So my classic Phoenix Gold Line Driver is bad.. it cooked a speaker on the left side, when debugging it I found if I swap outputs it follows. by passing it cures the problem.

But with the tablet and DAC there is not enough output voltage to the amps, so I need to replace the line driver. I thought of an EQ, but I have no space for the install.. That leaves me with line drivers..

In doing some research I am thinking Audio Control.. this is what I found

Audio Control Overdrive Plus.
-2 channel line driver and offers a wired remote volume control ( this would replace my current volume control, I would also lose my balance (or redo it)

Audio Control Matrix Plus.
-Similar to Overdrive but adds ability of 6-channels in/out

Audio Control 2XS
- Line driver but 2ch in and splits the output High and low (I like this as I can remove the F-Mods I am using right now)
-Negative, no Remote volume control



My speaker setup use to be one amp bridged for the 3-ways in front, since I thought he Passive Cross over was bad I switched to a 2-way passive ( for the 4" and tweeter) and then dedicated channels for the mid-bass (hence the f-mods)

If I go with any of the above I should be able to mount them in the back by the amps and free up dash space and then use one set of RCAs, I have 3 set run, currently use 2.. if I do the line driver in the back I will remove one set of RCAs and leave the other 'just in case'

If I could find a spot that looks right for an EQ I might consider it..

I had a Phoenix Gold LD a bunch of years ago... fixed all sorts of sins!!!

What about a converter from RCA to balanced? Just a thought.

I will have to research, but I like the Matrix Plus...

Then I would need a converter on the other end...

I need the line driver to boost the voltage mainly.. right now the output is too low..

I called Audiocontrol..

The matrix has multiple source in out/ but no way to mix the signal out.. this woudl be if I want to tweak each amp/ channel set individually. Would be good if I had different amps I think. I did find a good price on one though

The overdrive will work for me too, I really like the option of a system volume, i could then remove my Pots inline on the RCA signal cables..

The guy at audio control mentioned the Three.2 but it is an in dash EQ.. I like the idea of the EQ but I have no place for it, if I could do that in dash that would be the way to go..

I would liek to have the EQ capabilities on the Tuner, but might be out of luck (well there are options, but out of my budget)

I am thinking of snagging the Line Matrix I found, slightly used, but comes with the remote.. but the dimensions will be tough to fit it in my car.. looking like the Overdrive plus with remote or the 2XS with my current Vol/Bal

Due to space constraints.. If I did the Matrix, it would go in the storage location on the drivers side and that would require new RCAs..

Ugh decisions decisions.. I just wish a damn EQ would fit

Found one of these..

Phoenix Gold Tantrum Line Driver Series 22

it would drop in no wiring changes

Also your thoughts on Balance.. Yes or no

In an effort to minimize down time and being unsure of the future set-up..

I bought this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171443687915

for $30 it was worth it

that'll work...

I was gonna ask, how big was the EQ?

Quote:

1/2 DIN EQ

Still want to do that but need to figure out how to wedge it.. I was thinking maybe EQ under AC then Tablet shifted below that.. not too sure the Power key will fit under that yet.. but got ideas to try without cutting up Bezel #2 I am working on

I can test fit a few things and wait until winter..

The tech at Audio Control suggested the Three.2

very poor mock up of where the tablet would need to be with an EQ Stuffed in the stack

NelsonV took his EQ/Preamp apart and installed it into a plate that goes around the head unit.

Yeah I forgot about that.. Eq still needs to be on top.. Can't extend the pots without running into noise issues I bet

I suspect you are right...

Thinking about this.. Wonder how much I can cram if I remove the face from the equipment.. Might have to buy one to try

Good question... I bet a lot... figure that board is one layer and only 1/2" thick, vs the inch plus of the EQ face.

Yeah but the one I was looking at has the PC board on the bottom

yeah? So... I expected that. Put down a sheet of foam, then some plastic, the board should be well isolated.

If the pcb was on the top I would get more room..

I will figure it out

Line driver in.. Working..

I don't like
-The Knobs mounted in the bezel.. I need to find a beter way to connect/disconnect for easier bezel removal

-Tablet is not flush to the bezel. I need to figure that out too..

If I can fix those 2 nagging things the tablet is a good fit in the car

considering moving back to App Radio.. will wait for winter to determine the path I choose

too many choices!!!!

yeah.. comes down to which will be the most reliable.. Tablet was having issues the last day or so.. AppRadio give me iPod and radio as soon as car starts..

tablet does too, when it works right

that's the important thing here... will it hold up over the long haul!