Better LOC's? You decide. 6 More High-Low Line Output Converters tested

visit: www.stevemeaded... - Join our fun, friendly and knowledgeable community today!
Not all LOC's Are bad! Some are actually quite nice! I bought 6 more online (nothing was free) and decided to put them all to the test for both distortion and voltage output. I don't want to say anything bad about any of the products, i will just put it up on the screen (the input and output on scope and the DD-1+) and let you decide for yourself. If clean sounds are you goal, you should put some time and real thought into what you are doing. If clean sound is NOT your goal, turn it up to 11 and rock till those coils smoke. I really don't care what you do. I am just here to show you the difference.
Also, this is more proof the SMD DD-1 is superior to just using a scope. A low resolution, even high resolution single channel O-scope might have you thinking you have a clean wave when really it is distorted. With nothing to compare it to, how would you know? The DD-1 knows the difference! And you don't need 2 channels on the screen at the same time to see it.
Follow my IG channel here / meade916
Do you really want to amplify garbage? if not, look for a quality LOC or other means of factory integration. Most of the time LOC's are a cheap and easy way to get some quick beat into your ride. But it don't have to be distorted! You can have easy and clean if you know what you are doing or know someone who does!
Thanks for watching if you did!
find info on the Audiocontrol LC2i here: www.audiocontr...
info on the Kicker LOC - www.kicker.com...
Watch and learn from the MASTER Tony D'Amore here: / damoreengineering (i shipped him all of these LOC's today)
Save $5 + Free Shipping with coupon code: MEADE916
SMD HLC-2 - audiopartsdire...
For info on SMD products visit one of our many great online dealers...
- AudioPartsDirect
- WcCarAudio
- SkyHighCarAudio
- Down4Sound
- SonicElectronix
- G2audio
- DBSaudio
- BigJeffAudio
+ MORE
#LOC #Amplifier #LineOutputConverter

[@meade916]

I forgot to add - the Kicker LOC (see link in description) is rated to take 50w. The "Best sound" LOC is also rated 50 watts. The Schoche is rated 80w. The Pac is 20 watts and i don't know about the Boss (it wasn't listed). The Audiocontrol LC2i can take a massive 400watts! (see link in the description). Thanks for watching if you did! Follow my IG channel here: instagram.com/meade916

[@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix]

I love my LC2i. I have a 2016 titan xd rinning. JBL 1001ez and 4 American bass xd844 8 inch subs. I removed the stock sub from under the passenger seat and was able to just tap into the amp harness and run the factory subwoofer speaker output to the LC2i.

[@michaeldockery9937]

Thanks so much again Steve for this awesome comparison between these things, definitely helps us pick and choose wisely!

[@BigBoy74X]

Hey Steve 1 quick suggestion for a video. For some of us deep in car audio. Believe or not, not all of know the names of all your terminals for +/ - . Including power +/- Thanks man! Keep up the good job

[@xenaguy01]

Let's not forget, the Kicker costs $20 on Amazon, while the LC2i costs $100. If your head unit is rated below 50 watts, you can save $80 by buying the Kicker unit, and get the same clean sound.

[@MrSleepy2sleep]

0lllll0

[@benb7102]

Man it’s good to know the Kicker LOC I bought couple weeks ago for my Harley is decent. Thanks for the info Meade

[@meade916]

who wants to see the most in depth video about these LOC's that you have seen so far? I'm about to make someone look dumber than he already looks. I have the results back from very thorough AP (Audio Precision) testing. Some of you guys should probably start letting go of that dude's sack before i post it to save some face. lol SMH

[@seniorxj2931]

Now this I can't wait to see!!!

[@joshc6080]

Audio control is 👑.

[@Kot1026]

Mad respect for this content sir! I'm just in search of components for my car audio and this helped me a lot

[@minenachos]

Distortion is not only clipping. A lot of people think it's one in the same.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

Basically distortion is any deviation in the shape, height or timing of the frequency curve.

