THIS WILL MAKE YOUR VEHICLE SOUND A THOUSAND TIMES BETTER!!! 🚘 

Nice! I’ve been looking for one but they seem to be out of stock everywhere

I’ll add this so there is no confusion. When using a DAP and you’re going auxiliary in, yes you are using multiple DAC conversions but because you’re using the DAC of the DAP first it’s always going to give you the best sound quality. With my set up I’m using a PAC Amp Pro so I’m bypassing the DAC in the system as I’m using the Optical Toslink out of the PAC Amp Pro into the DSP’s Optical toslink input. Then the DSP would be doing it’s D/A conversion. So you will have the best signal possible right from the start. I only use this with CarPlay now and since I bought the Fiio M17 I never use CarPlay. For the best connection you would want to go straight to the DSP if you had one. Depending on which DAP you had (I have the Fiio M17 now) If I had a mid tier DAP (FiiO M11, M11 Plus ESS or LTD I would use the coaxial digital output of the DAP into the Coaxial Digital input of the DSP. If you had a Flagship DAP then you might prefer the multiple DAC conversations and go analog or you might prefer still to go Coaxial Digital. It all depends on your DAP and what you prefer. But for this video just using the DAP with no DSP via auxiliary input will make the biggest difference. You will love the M11 as I believe it’s the best DAP on the market for the price.

I wish I had a 80prs. I'm running a periodic rhodium dongle dac so I have 1V Going to my head unit and it's seems to be quadruple the volume of the apple USB C dongle which to me sounds perfect. It's just so volume limited with my Android phones

@@rishianil I haven’t tested that dongle DAC but a DAP has gain levels low, medium, high so you can match it up perfectly to any system.

It’s decent but it doesn’t compare to a mid to high end DAP

Like I said before I would never spend that kind of money on a Mosconi 8/30 DSP or the stand alone 8-12 just to run Bluetooth.

I haven’t tested any of the Sony DAP’s yet so I’m not sure how they sound. You can go with whatever DAP you choose as there are many choices these days. Not many have optical out though, so you might just have to go analog in. Usually the Helix DSP’s let you use two channels as auxiliary inputs. So just check your DSP manual

I bought mine a long time ago from this site -> mbest.aliexpress.com/?src=google&albch=fbrnd&acnt=347-178-5672&albcp=2043121802&albag=71989101973&slnk=&trgt=kwd-17288322708&plac=&crea=357605912095&netw=g&device=m&mtctp=e&memo1=&albbt=Google_7_fbrnd&albagn=888888&isSmbActive=false&isSmbAutoCall=false&needSmbHouyi=false&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjZqQqu3u9wIVYwh9Ch1ToQx_EAAYASAAEgLwB_D_BwE&aff_fcid=0e1c2bcb35c440bd9aca4c566cda2d2d-1653076413491-04500-UneMJZVf&aff_fsk=UneMJZVf&aff_platform=aaf&sk=UneMJZVf&aff_trace_key=0e1c2bcb35c440bd9aca4c566cda2d2d-1653076413491-04500-UneMJZVf&terminal_id=74f92d361abf43799f96b556abe42a45 But like I said it was a long time ago and the Fiio M11 has been discontinued for a while so I don’t they even sell the case anymore since the new FiiO M11 Plus has come out. The Fiio M11s is coming out in June as well so they will probably be concentrating on cases for those DAP’s.

I haven’t heard that model but I have heard the M6 Ultra and the M7 and they sounded good.

You don’t use a DAP for CarPlay, you use it to go strait into your DSP via coaxial digital if you have that input on your DSP or analog into your DSP that way it bypasses the crappy factory head units D/A converter. For my vehicle I also run an PAC Amp Pro and go toslink into my DSP for the best CarPlay sound you can get.

@@CarAudioHorizons thanks for the reply. I mean i will run the android auto only for navigation, and run dap straight to dsp for music. Both head unit and dap plugged to dsp tho, so maybe the maps voice guidance will be sounds weird. I plan to do this way because headunit android auto sounds meh for listening music. But it's very interesting to learn your trick to make carplay sounds good

I can only speak for that DAP’s I have tested and depending on the DAP and DSP it should. A lot of DSP will only give you 24-96Kz but I would never chase numbers as it will get you nowhere 😆 It’s all about how good the recording is. It starts with the recording and then your install and tune, and finally the equipment you have.

