4 channels amp with factory stereo

[QBA]

Hi

I have a Alpine 4 channels V12 MRV-F540 amplifier, that I want to put into my mazda3 2008.5.

I heard people saying that I should connect it to the factory stereo because it will sound crappy, that the best way to go is to replace the factory stereo with a aftermarket one because I will be losing so much quality.

1. What percent of quality will I be losing if I install the amp and keep the factory stereo?

2. What is the best way to install the amp to the factory stereo and get the best quality possible?

3. Can a after market stereo be install at the bottom where the cigarette ashtray compartment is and have it set up as a auxiliary input for the factory stereo?

I just trying to keep the looks of the factory stereo :)

Sorry for so many questions.

Alex

[Flagrum_3]

Definitely you would get the best sound by going with a quality aftermarket Head Unit, but then you would have to sacrifice the looks of the dash.You can simply use a LOC to connect your amp to the existing system and the sound will be pretty decent or purchase the JL Cleansweep which works as a LOC but adjusts the frequecies out of the oem hu to flat response, this will give you sound comparible to any high quality HU out there.There are people here that have installed their HUs where the ashtray is and also above the dash vents, do some searching and you'll find the pics.


_3

[QBA]

Thanks for your reply Flagrum_3,

I think I will look into the LOC or JL Cleansweep solution if is not too pricey.

What does LOC stand for?

How much do the LOC or JL Cleansweep goes for?

[S.F.W.]

Thanks for your reply Flagrum_3,

I think I will look into the LOC or JL Cleansweep solution if is not too pricey.

What does LOC stand for?

How much do the LOC or JL Cleansweep goes for?
LOC stands for line out converter. The LOC's are around $50, check out the David Navone units(web only).
The Cleansweer sells for ~$400, though there is/was a great deal on a used one on mazda3forums

[QBA]

Thanks S.F.W.

Base on the difference of price between the 50 bucks for the LCO and the 400 for the Cleansweer.

I'm assuming the Cleansweer must do a heck of a better job to justify the difference on price right?

By the way who is selling the used JL Cleansweer in this forum?

[S.F.W.]

By the way who is selling the used JL Cleansweer in this forum?
not on this forum. On mazda3forums.com

[QBA]

Is sold at mazda3forums.com, but I found similar prices in other places on the net.

So if I buy this JL Audio CL441DSP Cleansweep, and install it between my factory radio and the amp, the quality will be similar than using an after market head unit?

[Flagrum_3]

Check-out Oxford Auto Sound (Kennedy Rd, Scarboro); 416-759-4635, they have the Cleansweep going for $350. last I heard.

The cleansweep will give you equal if not better sound quality then most high quality units out there, because its only job is to give you a true flat response output from the head unit....top notch components go into the thing, hence the hefty price!


_3

[QBA]

Thanks Flagrum_3,

The one I want is this one "JL AUDIO CleanSweep CL441dsp OEM AUDIO Interface EQ LOC" Right?

[QBA]

Once the JL Cleansweep is install, Do I need some one with the necessary skills, to regulate the device to fit my individual hardware specifications or this is plug and play kind of a device with not need for adjusting?

[Flagrum_3]

Thanks Flagrum_3,

The one I want is this one "JL AUDIO CleanSweep CL441dsp OEM AUDIO Interface EQ LOC" Right?

That's the one, and its basically plug and play.Go on the JL site and read all pertinant info on the Cleansweep, it'll answer all your questions better then I could.
There is an equalization disc you must use once the Cleansweep is hooked up initially, to set the thing up, info which the CS saves in permanent memory.


_3

[QBA]

Thanks Flagrum_3, I will order it right now, After a few Googles search last night I discovered that is easily found on net from a U.S seller for less than 200 Canadians dollars including shipping.

[S.F.W.]

Thanks Flagrum_3, I will order it right now, After a few Googles search last night I discovered that is easily found on net from a U.S seller for less than 200 Canadians dollars including shipping.
be very careful about ordering JL product online. JL does not allow authorized resellers to sell online. So you may be getting fake or refurb product.

[QBA]

Thanks S.F.W., The one I'm planing to buy say is brand new and no refurbish. Is hard to resist when you are saving 150 plus tax.

What do you mean by fake? the packaging and the pictures of the product look the same, you mean done by a company other than JL some place in China?

[S.F.W.]

What do you mean by fake? the packaging and the pictures of the product look the same, you mean done by a company other than JL some place in China?
yep

[QBA]

Thanks S.F.W., You make a good point but I think I will take my chances, even if it was made in China like everything is, I think it will be with the same parts and similar quality because I choose to believe that who ever is doing this, needs to sell a quality product to be able to sustain the sells

[Flagrum_3]

I would heed SFW's Warning if I were you, it could be a complete knock-off, or if its legit, JL will not warranty the product at all!...you could end up with a cheaper $200 piece of junk! ...by the way Oxford's price of $350 was including tax! and is totally legit with warranty! If you want to take a chance to cheap out for $150 that's your choice but think of it this way longterm, whats an extra $150 over the life-time of your system?


_3

[QBA]

Thanks for the advice Flagrum_3.

Does any one here is familiar with Rockford 3Sixyty2?

What is better a JL Cleansweep or a Rockford 3Sixyty?

[Flagrum_3]

The Rockford 3Sixty2 is fairly new to the market, so you will be hard-pressed to find reviews on it, plus it's like $700 list :whoa , you might be lucky and find it for maybe half that price, but still its not a proven item, like the JL Cleansweep!............and I thought you wanted to save money?


_3

[QBA]

Thanks for the reply Flagrum_3

I do want to save money by choosing the less expensive option of the same product. That is quite different than considering a more expensive product that may improve my audio quality.

[Flagrum_3]

Thanks for the reply Flagrum_3

I do want to save money by choosing the less expensive option of the same product. That is quite different than considering a more expensive product that may improve my audio quality.

Both will improve your sound quality, which will do a better job is up in the air! The RF 3Sixty2 or 3Sixty1 give you the option of real time equalization if you have a Palm pilot handy.You could probably get the 3Sixty1 for a pretty good price and is pretty comprable to the 3Sixty2 in many ways...But if you really want good sound these items will not help much on their own, you should really be thinking of replacing the stock speakers first off....standard or Bose, they both suck!


_3

[QBA]

But if you really want good sound these items will not help much on their own, you should really be thinking of replacing the stock speakers first off....standard or Bose, they both suck!

Thanks Flagrum_3, For sure those factory speakers are on their way out, I do own 4 really nice infinity speakers and a powerful 4 channel Alpine Amp

[Slade]

I use an alpine 450 for my sub, with a cheaper kicker LOC from futureshop, like $20 if I remember, then I go through a MTX crossover so I get no treble to my sub. Works like a charm without the need for a new deck (I had one to put in but didnt want to loose the wheel buttons and Info button!)

YMMV,

[jaimie08mazda3]

i kept the stock deck when i wired my subs. all i had to do is wire them through my rear speakers. works quite well. i have had no problems except for blowing my amp a few times lol