[@rustybrown9829]

Thank you for this. 👍

[@timmontanez3781]

Again a man goes out of his way, spends his own money, and gives us content with real results.!! Thanks Steve.

[@briansouth9325]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXXThJqQpKqVhpI nope

[@joshc6080]

Kicker still living loud and clean😁

[@billysimmons2432]

SMD over here back on his grind pushing for that 1M play button. Keep the beat alive!

[@763KillerB]

I’m just patiently waiting for the new smd bucket O’ bass install. Now that the Escalade is done and all 😂

[@superchile9640]

Already knew the LCI 2 was legit but was surprised the Kicker was as good as it was even with a remote wire. Wow

[@CactusJack252]

I have the kicker in my 2020 civic and i'm surprised at how good it works. If I planned on keeping the car I would have done the LCI 2.

[@jaydawg116]

Just to avoid headache I stopped selling anything but audiocontrol LOCs in my shop altogether. I sleep better at night knowing my customer isn’t going to smoke their voice coil with what I install.

[@basscaddy1449]

I am having trouble playing lows with the lc2i cuts everything off below 33 hertz at a 12 db/ octave so I ordered a nvx xbbr2 and the frequency response is 10 hertz and up

[@samsaverino8159]

This dude is my hero. I wish I could afford to have him do a system for me.

[@shawnsanderson3695]

Me too bro. But then where's the fun in that.

[@labbeaj]

I just used some old roach clips (alligator clips) to connect the L.O.C to the factory speaker wire posts. Really easy.

[@DA33_718]

I use the kicker key amps in my ride and they put out cleean sound, at high volume. Kicker is a grandfather in the auto sound industry 🙄🙂

[@Az56818]

For the price point kicker can't be beat imo

[@philrab]

Same here, have a 180.4 and a 500.1 running off my stock head unit, running components and a sub. I can install a lot, but for the budget and the time investment the Kicker Key amps on a stock head are really competitive.

[@joshc6080]

@Steve. Anyway to do a video about phone audio clipping. Alot of people use their phones either with Bluetooth or cable and crank the volume all the way up! 🤦

[@audiofanaticz]

Oh to be a fly on the wall when a dumb persons accusations and arguments on a product get proved to be wrong... Good shit Steve!

[@Az56818]

Kicker makes great stuff for the price point in my opinion

[@hip_check]

I have that exact Scosche LOC sitting in a box waiting for the rest of the parts for my F150 build. Thanks to this video, I am returning it and already ordered the Kicker. I would have never dreamed of the crappy signal output. Thanks, sir.

[@fullpeladas]

The kicker is good . But if the factory radio has bass roll off meaning radio volume, pass half bass starts to subtract. That's how your woofer would be amplify. Solution Get the lc2i to put back the bass roll off . Enjoy your build 😊

[@MrDopey32]

The LC2i at best buy is only $100.00 I was just looking at it yesterday.

[@meade916]

@@fullpeladas unless you tap into a full range speaker....

[@bigchungus1378]

@@meade916 Can I tap into my stock subwoofer?

[@uptown1317]

​@@fullpeladasI don't understand. I have a 2015 Honda Accord with no factory amp and sub just door speakers and rear speakers. Would I be good with the Kicker?

[@ripperace]

No steak knife to open packaging? Don’t like to live dangerously on those blister packs? LZoL!

[@meade916]

haha! im scared of them blister packs lol

[@abelcorrea8881]

For those like me running a factory unit. 2019 GM SIlverado. The lc7i was able to be turned almost all the way up before getting 5v. I was running an PAC-LP7 (did a great job) but the LC7i...HOLY CRAP it made a big difference. Not only louder and cleaner but my subs are now perfectly synced with the door speakers as I turn up the volume. Big credit to SMD for letting me know my system still had way more potential.

[@gtstanton9785]

The time the money and the passion you but into your channel and car audio in general is greatly appreciated. You reignited my passion that I had back in the early 90s! Thanks again Steve

[@ROTTBOXX]

This was pretty informative. I got an lc8i for free off my dude, so that's what I'm gonna run. More than I need but leaves room for more.

