Replace OEM Amp with Aftermarket Alpine DSP Amp

[5UPRAMN]

I'm going to replace the OEM speakers with Focal ES 100 KE (K2 component) speakers. In addition, I want to replace the OEM amp with an Alpine PXE-C80-88 (8-channel DSP) amp. However, I am not sure what connections/harnesses I will need or exactly how to wire up the Alpine amp. Any help would be much appreciated.

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[Sam B]

You will need a helix interface to make it work the best. I think it’s called an sdmi 125

 

[Sam B]

https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/en/helix/accessories/sdmi25

 

[5UPRAMN]

Is that similar to the m0bridge DA1 MOST 25 pre-amp? https://mobridge.us/product/da1-digital-pre-amp-most/

I just looked into the Alpine Optimum 8 DSP amp further and looks like it doesn't have a Toslink optical input. So likely the sdmi 125 or m0bridge DA1 won't work.

I was trying to avoid spending a lot of money on a PNP amp like the m0bridge K2 DSP amp or Alpha One (Bimmertech) Lightwave amp.

Should I just bite the bullet and go for one of those amps? If so, any recommendation on which one to go with? They seem to have the exact same specs.

 

[Sam B]

I am not familiar w those amps. I know a guy on here did the mobridge amp/DSP and it was a huge headache for him. He and both use helix amps now. W the sdmi25 It gives you exactly what you need. Buy once cry once. Just go for it.

 

[Kr155]

I used a Audison bit dmi to grab the fibre optic link works flawlessly from that to a Audison bit ten for the EQ and preamp.

 

[Kr155]

 

[5UPRAMN]

nice! how much did you pay for 2 Audison components (and any harnesses/accessories, if applicable)?

what amp did you go with too?

 

[Kr155]

The prices are up pounds

Bit DMI £600. New
Bit Ten D £1000 New

Amplifier
JL AUDIO HD 600x4 £1200
JL AUDIO HD 1200x1 £1200
Now discontinued As for the wiring wasn’t at all bad found the 12 + and -. Used the switched live from the original set up to power and switch bit ten and dmi.

 

[5UPRAMN]

Did you have a shop install your setup or did you do it yourself?

I also read that the Audison Bit DMI is just a rebranded version of the mObridge DA1. Supposedly Helix SDMI25 is the way to go, but I don't think that's available here in the U.S. Apparently, it was assembled in Ukraine, but the manufacturer was a Russian company. So, it's been discontinued.

Also, your JL Audio amps don't appear to have a Toslink optical input. Does the Audison Bit DMI convert the OEM optical signal to analog RCA outputs?

 

[Sam B]

I’ve done this 2 times now. Once w 3 JL VXI amps. Optical
And once w helix amps. X3

both times using the sdmi25 from helix. I live in PA in the states. Check out resonix sound solutions. He’s a helix dealer and will get you one

 

[MK5_Ger]

One thing to keep in mind when upgrading to the Match 10 with the SMDI is the loss of the spacial sound.
Since the SDMI converts the sound into stereo, you won't be able to hear the parking sensor from the direction they are coming from.
It was a drawback when I had this setup installed in my BMW. Other than that it worked very good.

Before anyone goes this way, make sure the car has the newest software.
With an update in 2023 the soundsystem was improved hugely!
So much that I currently don't plan on changing the amp anymore.

 

[BMWAF]

With an update in 2023 the soundsystem was improved hugely!
So much that I currently don't plan on changing the amp anymore.

How recent was the update? Do you have any details?

 

[MK5_Ger]

How recent was the update? Do you have any details?

The update for the soundsystem was apparently released between November 2022 and July 2023.
I guess it came with the July Update in 2023.
https://www.supramkv.com/threads/an...doing-istep-update-yourself.13044/post-344496

My MJ 2023 car was updated a few weeks ago at the dealership to the newest version. Should be March 2024.
After the update I have a much improved soundsystem.

 

[BMWAF]

The update for the soundsystem was apparently released between November 2022 and July 2023.
I guess it came with the July Update in 2023.
https://www.supramkv.com/threads/an...doing-istep-update-yourself.13044/post-344496

My MJ 2023 car was updated a few weeks ago at the dealership to the newest version. Should be March 2024.
After the update I have a much improved soundsystem.

Hmm.. my build date is February 2023 so maybe there's an update I should look into. Do you think the dealer will apply an update if I ask them to?

Also, how exactly does it sound better?

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