Passive loc vs Active loc
 

Hi Guys.

I currently have a 2ch passive loc tapped into my rear speakers that I use for my sub. The sound is ok to me, but I've never heard what it would sound like with an active loc such as the audiocontrol lc2i.

Since I will be replacing my front speakers and adding a new 4ch amp in the process, I was wondering if it would be worth my while to change my setup a little to improve SQ.

Option 1: Cheapest

- Keep my passive loc tapped into the rear speakers sending signal to my sub
- Buy another $20 passive loc to use for my new front infinity's

Option 2: More Expensive

- keep my passive loc tapped into the rear speakers sending signal to my sub
- purchase a 2ch active loc such as the audiocontrol lc2i to hookup my new infinity's

Option 3: Most Expensive

- Purchase a 4ch or 6ch active loc such as the audiocontrol lc6i and use this unit to send signals to both my front infinity's and my sub


I don't have a lot of money right now so I'm personally leaning towards Option 2. However, I would like to hear people's opinions on this matter in regards to the measurable difference I would see in SQ vs Cost.

NOTE- My rear speakers are going to stay factory for now as I don't have the money to upgrade them atm.

Thanks

In general, you get what you pay for. More voltage and a cleaner signal from a higher end LOC. I haven't looked in to the audiocontrol units, but I'm willing to bet that saving up for a little longer to get your stuff in "right" the first time will make u happier in the long run. As right as LOCs will get u.

I agree. I really like the looks of the Audiocontrol lc2i and it gets good reviews from most people. It's an active 2 ch loc and I was wondering if it would be possible to add 2 x rca y-splitters to allow for another set of rca preouts in case I want to install some rear speakers later on?

I have read many forums with people saying the signal may degrade when using a y-splitter. However, a lot of people say the signal won't degrade as a y-splitter is just a parallel adapter that won't change the voltage output. From my online research it seems to be close to a 50/50 opinion at this point in time.

What do you guys think?

Thanks

When you use a household extension cord does it divide the voltage to whatever is plugged into it? Nope.


I would get a multichannel LOC though. If that gets expensive with the Audio Control pieces, look into a Re-Q5. Excellent piece for not a lot of bux.

We've been using the LC2I religiously at work and it's been fantastic. The biggest perk to this piece is to restore lost bass (courtesy of bose factory systems). However you do get a "line out" as well as a "sub out". So you could run the rears off of there as well. It retails for about $120 + the bass knob if you want it. PM me if you want more info.

How do you think the LC2i compares to the MTX RE-Q5?

for apples to apples you'd have to compare the LC2i to the RE-Q3. They're both the same price, both are made to restore bass. The plus of the RE-Q is that it has an on-board crossover (however your amp has one), and the plus of the LC2i is that it has a thresh-hold dial for when the bass cuts off on a factory system. It also has the option of a bass-knob.

IMO the LC2i gets the nod, but only very slightly.

The RE-Q5 however is in the $200 range, and you get an extra set of outputs.

Is the MTX req strictly made to just improve the bass response of your system?

Would I get the same sq out of a passive loc vs an active loc with my front speakers?

Do you think the lc2i or the req would be better for improving sq with my front speakers?

The MTX req seems to be marketed as a bass restoration product, and that's great and all, but I'm also looking for a unit that will ensure I get the most out of my new infinty speakers as well. With this in mind, would the LC2i provide better overall sq with my front speakers and subs?

Thanks

If you are concerned about SQ, you should tie into all of your available channels and sum them to get as much 'real' frequency bandwidth as possible before making the LOC extrapolate.

What kind of vehicle/stereo?

If I understand what you're saying correctly, I should tap into both the front and rear channels using the loc as opposed to just tapping into one or the other?

I have a 2006 Honda Civic with factory headunit. Amp is a kenwood kac-8405, front speakers are infinity reference 6032cf's, rear speakers are stock.