[@theworstgamervr]

Lc8i would be enough for every speaker in my car keeping mids and tweets separate

[@incrediblehawks5300]

The kicker kicked the loc ass

[@commanderlake7997]

If your scope has a spectrum analyser function that will make the distortion far more obvious.

[@CWBchannel]

Have used the kicker LOC (the only kicker product I’ve ever used lol) in about 3 installs, and they have worked great. No complaints whatsoever.

[@CeoOfSlow]

We pretty much use the audiocontrol product the shop I work at or the pac lp7-2 or lp7-4

[@ibrheemmikbel8131]

I really want to see the pac lp72 and lp52

[@LivinLoudwithAndy]

Kicker FTW! Still gotta install that KisLoc for the wifeys car 💪🏼 for the price - Jeeze that’s a steal Cool to see real time results man

[@John3K21]

I'm glad he got both Kicker and Audiocontrol in this last lineup. At first I was disappointed he didn't have the keyloc but I figure if the kisloc was that solid then I'd be really surprised if the keyloc somehow wasn't. Haha.

[@EvanField6380]

That kicker at $30 is the best deal and I like the audio control because it brings back the bass that gets rolled off.

[@ripperace]

That Audio Control unit is the bomb for integrating aftermarket equipment into a factory stereo. I have the same unit for my F150, and I love it. Anything Audio Control puts out is guaranteed to be upper tier stuff. And for the cost, the unit Steve showed in the review is well worth the money.

[@revoracer8]

Try JL-Audio LOC-22

[@kiabass8798]

I'd trust the lc2i

[@kylemick6978]

This is an awesome video. Thanks for the solid content. My wife wanted to add a small amp/sub to her factory stereo and LOCs are so hit or miss. This helped me decide on what LOC to use.

[@chrisclow6885]

Ahhh my car currently has a scosche in it (time and availability).. guess im ordering the kicker tonight

[@davntelisha19]

That kicker was pretty good too

[@MarkSegree]

Have you ever used the clarion eqs755 as a LOC? Wasted $400 on a dsp. For years I couldn't understand why my radio sounded like crap, I tested after this video and the outputs are dirty. If you could recommend a clean equalizer with speaker level inputs. 7 bands would be perfect. Wanna buy the clarion but wanna get something I know for sure is good.

[@Tunerboy8732]

I have the Kicker one actually got it for free from my buddy when I first setup my sounds because he got the LC2 with his new system and im glad it’s a solid one.

[@jpmcnown1]

Much respect for fairly comparing competition. -Thanks

[@JoeWise-du1ho]

@meade916 been watching you since the begining , if im confused on something I come straight to Steve's videos, true champion in car audio!!!

[@droppinggears1464]

My audio guy recommended the lc2i pro, for my 16 crew cab using bose. I am happy with my decision even more now, that the G.O.A.T tested it

[@milwaukeekid2637]

Audio control LC2i Pro and Kicker are killing shit! 💯

[@juliosandoval8244]

Yes kicker one is little bad ass

[@easyrider76]

KICKER is so cheap and so good that it is the best choice for most users. I will definitely buy it to see the difference between it and the Head unit Pioneer RCA pre output 2Volts.

[@hhhmotorsports9550]

Thats why i only use Audio LOC. i dont use the rca from stereo to amp any more….. Audio Control is best in my opinion after 40 yrs of installing my sound ststems, i learned from my dad

[@randomlybro]

Which brand loc do you recommend for a basic system? I have a 1000w mono amp to a single 1200w sub.

[@wowerman]

When you see written on amp 5000W or " Best sound" just stay away of it.

[@SeanOMatic]

Kicker makes quality products. Always has.

