designing audio system

1DeepG · 06-28-2005, 10:02 PM

Hello,

I have been a luker for months reading an searching. I am planning to finish my install this summer, and the audio part is the most important part for me. I would like for the carputer to control all my audio for my system. I believe I have two options, listed below. I am not sure on my best path. I would like for a clean, if possible stealth install with high quality. Can you please tell me if all my facts are right and your opinions? Thanks in advance for your help.

Future Sound System:
(1) JL Audio 500.1 -> (1) 10W6V2
(1) JL Audio 300.4 -> (F) Focal Speakers + (R) undecided.

Need 3 outputs, 1 sub, 1 front, 1 rear.

Using SoundBlaster card PCI/USB:
Pros:
Can control sound through computer
Higher end SoundBlaster cards have about 2V outputs
Can use steering wheel controller
Cons:
Settings are lost during hibernation or standby? Note: I cannot find if this was fixed, as this seems to have been a problem a year ago, not many post recently about this.
Volume set 100% after coming back from hibernation. Note: there are startup scripts to fix this.

Using external Digital Signal Processor:
Have no DIN to install display, will install in glove department. Will use SDIPF for audio from mobo to DSP. 5.1 would be nice during movie playback. Won’t have control of audio volume from steering wheel controller.

DSP options:
Panasonic CYAC300EX ($400)
Pros:
Comes with a remote
Has display for adjustability
2V RCA output
Cons:
Won’t be able to use steering wheel controls
Have to use remote or display to control volume (not big con)

Alpine PXA-H510 ($200)
Pros:
4V
Comes with display???
Con:
No remote
Won’t be able to use steering wheel controls
Have to use display to control audio.
Display must accessible for audio adjustments

Apline PXA-H700 ($300)
Pros:
4V output
Cons:
no display
No remote
Won’t be able to use steering wheel controls
Display must accessible for audio adjustments

Alpine PXA-H701 ($395)
Pros:
4V output
Has display (add't $200)
Cons:
no remote
Won’t be able to use steering wheel controls
Display must accessible for audio adjustments

scott_fx · 06-28-2005, 10:08 PM

i went with a sb pci card and the kxproject drivers and couldn't be happier with the sound. I don't hibernate yet so i don't know if the volume problems have been fixed. If you are willing to spend the money i'd say go with the alpine dsp unit. can't go wrong with that.

accentsound · 06-29-2005, 11:48 AM

You may want to check out the Audiobahn ADD51T 5.1 Dsp (9 Volts pre out)

But you are missing one thing especially if you want Sound Quality. Currently there is no way to adjust EQ on each channel independentally. Most High end HU's allow you to adjust the eq fro each channel output.

I know of no SW that allows you to control this in the PC and if you are going to use SPDIF out then the only control that really has any use on the PC is volume and the faders.

If you are really serious about Sound Quality then you must add a EQ to the system design.

1DeepG · 06-29-2005, 08:48 PM

AccentSound... I looked at the Audiobahn unit and not favorable of it since it requires a DIN and I dont have an available one. With the unit hidden, I dont believe I can use the remote. I will look into the EQ, do you have any you recommend?

Can anybody verify that the problems with the Soundblaster still exist?

Thanks