Will see how the FiiO M23 is when it comes out next month. I will be doing a review on it

No, but the new M11 Plus going analog into your DSP might as the specs on the M11 Plus are insane. That’s something I want to test when I buy mine. Hold off on it until I get mine, then I’ll let you know.

@@CarAudioHorizons Thanks man I’m Looking forward

Yes, even connecting the Fiio M11 or higher to Bluetooth to the Helix DSP via Hec Bluetooth module will be far superior sound than using a phone to connect Bluetooth even though I always prefer a wire connection for best possible audio.

When you’re connecting your phone via USB then you’re using the DAC’s inside your stock system. When using a DAP connected via auxiliary or RCA input then you’re using the DAC’s inside the DAP. Depending on the DAP it can make a big difference. The best way to use a DAP is with a DSP as then you can bypass everything in your stock audio system and get the best audio signal possible.

I usually use a 512gb micro SD card but the new DAP’s can take up to 2 terabytes

@@CarAudioHorizons I'm a novice with FLV formats and all that. But yeah my idea is usually just throw a giant card in there and forget about it

I take it you don’t have a DSP?

@@CarAudioHorizons oh yes I forgot to mention about it. I do have which is my head unit, a DEX P99RS, it's not that modern but still does an excellent job.

@@nikosraptis1985 What you have to watch out for is giving your head unit too much voltage when going line out. So you would have to check how much voltage your head unit can handle

It’s far better than SBC, not sure you would want to spend $1,000 on a DAP just to use it for a Bluetooth connection.

I can only speak on the products I have had experience with an the newer Alpine Head units I haven’t tested. I would never get a new head unit if you have a new or newer vehicle as most OEM head units have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I would look for something like what I use which is a PAC Audio Amp Pro with the toslink output. With that you can go optical digital straight into the DSP. Unfortunately with car audio there are so many different factors that come into play. I have no idea what you’re expecting for sound quality, don’t know your vehicle year, make etc… i don’t use Spotify other than at home to watch the odd Joe Rogan podcast as sound quality wise it’s terrible.

@@CarAudioHorizons Yea i use a 2021 suzuki baleno hatch make( im from india brother)..i don't think it has been launched elsewhere other than india..maybe in an other name.. in simple words better reduce coversions as low as possible right.. either DAP directly to dsp coax ( even if DAP is used playing Spotify is shit right) or phone-DAC-Dsp optically... Or then dsp direct via aptx BT...i need the best clarity vocals and accoustics..not aiming for freaky bass.. above all as you said the file which we play much be lossless right.. and whatever speakers are used installation plays a key role right?

I bought mine on Amazon

Is your DSP the .3 or .3s?

.3

@@chrisparks6024 Ok, so are you using any type of Amp Pro or Zen piece with your vehicle? The reason I’m asking is to see if you already are using your optical toslink input on your Helix DSP.3?

@@CarAudioHorizons No. The toslink is not being used.

@@chrisparks6024 The only way to run optical Toslink then would to buy something like the topping d10s or FiiO’s new K3 and then do USB in to optical out.

Your Zapco DSP probably has a good DAC in it compared to the head units.

@@CarAudioHorizons mate... Please consider to try Audio Circle Speaker... My set up using 3 way of them... Installed Focal, Dynaudio and Monitor Audio before... But think Audio Circle is the best.... Regard from Indonesia

@@CastingCelebrity Doesn’t Bryston make those?

@@CarAudioHorizons they advertise as Germany made... But honestly im not really sure about this... We could reach their website easily... Allow me to ask about Aaron Neville songs... Temptations - Diana Krall... I Put a Spell On You - Chantal Chamberland... Do u like them or not? Just curious do we have same taste or not... Lol

@KUNADI KURNIAWAN I made a video of one of my playlists and that has a variety of music on there. I listen to pretty much everything depending on the mood, except I’m not a big country music.

I currently have the helix dsp mini trying to connect the m11 limited plus directly.

Audioquest Cinnamon

@@CarAudioHorizons ty so much I appreciate it. I accidentally bought the AudioQuest Sydney Stereo mini-to-RCA adapter cable

The best would be Toslink Fiber cable if you can add as an input to DSP (helix..)

Btw this noise can be heard between and during tracks.

Yes, some vehicles auxiliary inputs are bad when it comes to ground loop noise and ground loop isolators are useless. Also different products handle that part of it better than others. I never had any noise with any of my FiiO products other than if I was using the analog outputs and charging at the same time.