[@Az56818]

Yeah for the price they can't be beat

[@gordonellisjr331]

I bought the Kicker unit right after watching this video. I will up grade to an Audio Control unit when I add my new speakers and a 4 channel amp but for now this is perfect to get my Mono amp and sub going in my 2020 Honda Civic. This video also helped me understand gain settings and distortion a little better as well. Thank you.

[@whitetrashandhellbound6905]

Dude... I just bought the SCHOCHE LOC, didn't research it until I ordered it lol worst one in the lot... fuck me 😢😂

[@Keemo577]

Same. LOL

[@Genesis385]

I ended up getting the kicker LOC after watching this. Been working great since about April. 😎

[@nickwyattOR]

I'm very happy with my LC2i!

[@eduardoperez7797]

My question is will the LC work with a vintage delco FM radio for 10 to 8 ohm for speakers? Those are many numbers for us not technically good on electronics thanks.

[@hondak20z1]

Can you test the new Wavetec LinkDQ with Bass Restore?

[@Red-Pilled_Steel]

Haven't had a system in my car for about 12 years. So much more out there now, I miss having one.

[@josephferguson3275]

kicker showing out for a whole $30

[@ThreaT650]

I have no intention of running through an LOC because I have no need and haven't yet on any stereo builds but was super curious as to the amount of distortion a decent LOC would put out and was pleasantly surprised with what I saw in this video.

[@javiderek31]

I put the PAC SNI-15 in my stock c6 corvette radio and it distorted one click away from Max volume with the dd1. Eventually I'll buy a radio but it'll do for now.

[@zaytyga]

Meade916. I greatly need your help. I'm very heavily considering buying the kicker loc2 to hook up to my amp from my fact radio. I have a 2007 mdx. My subs are dual voice coil and pushing 600watts at 2ohms and my amp is pushing 500 watts rms x1 channel. These are not max factors, just how i wanted it wired. Can the kicker kisloc2 be able to handle and push out the approorlate power to help aid my subwoofer system?

[@johannjohann6523]

Yep. One of the best out there as is Audio Control.

[@yankorestovic243]

First time watcher and I’m glad I did! Because of This video, I’m getting a different LOC than what I bought. Rock 🤟 on!

[@teeceehonda]

I got the kicker line out in 2 cars. Love it..😁😁😁😁

[@imanir2522]

Some of you just want to complain. He stated multiple times that you can decide what's best for you. Just buy what works best for your system/budget and appreciate the time he spent doing this.

[@gat2asp919]

I been running that Kicker for like 6 months now and it's a great product. I was thinking about going to the LC2i but now I'm thinking about putting that $ into my new alternator

[@KeepSycklids]

Yeah buddy 😂that alternator is key

[@justinvellier6220]

I got my LC2 yesterday. Im waiting on my DD1 to come in.

[@blackman4lyfe]

Well now I know I need to change out my line out, great video!

[@Jacob500i]

This was a great and informative video, all n all there are only 3 good choices, they're obvious winners.

[@johannjohann6523]

Thanks for the video Steve. This was some of the best info for those of us that care about such things looking for "The shit" and creating Hi-Fidelity sound systems in our cars! I'm one of those SQ kinda guys getting back into the car stereo game after about 20 years. I love fricking music and want it to be as good as I can afford. lol. Especially my Heavy Metal!

[@milkman5038]

Im in UK and last week bought dd-1. Even if i have oscilloscope. But I really enjoy dd-1. It’s like gucci - just who can’t afford it says that not worth haha

[@MickeyMishra]

Yup.

[@KayKashi]

Getting the LC2i pro thanks for confirming

[@frazmeup]

How did it work out? I added an amp n rf t1 to factory stereo and it sounds like ass

[@KayKashi]

@@frazmeup sounds great got the skar 1500 amp n dual pre fab loaded subs “12’s. It may be how it’s tuned.

[@TxStang]

Glad I went with the Audiocontrol !

[@chuckschillingvideos]

I just wish carmakers didn't loathe their customers so much and would just provide RCA outs on their stereo head units. 5 lousy RCA outs is all that's needed. Don't even need to run a cable. Just provide a female RCA out on the chassis. That might cost them about a buck per unit.

