Helix P-DSP Stereo upgrade

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Helix DSP rocks

Stifler said:
Anyone here add a HELIX audio processor and sub to their GEN5?

If so thoughts?

OEM Cable:
HELIX EPC5 Easy Plug Cable 5-meter factory system interface cable — works with a HELIX vehicle-specific harness at Crutchfield.com

Processor:
Helix P-DSP Programmable 8-channel digital signal processor at Crutchfield.com

Sub:
Helix PP7E Compact Sub Vented enclosure with two 7" subwoofers at Crutchfield.com
Click to expand...

I have Trail with Nav and JBL Premium. No one had a guaranteed way to keep nav head unit and bypass jbl amp. Ended up using Helix P-DSP on the speaker outs of the jbl amp. Was a little hesitant at first. I've never liked using speaker outs (prefer line outs from head unit) but I'm amazed at the clean sound. Also use a Helix B five set up for active front and sub and a b four for the back door and hatch. Amazing sound and the "b" amps are very reasonably priced. They are class ab and little big and bulky but I prefer the sound over JL HD, XD, Alpines and most other popular class d amps. Just my opinion. Also, b five does not have a remote sub volume control so I had to run long rca cables from DSP to volume control mounted on console and back to b five amp. Long run but I don't think it degraded sound quality. Took awhile to tune but I think it was fun and well worth it. For sub I put an Alumapro 8-inch in the stock jbl box. So much cleaner, tighter and fuller. I'm not in to heavy bass. More of a SQ guy. Alumapros are not known for playing deep and loud. Their niche is the upper sub range (80 to 125 Hz or so). Integrates seamlessly with the mid/bass in the front doors. I also listened to the Helix sub but in my opinion, the Alumapro was much, much more tight and accurate. I think Helix sub did play louder and deeper. It was an 8-inch Helix sub but I don't know model or price. Must cost more than the Alumapro that was only $125. Note that Helix DSP sums outputs but does not have any auto correction or equalization. If you are summing low pass and high pass into full range, you gotta equalize it manually. My dealer used RTA and O' scope and did a full tune. I used his equalization and did multiple tunes of my own. Overall I like one of my tunes better than the dealers but his soundstage blows mine away. Still work in progress on my part. Helix products are top quality and as long as you stay away from the "a" line, very affordable.
 
Stifler said:
Anyone here add a HELIX audio processor and sub to their GEN5?

If so thoughts?

OEM Cable:
HELIX EPC5 Easy Plug Cable 5-meter factory system interface cable — works with a HELIX vehicle-specific harness at Crutchfield.com

Processor:
Helix P-DSP Programmable 8-channel digital signal processor at Crutchfield.com

Sub:
Helix PP7E Compact Sub Vented enclosure with two 7" subwoofers at Crutchfield.com
Click to expand...

Additional note. I don't think Helix has a "vehicle specific" harness/adapter for 5th gen 4runner. Make sure before ordering ecp5 plug and play cable or it ain't going to be a simple plug and play install. Still not a huge issue but just be aware.
 
You may want to take a look at JBL MS-8 as well. The Helix would drive me crazy with all the options, plus I don't have the knowledge to use it.
 
Not a MS-8 fan

Ttn333 said:
You may want to take a look at JBL MS-8 as well. The Helix would drive me crazy with all the options, plus I don't have the knowledge to use it.
Click to expand...

Many people have said they had good experience with JBL MS-8 but imo total trash. A monkey can tune a stereo better than their program. Tried it when it first came out so software may have been the problem but I can't imagine it being much better. I have never liked JBL products in the first place...JBL=Junk But Loud but that's just my opinion.

Of my friends that have tried it, the picky, so called audiophile types all hated it. The others who are less snooty really appreciated the auto setup gave it much better reviews. Most recently heard it in a friends Honda Accord with high end speakers and amps and I gotta say it was sweet. He used the auto setup but also tweaked some settings manually. I like to tinker with audio equip so I enjoyed tuning the Helix but I can see how most people would prefer auto tuning.

Would be nice if you could try it without buying it first.
 
I was a "snooty audiophile". I really didn't want to get back into that insane mode again. Did tons of tube rolling and cable rolling, not to mention a constant rotation of speakers, amps, preamps, trying to listen and analyze everything and anything. Don't think I was listening to "music" any more. Drove me nuts. What I like about the JBL is the autotuning sets a base line for you. Then you can adjust to your taste. You don't have to spend countless hours tuning your system. Now, I actually just enjoy the music. With all that said, I'm still working on the system. Thinking about going with active x-over and possibly adding a center channel (if physically possible).
 
I am by no means and audiophile.... the Helix has been getting great reviews around the internet so I think I have found my solution. Only question now is whether to try their sub and enclosure or go a different route
 
Stifler said:
I am by no means and audiophile.... the Helix has been getting great reviews around the internet so I think I have found my solution. Only question now is whether to try their sub and enclosure or go a different route
Click to expand...

Tough call dude. Auditioned it once but was not looking for a sub and box system so did not really listen closely. My guess is that it's geared more towards SQ than SPL. Just guessing cause Helix is not into super high powered, earth trembling amps. How much does it cost? Lots of sub and box combos out there but overall I really like the quality of their products.
 
Stifler said:
$250
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That's a decent price. I looked on the internet. Noticed that it's ported. Maybe it does play loud. I also saw a note on a site that it's designed to be powered by the Helix pp50dsp (not sure of the model). The one with the built in amps and that it has proprietary inputs. You may want to verify whether that is true or not before buying.
 
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