@@abrahamgoodman536 I have never used a Qudelix 5K before or even heard of the brand.

Yes, that’s unfortunate and I have heard many people saying the same thing that their vehicle only has USB. If that was me then I would invest in a DSP/AMP combo it separate DSP and amps. All depends on if you can get an interface for your vehicle like a PAC Amp pro, Zen piece, or something similar. Then you could get a DAP and go strait into the DSP for the best connection possible

@Car Audio Horizons thanks. I have a gv70 I don't think I can change the interface. But I will definitely look into your options.

My old system I had I just used the auxiliary input and it sounds great but I highly recommend getting a DSP with coaxial digital input like a Helix DSP .3s

Thanks

I have m six dsp. How to connect dap to dsp ?

Auxiliary port on what? The DSP? Or are you talking about the coaxial digital output on the FiiO?

@@CarAudioHorizons the input for the Jeep. Aren't you feeding the Jeep on the Aux port? Or you are using USB?

@@RichardsWorld No, I use the inputs of my DSP Coaxial digital as well as a 3.5 to rca. If you only have the factory stereo then you can use the auxiliary input on the Jeep but no it doesn’t except a digital input, only the analog 3.5 headphone out on the Fiio.

@@CarAudioHorizons Ah, thanks.

I would never go headphone to USB as that doesn’t make any sense. If you have a DSP just go directly to the DSP either Coaxial Digital, Optical or analog depending on what DAP and DSP you have.

@@CarAudioHorizons the dsp is inside the pioneer 99 remember,it has a 32 band eq and time alighnment and everything fully active,with a 3 way set up in front true 8 inch dedicated mid bass with subs in the back,awesome stage perfect center imaging just wondering if the fiio would sound better then ipod,i would have to use a adapter from 3.5 headphone jack to a usb port on my head unit,this is where im wondering if i would lose any sound quality.the adapter that goes to usb.

@@onewheelup Ok I wouldn’t bother then. You’re better off putting the money towards a dedicated higher end DSP otherwise you probably won’t notice much of a difference. Car audio is an extremely expensive and once you start upgrading one thing then it tends to be never ending! 😆

Unfortunately using a DAP and going into your vehicles USB isn’t going to make much of a difference compared to your phone. Probably the best thing to do is go with a DSP/AMP combo and hopefully your vehicle has some type of integration piece like a PAC Audio Amp Pro or Zen. If not call up Mobile Solutions in Calgary and ask For Larry or Chris to see what Helix options are available for your vehicle. It’s not cheap but you can start with a DSP/Amp or separate DSP and amp or amps and build your system off of that.

@@CarAudioHorizons Thanks for the help. The vehicle is a 2023 toyota highlander limited with the JBL system butbI have searched and can not find any data about the system. I know its stock beneficial

@@Paulrrulon Is that considered a premium system? I know PAC’s amp pro worked with 2021. I called PAC when I got my Amp Pro as mine wasn’t listed at the time but PAC confirmed it worked back then.

@@CarAudioHorizons Yes its considered Toyota OEM JBL upgraded system. Here is info on it but I can not find any specs or data on it. TOYOTA HIGHLANDER For every journey, the Highlander is designed with you and your music in mind. Equipped with 11 powerful speakers, Clari-Fi technology and custom-designed tuning, the Highlander creates an unparalleled audio experience for every passenger. HIGHLIGHTS Wattage1200 Watts Speakers11 Speakers 12 Channel DSP Amplifier Clari-Fi® Music Restoration Technology QuantumLogic® Surround Sound

@@Paulrrulon Just call Mobile Solutions in Alberta Canada and ask them if their Helix or Match DSP’s or DSP/Amps can be integrated into your vehicle. Call Larry or Chris and they will tell you. They’re the North American Distributors for Brax/Helix/Match

Unfortunately the Helix V Twelve doesn’t have coaxial input, you could try the M11 with an SMSL PO Pro and then go optical in. I never tested the old M11 with it so I’m not sure how it will sound.

@@CarAudioHorizons sorry I should have been more detailed. I have the Fiio M11 Pro and helix v twelve dsp. I also have the conductor and WiFi controller. I’m wanting to know the best way to hook up to my dsp. Now should I use 3.5mm to rca or can I use Tosslink full to mini ?

