Thought I would share an upgrade I did to the ML system in my car. One of my complaints with the system is that it's ear bleedingly bright and almost painful listen to. The 3 band EQ in the car doesn't do much.

I bought the MiniDSP 2x4 off Amazon for $95 along with a barrel to USB connector. The device offers 5 parametric EQ inputs and another 5 on the output side for a combined total of 10 per channel (not using crossovers here, so effectively 10 per channel). It's powered by a USB car charger and commits everything to memory so it's very hands off once you have your tuning dialed in.

Here is my setup now:
LG V60 Quad DAC Output -> MiniDSP 2x4 DSP -> Car AUX input.
Auto Sound Leveling/Surround DSP set to OFF
Bass/Mid/Treble all set to 0
Fader/Balance is in the default center position

Took an initial reading of the system. This was taken on a $20 Dayton iMM-6 calibrated mic so it might be a little off. The response curve is basically flat.


MiniDSP in car. (I accidentally reversed up the input/outputs in this photo, oops ). All neatly hidden in the center console cubby.



After a 10 minute quick and dirty tune in the car. I EQ'ed both of the channels with identical settings. Sorry, best I could do sitting in a 100 degree car with the engine off. Much easier on the ears now IMO. I'll probably go through several more iterations. Will be happy to share my settings if you're interested.



My next upgrade will definitely be a subwoofer. Will have a DSP on that unit as well.

 

Thanks for the write up. Couple of questions:

1. Why do you have 2 inputs?
2. Why not RCA to UBS instead? Wouldn't the sound be much better than the AUX jack?

 

1. Sorry had that wired backwards in the photo. The MiniDSP can do 2 inputs and 4 outputs.
2. The Aux output in the LG V series phones are of very high quality (ESS Sabre DACs). Another option would be to run optical to the upgraded MiniDSP 2x4 HD but that unit runs for $200.

 

Great post. I assume you use Tidal?

 

Thanks! I've been having problems with the Tidal app lately and have since switched to locally stored FLAC/YouTube Music.