Keep the Factory Radio: Line Output Converters, Bass Restoration and DSP Compared
Pick a line output converter like the AudioControl LC2i or JL Audio LoC-22 to add a sub amp to a factory radio in the simplest way. Pick the AudioControl LC7i when the factory system splits its signal to tweeters, doors and a sub. Add an Epicenter when the factory radio rolls off the bass. Pick an OEM integration processor like the JL Audio FiX 82 or FiX 86, or a DSP like the Alpine PXE-C60-60, when a newer car's factory signal needs to be corrected before it reaches the amps.
Why keep the factory radio
Some cars cannot take an aftermarket radio, and in others the factory screen runs the climate, the camera and the car settings. You can still add amplifiers, speakers and subs. The trick is turning the factory speaker wires into a clean signal an amp can use.
Every processor here is on our listings. We are an authorized JL Audio and Alpine dealer, and Tony installs and tunes these in our own bay at 8696 Atlantic Ave.
Side by side
This table is built only from our own product listings. Where a listing does not state a spec, the cell says so instead of guessing.
Higher output voltage sends the amp a stronger signal. A DSP adds tuning on top: EQ, crossovers and time alignment.
Line output converters, bass restoration processors and DSPs compared, from our product listings. "Not in our listing" means our product page does not state that spec, so ask us before you count on it.
| Model | Type | Inputs | Outputs | What it adds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AudioControl LC2i | Line output converter | Speaker level from the factory radio | Preamp signal for an amp | AccuBASS, signal-sense turn-on |
| AudioControl LC2i PRO | Line output converter | Speaker level up to 40V RMS | Up to 9.5V RMS, fixed, variable and bass outputs | AccuBASS, GTO turn-on, ACR-1 dash remote |
| AudioControl LC7i | Line output converter, 6 channels | Separate factory feeds to tweeters, doors and sub | Preamp outputs for a full amp setup | Sums the factory feeds back to full range; AccuBASS |
| JL Audio LoC-22 | Line output converter | Speaker level up to 40V RMS per channel | Up to 8V on RCA | Low-impedance mode for systems that need a load |
| AudioControl Epicenter Micro | Bass restoration | Speaker level from a factory radio | Not in our listing | Compact; remote bass control |
| AudioControl The Epicenter | Bass restoration | Not in our listing | Line driver output | Center frequency, width and amount controls; dash remote |
| AudioControl Epicenter PRO | Bass restoration and line driver | Balanced line inputs up to 10V RMS | Up to 9V RMS | ParaBASS EQ, 24 Hz subsonic filter, ACR-4 remote |
| JL Audio FiX 82 | OEM integration DSP | 8 channels, line to speaker level up to 30V RMS | 2 outputs, 4V RMS RCA or optical | Automatic calibration in about 30 seconds |
| JL Audio FiX 86 | OEM integration DSP | 8 channels, line to speaker level up to 30V RMS | 6 outputs | Automatic calibration in about 30 seconds, quad 1/3-octave EQ |
| Alpine PXE-C60-60 | DSP | Speaker level up to 30V, coaxial, USB, Bluetooth | 6 channels at 4V | AutoEQ 2.0 from a phone, 31-band EQ, time correction |
| Alpine PXE-C80-88 | DSP with built-in 8-channel amp | 8-channel speaker level or 6-channel RCA, coaxial, USB, Bluetooth | 8 channels of 4V RCA plus 50 W x 6 and 150 W x 2 at 4 ohms | AutoEQ 2.0, anti-EQ for factory systems |
| AudioControl DM-810 | DSP | 8 preamp or speaker-level inputs, Toslink and coaxial | 10 outputs up to 10V RMS | 30-band EQ per output, crossovers, time alignment |
Line output converters: the simple way to add an amp
The AudioControl LC2i takes speaker-level signal from a factory radio and turns it into a clean preamp signal, with AccuBASS to fill in the bass many factory radios roll off as the volume goes up, and it can turn the amp on by sensing the signal. The LC2i PRO adds up to 9.5V RMS output, a dedicated bass output and a dash remote. The JL Audio LoC-22 takes up to 40 volts per channel through balanced inputs and puts out up to 8 volts.
