So I started my install with a JL audio Clean sweep. it has a feature called "signal sensing" where it uses the signal coming in from the audio to turn it on. Finny thing, it ALSO needs an ignition wire.

well on my VW there isnt a signal wire coming off the factory deck as it uses data rather than a voltage signal like older stereos. My solution was to use the cig lighter as my signal since it turns on with the ignition (and accessory). that turned my clean sweep on, but was putting my amp into power protection.

upon further troubleshooting i found that the voltage coming from the cig lighter is 10 volts (for some stupid reason). this is enough to turn my amp on, but not completely. so even though the clean sweep is getting 12-14 volts from its constant power source the remote out is directly tied to its remote in.

so I figured simple resolution...use a relay to turn the amp on, i can run a direct power line and let the REM wire from the clean sweep flip the relay. well, all relays that I tried (5 different ones) were adding noise through the amp. if i dont use a relay and directly wire my turn on to 12 volts there is no noise.

All of this can be resolved with a DSP that uses real 'signal sensing' turn on. I ordered an audio control LC6i today and i will see if that helps.

I hope this helps someone out there.

 

First off, the signal sensing is real. i left that cig lighter wire disconnected and the LC6i turns on with the signal through the speaker wires and it sends enough voltage to my amp for it to turn on.

Also, I have signal going to only 2 channels of the inputs and I have the ability to run RCAs from the main out and the subwoofer out. I have it all connected but I dont have a sub yet. Its all wired up to be ready for that stage on my install (next month hopefully).

if anyone has any questions please let me know. The LC6i does not have a DSP built in like the clean sweep. The DSP takes a possibly equalized source and levels the frequencies to the amp, filling in missing sections. The LC6i simply converts the incoming signal from speaker level to RCA level. it will sum the signals if you are running already crossed over signals to it. I am running straight from the back of the factory radio so it was not crossed over yet.

 

You could have used the LC2i which doesn't have input summing (that you don't need) but does have their Accubass circuit for bass correction. Regardless, glad to hear you improved your system.

 

I was not sure how many outputs it had and I didn't want to risk getting the wrong thing. Thanks for the heads up, I hope this post is helpful to some people as this can be confusing.