[@anchorbubba]

lol not even, how about just one, just a single mono preamp out without bass roll off

[@chuckschillingvideos]

@@anchorbubba Well, some of us amplify more than bass, doncha know.

[@anchorbubba]

@@chuckschillingvideos well yes, but i think its more reasonable and not really in any way inconvinent too expect a single bass preamp

[@PacoGP17]

Is the B2 DSP any good? I just got that kicker LOC for my PG&E work truck glad to see its legit lol

[@rayalexander8722]

I own audio control lc2 I like it I got in a toyota 4runner 2022

[@definitelynotak4228]

damn that kicker is great for a budget build. might get myself an lc2i since i need a bass knob still, didnt know that was even a feature of those. 2 birds 1 stone

[@dionm.basssr.133]

Steve thanks for keeping it CLEAN AND SIMPLE.....WITH EXTENDED EXPLANATIONS FROM TONY

[@reekinhavok420]

I would love to see you do an nvx loc

[@maufitted]

I'm really impressed about the waves, such a great explanation really !! good job buddy !!!

[@TheKBshow]

These videos have been really helpful with cheaper factory integration! Try the DEAF BONCE MC6 line out converter in the future!

[@killer32620]

Funny enough I think that schoche is the same one I had put in my car when I did my first install in my car holly hell the only difference is that I was only able to get like 1v out the dam thing with my HU good to know that I was distorting the hell out my amps I think I also had that same kicker one only difference is that I ended up having amplified ground loop which drove me insane.

[@TheTruthBeToId]

When I was buying my system for my truck. I didn't know which one of those devices to buy, so I just decided to buy one that was from a reputable brand so I got a RockfordFosgate one and sounds nice, but... Apparently the old 09+ up F-150s are notorious for not having where to get a remote wire, so now thanks to this video I can buy that kicker one with the remote wire because when I forget to turn off the amp it drains my battery, it's happend three times already and in critical moments I needed my truck. Thanks for the informative video.

[@JustEnufCustoms]

Another great vlog Steve and Audio Control for the win. I use that same lc2i in my new 21 charger and it makes my little 300 watt lcs sundown 12's sound amazing. Cool stuff my guy have a great weekend ✌

[@alandelgado798]

Thanks for the video! I think I’m going with the kicker, not trying to spend a whole lot of money lol but still want a little bump in my car.

[@cbdyna]

If i have a 4 channel amp that will have 2ea. 2 ohm and 2 ea. 4 ohm speakers attached to it, how many LOC's will I need? one four channel LOC?

[@trollmode3863]

I ran the Audiocontrol LC7 in my Chrysler 300 never had any problems.

[@jlev505]

I love all the audio control products I’ve ever bought. Right now I’m running the DM-810. Makes everything sound great! Thanks for the video.

[@yungpesso_]

I’m having bit of a PROBLEM with mines I been fiddling with it for days trying to set it so my bass is kicking ssa BUT it’s not I feel like with out the LC and just the amp me messing with my bass & gains made the bass hit harder although “the lc made it much clearer CLEANING IT UP it’s hitting much lower” so I’m like WTF I’m trynna sound like a donk with my car slappin and seems like money wasted( I have kicker the red kind 1000 watt speaker each & 1200 watt amp) so I thought let me see what happens if I unplug one of the bass outputs as soon as I unplugged it boom bass hitting good real good but need just a lil more action plug it back in it gets dim again ? So now I’m riding with one plug in the bass output and max input ….. anyone can trouble shoot the problem.? Also the way I’m using it my bass knob does not work unless I plug them both back into output

[@BlueTegu360]

I tested my 11 dollar Scosche LOC (the clear passive one) and it's clean with no difference in phase up to 7 volts, over 7 it clips a bit, but my deck starts to clip just over that anyway.

[@meade916]

i highly doubt that. Post up a video showing how you tested it.

