Channel Line Output Converter with Auxiliary Input/Digital Signal Processing Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This processor fixed my poor performing Bose stock sound system. It took a few months of tweaking and some analysis with a RTA, but it is an unbelievable difference in SQ. When I first installed it, I was disappointed with the sound, then as I started making adjustments, I was overwhelmed with the number of settings. But in the end, it is well worth it. The result is a clean, dynamic sound, while keeping your OEM head unit.
It converts the amplified signal from the stock amp, then it allows you to flatten and shape the sound. In my opinion, this is a better option compared to the JL Audio Clean Sweep and Audio Control DQXS combination. I am also glad I opted for the equalization feature of this unit, vs. the LC8i which has no equalization. After analyzing the pre-EQ signal coming out of the Bose stock amp, the frequency pattern is a mess. The EQ allows you to fix the output from your stock amp, then to further adjust it to your taste.
The DDC is a must (wired remote), I have my DDC mounted in my sunglass case, which allows me to make changes to the EQ or choose from 1 of the 4 preset memory settings. The processor also allows you to sum the audio signals (if your fronts are bi-amped) and also has a crossover.
I have the following setup:
Infiniti/Bose 8 channel stock amp
AudioControl DQL-8 with DDC
Kenwood XR-5S
Polk Audio MM6501 (6 1/2" fronts)
Boston Acoustics SR65 (6 1/2" rears)
Polk Audio MM1040(10" sub)

Click Here to see more reviews about: DQL-8 - AudioControl 8 Channel Line Output Converter with Auxiliary Input/Digital Signal Processing

AudioControl's DQL-8 processor allows you to add aftermarket amps, speakers, and subs to your factory radio, and to tune your new system for maximum sound quality. It accepts speaker-level signals from your factory radio or amplifier, so you can use it with any system. And the DQL-8's auxiliary input allows you to connect an iPod, satellite radio, or other portable player to your setup.Inputs and outputsThe DQL-8 features eight speaker-level inputs that let you connect amplified signals, including multi-wire cables from Bose and other premium factory systems rated up to 400 watts. Six high-quality RCA preamp outputs send a strong signal to your amps. Add an iPod, satellite radio, or other source to the RCA auxiliary input for even greater flexibility.

Click here for more information about DQL-8 - AudioControl 8 Channel Line Output Converter with Auxiliary Input/Digital Signal Processing

Read More...

DICE (MBR-1500-TOY) Toyota MediaBridge with Bluetooth: Radio or SAT Connection Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First of all your Toyota factory radio must have Sat and Text buttons for the Mediabridge to work properly.
I installed mine on a 2010 Camry base model. Since the base model doesn't have a USB connection, Satellite or bluetooth it seemed like the perfect option for me. You connect it to the back of your radio
and in order to get Sirius satellite you must also have a Sirius tuner such as SCC1, that is what I put in my car. You turn the Mediabridge on by hitting the Sat button on the radio. Then you hit the next track button either on your steering wheel controls or on the radio itself and that lets you go from Sirius to USB/Ipod to Auxillary input to Bluetooth modes.
The Sirius mode works fine. You have 3 sets of presets and all the text options that you would expect. The artist, album, song title, station name and channel number all scroll across you radio. So no problem with that. The USB/Ipod feature works but with my radio only the song mode works. To scroll through album, artist and genre modes I have to do that with my Iphone. I think that might be a radio issue and not a Mediabridge issue. Like with the Satellite feature you get song name, album and artist on the USB feature, and it does charge my Iphone 3GS. I must also say the sound quality with the USB/Ipod feature is very good. Its not great but it makes my factory radio sound pretty darn good. The Bluetooth feature works with the radio but you must be using the Mediabridge in order for the radio to pick up your call. So if you're listening to AM, FM or playing a CD and your phone rings then the radio won't let you know. I keep my Iphone where I can see it in my car so when it rings I hit the Sat button and then the next track button and that answers the phone via Bluetooth. It works for me. The radio shows only the incoming calls phone number and if you have an Iphone then you can forget about text to voice as Iphone doesn't support that feature. A lot of other phones do however. The added auxillary input works fine also. So for me it was a very good solution that didn't break the bank(under $280 for Mediabridge and SCC1 tuner). So besides a couple of small drawbacks I do recommend this product.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DICE (MBR-1500-TOY) Toyota MediaBridge with Bluetooth: Radio or SAT Connection

