JBL MS-8

[souprmage]

JBL MS-8

So, I've seen someone (Ericc B) post this box works well. At $500, while not cheap, it's better than a whole upgrade. Of course, I'm not a huge audiophile, and car audio can only be SO good (at least while driving).

Also seeing the EQ in the stock version leaves a bunch to be desired, the MS-8 seems like a no brainer for getting a bit more performance out of the system.

So, a couple questions.

1) How many of you have one of these and is it really a good bang for the buck?

2) Is the Shaker Pro system a good base to use this enhancement?

3) If I buy it online, how hard is it to install in a Professional way?

4) If I took it to someone to install, what would be a reasonable cost?

Thanks.

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[Todd15Fastback]

I am interested in this as well. There is one guy that has posted this very item a few times and swears by it. Trying to see if I can find out who that is.

 

[Todd15Fastback]

The poster is Ericc B....here is a thread where he briefly talked about it.

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php/sound-system-for-1450.html

 

[fionic]

500 dollars, jesus.

 

[Ericc B]

500 dollars, jesus.

Indeed! It's really dirt cheap for what it is.

You get a full digital OEM integration dsp with 2x30 band EQ, crossovers, time alignment, automatic setup, 8 channels of digital power plus 8 line level outs all in one device.

I have had this unit since the day it was released 4 years ago and still rock it every day. Obviously I have no idea what to expect from the new Mustang audio system from the factory but I'm definately keeping this unit when selling my A5 to have it at hand in case I wanna upgrade.

Installation is not hard if you know your way around car audio and you have a wiring diagram of the stock system. If you don't then I'd advise professional installation. The entire thing can be installed out of sight. It all switches on automatically whith the OEM headunit and once tuned you never need the diplay or remote either. I installed those in the center console under the armrest. The main unit is in the trunk, close to the factory amp, where I connected the inputs.

The MS-8 accepts both line level inputs and speaker level inputs, and the latter is tuned to untangle even the weirdest stock dsp'd signals to a clean input. Most OEM headunits do not offer line level output so this is one of the main features of the device.

Once you have your input sorted out you can configure setups up to 8 channels, including center channel and sub(s). Every channel can be either amplified or sent out as a line signal to an external amp.

I'm currently using 5 amped channels out of the unit's 8 for driving the stock front, center and rear speakers and added an Alpine PDX1.600 sub amp with a Polk MM1240 DVC in a custom enclosure. In a new setup I plan on adding an additional 6 channel Alpine amp to up the overall power.

 

[All-Or-Nothing]

Too many isues with those for me to ever try again. For the price I would get a DEQ-8 or the Soundstream Synthesis. I would even get a 3Sixty.3 over that MS8.

Way more functionality and features. Unless you absolutely need a center channel I would get something better.

 

[neozeric]

In the 400a GT premium 9 speaker system where is the factory amp located? For saving time would you mount this next to the amp and use factory wiring for the input and speakers out?

 

[CooterK]

I have one in my Civic currently. Its absolutely worth every penny. Don't worry about all the features, its really a set and forget kind of thing. Even installing it inline of your stock system with stock speakers its still worth every penny. The staging is brilliant, the curve is flat, and listening is actually enjoyable in a car. I got mine because I'm using an it in an "active" setup (not using crossovers, all 7 speakers in my car are on their own channel and eq'ed seperately by the MS8).

Considering I'm not even using it for its OEM integration purposes and I still think its a great value, I'd say its the best value out there for OEM integration. Not sure that I've heard any problems with them, but I've used mine for probably 3 or 4 years now and haven't had a single problem.

My only gripe with it would be that I'm not the biggest fan of the screen and remote setup. Its an eyesore, so I have mine tucked away in the glove box, and its kind of a pain to open up the glove box and fish around for the remote if I need to make adjustments, but its mainly a set it and forget it type of thing so I don't do that much.

I will absolutely be taking it out of my Civic and installing it in the mustang. Still not sure about whats gonna go on the other side of it, but the MS8 is definitely in my audio plans.

 

[Todd15Fastback]

I have one in my Civic currently. Its absolutely worth every penny. Don't worry about all the features, its really a set and forget kind of thing. Even installing it inline of your stock system with stock speakers its still worth every penny. The staging is brilliant, the curve is flat, and listening is actually enjoyable in a car. I got mine because I'm using an it in an "active" setup (not using crossovers, all 7 speakers in my car are on their own channel and eq'ed seperately by the MS8).

Considering I'm not even using it for its OEM integration purposes and I still think its a great value, I'd say its the best value out there for OEM integration. Not sure that I've heard any problems with them, but I've used mine for probably 3 or 4 years now and haven't had a single problem.

My only gripe with it would be that I'm not the biggest fan of the screen and remote setup. Its an eyesore, so I have mine tucked away in the glove box, and its kind of a pain to open up the glove box and fish around for the remote if I need to make adjustments, but its mainly a set it and forget it type of thing so I don't do that much.

I will absolutely be taking it out of my Civic and installing it in the mustang. Still not sure about whats gonna go on the other side of it, but the MS8 is definitely in my audio plans.

Thanks for the feedback!

Besides improving the soundstage does thus add any more volume/loudness to a stock stereo setup?

 

[CooterK]

Thanks for the feedback!

Besides improving the soundstage does thus add any more volume/loudness to a stock stereo setup?

Most likely no. I think the MS8 is 20 watts per channel, so its not going to blow you away with volume. The improvement to the soundstage and overall sound quality through the auto EQ though is amazing. I believe when JBL first came out with the MS8 they won a best in class for sound quality at a car show by installing just an MS8 into a BMW with the stock speakers and head unit.

 

[All-Or-Nothing]

Go to diymobileaudio.com and read the ms8 threads. Everything you want to know....good or bad will be there.

 

[Todd15Fastback]

Go to diymobileaudio.com and read the ms8 threads. Everything you want to know....good or bad will be there.

Thanks:cheers:

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