Audio Control D 4.800, is it worth it?

Hello. A couple of years ago I upgrade just my speakers with medium quality just to try hearing better music. I installed some Pioneers components. They were ok until now. At this point I would like to upgrade. I have been learning about DSPs and found that AudioControl has a D 4.800. Its a DSP with a 125x4 @4 ohms amp. Really cool guy and it has a clean line out that can feed a “dumb” amp for some subs.

As I understand, Our non JBL HU signal is not the best but good enough that it can be “fixed”, correct?

Im looking for some advise of members having the Audio Control D 4.800. How well does it integrate with the non JBL HU. Is it worth it? Does it really make a huge difference with
a simpler device like a RF DSR-1?

Any input or tips will be greatly appreciated.

Also I think I still need a Maestro AR to integrate the HU signal to the D 4.800. Thoughts?

 

Audiocontrol is a solid brand. I don t have the D 4.800. I do have a DM 608 though. I see that the D 4.800 requires the same software as the 608. Configuring it can get quite involved, and you need a laptop with the necessary software installed, but you can tweek to your hearts content as there are tons of settings The dsp/amp combo is kinda nice. less components, and you know the two will work well together. As far as working with a stock amplified system others would know. Mine was not amplified.

 

Thanks for the yr 2 cents. Im guessing this is not a very popular item.

 

Popularity means squat IMO. The path more traveled shows nothing but rationization. I think for the most part, folks are looking for the easiest solution. A sad commentary in my opinion.

 

Indeed.

 

Sad but true.. Thanks. Maybe look at DSR1?

 

Nothing wrong with looking. I assume your desire is to hear quality sounds. IMO there are two ways to achieve it. You can gamble, and let someone else build your system, or build it yourself. The later usually involves a degree of trial and error, and the initial involves excepting the result. My choise is the later.

 

FWIW, I'm going with the AudioControl D-6.1200 6 channel DSP amp, and the LC-1.800 mono amp for the sub when I do an install on my '21 Crewmax Platinum in a few months.

AudioControl makes solid gear, and the install shop I'm working with is familiar with how to install and tune them.

-Dave

 

I’ll be running the d4.800 at some point, once I get a truck. Mine has been in storage for nearly a year now.
One thing to consider, if you run the DSR to an amp it adds additional in line components. The more you do that the greater the risk of a high noise floor or a constant white noise.

 

I'm prolly going to run the PAC Audio Interface for Toyota systems (will have to hard-wire it since they don't have a Tundra specific harness as of yet)

I won't go with the DSR-1 because it would be redundant DSP capability with the D-6.1200 which has DSP integrated already.

Dave

 

Hey Dave. Thank for your input. Do you know if they will be installing the Maestro AR?

 

The shop will probably use the PAC Audio Interface that I linked above, or the Maestro AR1. My plan was to keep my head unit and upgrade everything downstream.

-Dave

 

400W @ 4 Ohms X 3 That s a beast. I wish I would have looked more closely at the amp/dsp combos before I got the DM-608

 

Yeah, from what I understand, Audiocontrol combined the LC-6.1200 amp and your DM-608 and came up with the D-6.1200. It's the same gear all in one chassis.

My plan is to sound deaden the heck out of the cab, probably go with the JL C7 3-ways in the factory locations (will require mods I reckon) , delete the rear speakers and center channel, and go with a custom sub box with JL 10W1v3's from James at Tech12volts. One of the better shops in New England - will do the install.

I'm recently retired, and the last kid just got out of college, so I'm splurging!

-Dave

 

I went with a Rainbow Germanium Four, and my mono block is Deaf Bonce AAK-5500.1D powering a Cresendo Contralto 10". Don t know if I will ever finish it though...

 

Wow, nice stuff right there. Holy crap, 1 channel at 2900 watts at 2 ohm for the sub! No wonder that amp is called "Apocalypse"!

Must sound amazing!

 

Dual 2 ohm sub will be @ 4 ohm for now. Slightly underpowered, but I think sub will perform ok.

 

That's the route I would like to go. Leave the HU, AR, 4.800 and Apline mono with Infinity speakers and couple RF woofers

 

Correct. The 6.1200 is the big brother of the 4.800. Its an amp and dsp in one. Less things to connect and saves room.
Wondering whats best, the PAC or the AR?

 

Not sure what the headunit is like in the 2018. No doubt better. Had to change it in my 07. Once I went with a touch screen I wouldn t have it any other way.

 

Pretty sure I saw a comment somewhere in the forums by James at Tech12volts that once you get rid of the JBL amp, the actual JBL head unit has a pretty good flat signal output. From there an active DSP can handle the crossover points and slopes, time alignment, EQ levels and such.

I just figured that if you go for an aftermarket head unit that replicates what the stock one does (phone, cameras, nav, etc.) you're over a grand $ just to get the same functions with maybe a little better sound quality.

 

You probably already did your changes. I have to say though; I would adjust that to head unit, and speakers. I was less than a grand with both, and the difference was night and day.