The main source is a usb drive. I have a large collection of 80's FLAC files (along with other music) which are converted to MP3 320. I rarely use anything else.
I am very picky about how things function and look though. I just like to start the vehicle and go. I also like to let the wife drive it without her having to learn anything about the stereo. An aftermarket stereo isn't a deal breaker since I can make everything work. Separate volume knobs, digital music players, etc...are.
Meh, it'll play.
Why don't you just do a DAP directly to the dsp and leave the h/u out of the equation?
I have the Fiio X5 and BT for when I use my phone, both connected at the DSP. The Mini remote is my main volume and bass knob. The sound quality is superb. No amount of tuning and gizmos will get a factory h/u to sound as good as a DAP.
2019 Jeep Wrangler 2 Door - Morel Elate 3 way, Mmats HiFi 6150 & M2000.2, Hutchinson NDFEB 10", MiniDSP w/DL, Fiio X5
#TRUMP2020
I couldn't revert to using something like a DAP as my main source. I like my big OEM 8.4" touchsceen, steering-wheel controls, voice-control, integration with nav, phone calls, vehicle alerts, etc. For me, convenience easily outweighs any sound-quality improvement I'd get going with a DAP (or any other source to be honest) vs a head-unit. I mean let's face it - we're driving big metal boxes around at high speeds - there is a point of diminishing returns when it comes to sound-quality in a car. :-) My head-unit, connected to an AmpPro, which is connected to a Helix via optical connection is more than enough sound-quality wise. I seriously couldn't imagine going back to futzing with something like a tiny DAP for music selection, etc while driving.
Not to mention proper integration with navigation, bluetooth phone calls, etc - so that the system automatically quiets the music to tell me when to turn - or when someone calls, etc. You lose all of that when going with something like a DAP vs a head-unit.
DIfferent strokes for different folks, I guess. :-)
You are correct David, even using my phone as a source makes a world of difference; however, I am set on a head unit if some kind.
I'm probably much easier to please than many on this forum as far as sound quality goes. As long as it sounds good and the tone is where I want it, I only have problems with things which are audibly offensive like hiss, distortion, or bass roll off, etc...
At this point I either tinker with using only the lower half of the volume range on the OEM unit or swap headunits.
Since the Kenwood RCA is more than double what the Dayton inputs are rated for, I considered the miniDSP.
At least my Camry will be easier. It has the JBL system which has an Amp-pro available.
Meh, it'll play.
If it matters any I have a Dayton DSP with a Kenwood Excelon with 5v outputs and have absolutely no noise issues, so they will definitely “play nice together”. It also gets plenty loud. I’ve heard of others having noise issues using the remote but I didn’t see if you mentioned using the remote. I think I remember people having noise issues with the early units too... I only got mine a year or so ago so I’m pretty sure I got a later production unit. Have you tried contacting PE to see if it’s exchangeable? I’ve also heard good systems with the MiniDSPs so I don’t think you can go wrong either way.
Thank you, that's good to hear about the Kenwood Excelon. No, I haven't contacted PE because I know why I have noise and it's more because of the OEM headunit.
I was more worried the Kenwood outputs would damage the 408. If it works, I may just keep the 408 because then I'd only be getting the miniDSP for the remote. I could get the 408 remote and just plug it in to change a preset then unplug it if I have to.
Meh, it'll play.
using the 408 with an aftermarket radio: you'll just hit the clipping inputs point of the dsp sooner in the volume knob. it'll be fine