The DICE MediaBridge kit for Toyota is an entertainment and information connectivity device that offers Bluetooth hands-free and music streaming, a USB digital connection for iPod and iPhone, direct connection for USB Flash-based mass storage device, input for the aftermarket SIRIUS Satellite Radio tuner and an extra aux input for the audio device of your choice. MediaBridge is Made for iPod (MFi) and Works with iPhone (WWi) compliant allowing a full featured iPod/iPhone experience over USB in the vehicle. The MediaBridge audio circuitry is designed to meet or exceed the sound quality of any premium audio system. Full text display to the radio and full control from the radio is supported for both USB devices and SIRIUS Satellite tuner. Features: Connects Bluetooth enabled phones for hands-free operation and audio streaming from A2DP enabled devices. Microphone included. Text-to-speech announces incoming caller ID from paired Bluetooth cell phone, song information from iPod/iPhone and interface selections. High quality, level matched audio output to vehicle\'s factory BUS. Digital audio connection for iPod/iPhone and USB audio devices. Mini-B USB connection for firmware updates to ensure vehicle and portable device compatibility. Interface can be controlled from head unit or steering wheel controls. Song title, Album, Artist, Playlist are shown on the head unit\'s display. iPod-like browsing for iPod or USB Flash Drive; USB Flash Drive supports folder browsing up to 8 levels of folders and up to 200 folders in each level. Charging for all iPod and iPhone models. 1/8-Inch mini input for additional audio devices: aftermarket satellite radios, CD/DVD players, non-Apple mp3 players. Enables SIRIUS SC-C1 Tuner or other portable SIRIUS tuners to be connected and controlled.

Get 19% OFF

Click here for more information about DICE (MBR-1500-TOY) Toyota MediaBridge with Bluetooth: Radio or SAT Connection

Read More...

DICE MBR-1500-BMW MediaBridge with Bluetooth for BMW (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The media bridge works as promised but the interface is unpleasant....
The calling experience is sub par ( they have trouble hearing me)
But the sound quality for music is excellent.
The Parrot (installed in my other car) is much nicer but I like not having extra clutter.
All in all 3 stars....

Click Here to see more reviews about: DICE MBR-1500-BMW MediaBridge with Bluetooth for BMW (Black)

The DICE MediaBridge kit for BMW is an entertainment and information connectivity device that offers Bluetooth hands-free and music streaming, a USB digital connection for iPod and iPhone, direct connection for USB Flash-based mass storage device, input for the aftermarket SIRIUS Satellite Radio tuner and an extra aux input for the audio device of your choice. MediaBridge is Made for iPod (MFi) and Works with iPhone (WWi) compliant allowing a full featured iPod/iPhone experience over USB in the vehicle. The MediaBridge audio circuitry is designed to meet or exceed the sound quality of any premium audio system. Full text display to the radio and full control from the radio is supported for both USB devices and SIRIUS Satellite tuner. Features: Connects Bluetooth enabled phones for hands-free operation and audio streaming from A2DP enabled devices. Microphone included. Text-to-speech announces incoming caller ID from paired Bluetooth cell phone, song information from iPod/iPhone and interface selections. High quality, level matched audio output to vehicle’s factory BUS. Digital audio connection for iPod/iPhone and USB audio devices. Mini-B USB connection for firmware updates to ensure vehicle and portable device compatibility. Interface can be controlled from head unit or steering wheel controls. Song title, Album, Artist, Playlist are shown on the head unit’s display. iPod-like browsing for iPod or USB Flash Drive; USB Flash Drive supports folder browsing up to 8 levels of folders and up to 200 folders in each level. Charging for all iPod and iPhone models. 1/8-Inch mini input for additional audio devices: aftermarket satellite radios, CD/DVD players, non-Apple mp3 players. Enables SIRIUS SC-C1 Tuner or other portable SIRIUS tuners to be connected and controlled.

Get 19% OFF

Click here for more information about DICE MBR-1500-BMW MediaBridge with Bluetooth for BMW (Black)

Read More...

JBL MS-8 MS Series Digital Processor Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)HU: Pioneer 880prs and went active (forget about rear speakers!)
Tweeters: TB 2.5" Ceramic Dome
Mids: TB 3" Bamboo Cone
Lows: ID OEM 6.5" Carbon Fiber Weave Cone
The system in my Element has slowly transformed from a 'simple' system to an MS-8-centric beast, THIS is it!
1.0: It started off with a simple 6.5" ID OEM low and a 1" aluminum dome Tang Band tweeter in the doors (fully sealed and matted doors are crucial!!).
2.0: Then we shifted to a 2.5" ceramic dome Tang Band tweeter in the stock Element tweeter position, was better but definitely NOT the best.
3.0: Then we shifted to a three-way setup with the same lows and tweeters but threw in a set of mids; the tweeters and mids are now sitting in A-pillar mounted pods. Since my head-unit doesn't support active for three-way setups, we had to 'trick' the HU into thinking the tweeters and mids were the same speaker. It sounded amazing but wasn't quite there. Pioneer's latest top-end HU DOES support three-way setups.
4.0: Added the MS-8 and fiddled with calibration about six or seven times; the system simply blows EVERYONE away... This is not an understatement. The imaging is amazing, I'm noticing details in my music that I've never noticed before (mostly with older songs that I've listened to over and over and over again in the past). Imperfections in MP3's are much more apparent and annoying, I'm slowly replacing my collection with high-quality versions (320kbps if possible, may have to move onto loss-less down the road). I'm sure the MS-8 does wonders in a stock system but it also does wonders in a highly modified / custom system like mine.
I'm not sure how audio stores market the product but I hope they do it justice by having an installed system to demo the magical box to potential customers.

Click Here to see more reviews about: JBL MS-8 MS Series Digital Processor

JBL System Integration Digital

Get 17% OFF

Click here for more information about JBL MS-8 MS Series Digital Processor

Read More...