[@FLINTmitten810]

@@meade916 i second that I wanna see proof on that claim lol.

[@yougod7253]

I third it I wanna see your results.

[@vernonkirton6369]

🙋🏽‍♂️…4th on this list👀

[@AwesomeAlbert]

Can you test the blaupunkt ep1700x. It's similar to the lc2i but way cheaper. No one has a review on it.

[@kamikazikaizer]

My brand new kenwood excelon 705 puts out .7v at sub preout at max volume. Will this give me better output if I use this. Yeah I know it doesn't make sense for aftermarket

[@Giddyup0]

Thanx for your science and help , I had ordered a cheap eBay LOC and after watching this I’ve now ordered a KICKER LOC

[@TriStateAutos]

Man I wish you were closer to Jersey or I would pay you to do my install. Lol I bought all the stuff from big3 upgrade to amps and subs but nervous to install them in my Jeep.

[@sheldoncooper2115]

Thanks for teaching greatness. I enjoy watching your content....I always learn something new.

[@krodyssey4770]

I finally got the video I been wanting

[@Frank-hg9rl]

Hi, did you know about the NVX XLOC24X ? Is it comparable to the LC2I pro?

[@dancj10]

Audiopipe split-3113RMT 10v converter?

[@hankh1382]

Have an 03 tahoe with the bose no cd changer got the in dash 6 disc what's the best way to add a aux input and an the inline kicker for adding my amp sub I want to run a carpuride on dash but run it thru aux and not the fm transmitter any help appreciated. I want to keep stock stereo is the reasons

[@ryanschmidt2433]

Dude great video!! 👍 I bought that kicker loc about a month ago, stumbled on this video and was really really happy it tested so well.

[@rmblwgn]

I can't tell you how helpful this was in putting a subwoofer into a coworkers g37. The kicker was the perfect solution for low level and turn on

[@Thatdude615]

I'm so happy I have my kicker loc hooked up in my ILX...I bought it on ratings and BOOM. That's the real MVP at that price. Awesome review Steve 👍🏻

[@Thatdude615]

Btw...if they made dash kits for the ilx this wouldn't be the problem...not all of us have that luxury

[@txddyfarquh69]

AudioControl is ALL BUSINESS! I needs that shit in my Life 🤟🏽💯💯

[@4ReelFishing]

You are awesome! Thank you for doing this video!! Bought the Kicker!

[@cali8221]

Whatz up smd..I been watching a while now and today I cane across a video about a guy I never seen before bashing u..talking about a product that cost 5 dollars to make and u are selling it for like 130 dollars I believe he said ...Jus was crazy cuz I been watching u for a while and have never heard ANYONE come at u like this guy did!!!!!But keep up the gd work and love the videos!!!

[@meade916]

look at his weak ass channel. It's pretty clear he is using my name to get some views. He has clearly lost his mind if he believes any of the shit he was saying. Same for the losers in the comment section. The thing is, he isn't a businessman. He has no clue what it takes to bring a product much less an electronic product, especially a high quality one like ours to market. He thinks it should be 5 bucks because he has never made anything that anyone would give him 5 bucks for.

[@cali8221]

@meade916 well thanks for the response and I'll take that as u know exactly who im talking about ..lol..keep up da videos my guy!!

[@xenaguy01]

Anyone with electronics experience can piece together a conglomeration of wires and components that can do a job, for just the cost of the components. Try selling one of your lab projects to someone else. People want finished products, that look like something store-bought, not something jammed together in your garage. Bringing a quality item to market costs money, as does the fit-and-finish needed. You don't want to buy something with wires hanging out of it all over. You want RCA jacks, 4-wire sockets, gain controls, stuff like that. All enclosed in a box with nothing hanging out of it.

[@NoobaudioTx]

Sooo and ascilloscope can be used good anough for tuning ? For the budget bassheads ?

[@onemantwohands5224]

Yep sold just ordered LC 7 , what a nice bit of gear!!

[@shawnsanderson3695]

Way to go kicker!