The AudioControl LC7i is for factory systems that send separate signals to the tweeters, the doors and a sub. It sums those feeds back into a full-range signal for a full aftermarket amp setup, and Tony maps the factory speaker feeds before the install.
Bass restoration: the Epicenter
The AudioControl Epicenter rebuilds the low notes that factory radios and compressed music roll off, with controls for the center frequency, the width and the amount, and it works as a line driver too. The Epicenter Micro is the compact version for installs where the full size will not fit, and it takes speaker-level input. The Epicenter PRO adds up to 9V RMS output, a ParaBASS parametric bass EQ, a 24 Hz subsonic filter and the ACR-4 remote. Tony tunes it in the bay so the bass is full without boom.
Newer cars: OEM integration and DSP
Many newer factory systems already split and delay the signal for each speaker. The JL Audio FiX 82 and FiX 86 take up to 8 factory channels, automatically correct the time-delayed outputs, flatten the factory EQ and calibrate in about 30 seconds; the FiX 82 has 2 outputs and the FiX 86 has 6.
The Alpine PXE-C60-60 is a 6-channel DSP that tunes itself with AutoEQ 2.0 from a phone app, with 31-band EQ and time correction, and the PXE-C80-88 adds a built-in 8-channel amp and an anti-EQ for factory systems. The AudioControl DM-810 takes 8 inputs and drives 10 outputs at up to 10V RMS for full active systems. For bigger builds, our listings also include the JL Audio TwK-88, the Alpine PXE-X121-12EV and the Alpine Status HDP-D90.
How to choose, and how to get one
Start with the car: whether the radio can be replaced, and how the factory system feeds its speakers. Text (213) 674-9042 with your year, make and model, and Tony will tell you which of these your car needs.
Everything is bought and installed or picked up at the shop at 8696 Atlantic Ave in South Gate, and you can ask about our Payment Plan. Gear bought here and installed here carries Stock moves, so call (323) 944-7844 to confirm the part is on the shelf before you drive over.
In the shop
Gear from this post
AudioControl Epicenter Micro Bass Restoration Processor
- Compact size
- Bass restoration
- Remote control
$229
AudioControl The Epicenter Bass Restoration Processor (Black)
- Bass restoration
- Sweep and width controls
- Dash remote
$169
Buy Now, Pay Later
Buy Now, Pay Later
Buy Now, Pay Later
Alpine PXE-C60-60 OPTIM6 6-Channel Sound Processor
- 6-channel DSP
- AutoEQ 2.0 phone tuning
- 6 x 4 V RCA outputs
$499.95
Buy Now, Pay Later
Alpine PXE-C80-88 OPTIM8 Sound Processor and 8-Channel Amplifier
- 8-channel DSP with built-in amp
- AutoEQ 2.0 phone tuning
- 31-band EQ
$999.95
Buy Now, Pay Later
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Car audio: send the year, make, and model, and Tony gets back to you with what fits and a price. DJ gear: tell Joe the room or the party, like "backyard party, 150 people" or "starter DJ setup," and he will put a setup together.
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Read itQuestions on Keep the Factory Radio: Line Output Converters, Bass Restoration and DSP Compared
Can I add a subwoofer without changing the factory radio?
Yes. A line output converter like the AudioControl LC2i or JL Audio LoC-22 turns the factory speaker signal into a preamp signal for the sub amp.
What does an Epicenter do?
It restores low bass that factory radios and compressed music roll off. The AudioControl Epicenter, Epicenter Micro and Epicenter PRO all do this, with a remote to set the bass level.
Why does a newer car need a DSP?
Many newer factory systems split, delay and equalize the signal for each speaker. A processor like the JL Audio FiX 82 or FiX 86 corrects that automatically before it reaches the new amps.
Can a DSP tune itself?
The Alpine PXE-C60-60 and PXE-C80-88 use AutoEQ 2.0 to measure and tune the car from a phone app, and the JL Audio FiX processors calibrate in about 30 seconds.
Which one does my car need?
It depends on how the factory system feeds its speakers. Text (213) 674-9042 with your year, make and model and Tony will tell you.