Building the first sound quality competition Stinger

[Bryan Schneider]

I did this kind of thing in my GT2 last october. Soldered in an RCA to the spdif signal and ran it into a JL VX1000/5i amp. I used a coax to optical toslink adapter to get optical into the amp. If I did it again I would use one of the car audio mini dsps like the c-dsp-8x12 with coax digital input, skip the adapter, and skip trying to do dsp / eq / crossover inside the amp. I started out using the speaker level outputs from the amp but couldnt get a full range bass signal on anything other than the spdif. Would be nice if someone would make a wiring harness that just broke out the spdif. I did do mine through a Y adapter so I could hook back up the factory spdif if I wanted to.

You do lose navigation sounds over the spdif if that matters to you. The collision warning sounds are their own thing with their own speaker in the dash (not the center channel one). That part still works.

If anyone knows of a wiring harness solution please let me know. Looking to clean up that install at some point.

 

[TheSting]

Got my JL install in march 2019. All the system sounds (ParkingDistance, Navi, ColliosionWarning, Temperature, etc) are still working and will override the JL Audio Sound if they pop in. The JL Audio volume lowered down automatically by the system to hear the system noises and raises automatically after the system sound went off. There must be a way to do it properly, cause its working in my Stinger very well.

See here: Car Hifi Upgrade JL Audio

I can ask the carhifi dealer if he is willing to share his knowledge if you want.

 

[mfenske]

Bryan, that's a great idea and I'm thinking of doing that. I've got a MiniDSP 6 to 8 and I bet I could set a preset using the Coaxial in and another using the analog inputs. Guess, I should get a Stinger first, though.

 

[andrew tay]

Bryan, that's a great idea and I'm thinking of doing that. I've got a MiniDSP 6 to 8 and I bet I could set a preset using the Coaxial in and another using the analog inputs. Guess, I should get a Stinger first, though.

One option is to keep the center channel for navigation and hand free through the original amp. Use the digital output for music. You do get some music leaking from the central channel but its not too much of an issue as you can just drown it out with tuning the L and R channel louder. I did it once with my SLK mercedes and work well.

 

[RSD Custom Cables]

I know it's been a minute since this has been built. Have a few questions.
When using the SPDIF does the radio and stering wheel controls still control volume?
Also are there any tuning / sound quality issues when using this as the source.

I too and a SQ competitor in MECA. SO I am very interested in any issues and tips you can provide.

Thanks

 

[mfenske]

@RSD Custom Cables you might want to PM the OP-not sure how frequently the OP is here. Also, I'd be very interested to know what you find out.

 

[Aarvix]

Bumping this because I'm also looking for a way to get full range signal and retain OEM volume control.

I have a minidsp 6x8 I could steal out of my truck, but don't mind buying a new dsp if someone has a working solution.

 

[RSD Custom Cables]

I know there are a few of us building and hopefully we should have some answers soon. I sent a message to the OP with no reply.