@@ericjmasters I’m confused, where is the toslink coming out of? The FiiO DAP’s only have Coaxial Digital Out, not Toslink.

@@CarAudioHorizons I thought I could use tosslink. So I guess the only way is to use 3.5 mm to rca then. I am asking you what the best way is or any way to hook it up to the helix.

@@ericjmasters You can use it on what I mentioned above if you want digital out or via all the other ways I talk about in my reviews

@@jampiserapah The Hidiz s9 Pro was the best dongle DAC I have tested but that was a while back.

@@CarAudioHorizons now that I read some postings on forums they said S23 Ultra got problems with some dongle dacs and KA1 is one of them. Maybe I gottta go the DAP route

The problem with the entry level to mid priced DAP’s that have come out in the last year just don’t sound as good as previous years DAP’s. There is just nothing that’s came out recently that is a good deal for what you get. If you had a DSP then I would say just buy an SMSL PO 100 Pro and go optical or coaxial digital into the DSP as that sounds better than any DAP under a $1,000 CAD

I had a lot of music I bought over the years such as CD’s, iTunes music, HD Tracks etc… that I put on mine. You can also use it with Tidal, Amazon HD music, Spotify etc…

Just rip them to your PC and then I used JRiver media centre in the past, but there are lots of different programs out there.

Look at the pinned tweet 🐥

The flash drive doesn’t have a dac so it will use your vehicle deck’s dac so it will only sound as good as your deck/head unit which is worse than the M11 dap, a lot worse if it’s the stock deck/head unit.

@@CarAudioHorizons it’s a pioneer deck, their site says 24 bit dac. I’m sure it doesn’t compare to the M11 obviously. I’m kinda new to all of this. Thanks for the response! The clarity Metallica video got me interested.

@@brandondavis8286 You can look up all the stats on it…signal to noise ratio, cross talk etc..an after market head unit will usually be better than a factory head unit. Most of the hi end head units have decent dac’s in them but your looking at well over $1200-1800 for them.

Yes, there are some decent dongle DAC’s out there as well to work with your phone. It’s just a matter of what level of sound quality a person is looking for.

Me too.

You would need a DSP with either coaxial digital input or two rca inputs that can be used as Auxiliary input. Or if it’s a helix dsp then you could also use their Hec module usb input.

@@CarAudioHorizons I have helix V8 with optical input no coaxial or RCA !🤔 i have helix hec hd Bluetooth!

My helix V8 has RCA input !! Can I use fiio with that ? How is the sound quality compare to usb input?

@@xristoszim8927 There are some decent dongle DAC’s these days but most DAP’s over $700 are going to beat a dongle DAC

Here is a link -> www.mobileoneautosound.com/amp/do-you-need-a-digital-signal-processor

The point is it will sound a lot better regardless of what speakers you have. I used them on multiple stock systems before and it makes them all sound a lot better. It all starts with your source.

Do you have an aftermarket stereo?

@@CarAudioHorizons yes i’m using Alpine Ilx w660e

@@andriebayuajie2780 Speakers and amps, DSP?

@@CarAudioHorizons speakers mapletech from canada, dsp amp class ab blaupunkt mpd 460a, zevox underseat subwoofer

@@andriebayuajie2780 Ok, so since you have everything already CarPlay can only sound so good. I mean if you have everything properly installed and you have a proper tune on your system it should sound decent. With my CarPlay I have a PAC Audio Amp Pro and have the optional toslink optical output going straight into my Helix DSP Ultra and it sounds good but not even close to my Fiio M17. I prefer using a DAP over CarPlay as I always go for sound quality first. I don’t really care about being able to control volume, skip tracks etc..via steering wheel controls. The DAP’s touchscreen works perfectly for myself as I can do everything I want with it.

Honestly it wouldn’t be hard to beat the M11s as the original M11 was better in a lot of ways, especially when using the coaxial digital output. The M11s was an extremely bright DAP… 🌞

@@CarAudioHorizons yes, i had a M11s already and have just bought a new R6 (Hiby R6III). I really enjoy the sound of R6 III, especially in class A mode. Of course if we use the two DAPs as music transporter (via USB output), i think the sound will be both the same, as the process depends on DAC in DSP.

@@TheTakimata I would never use a DAP’s USB to connect to a DSP as it’s inferior to the optical and Coaxial Digital inputs, at least in the Helix DSP Ultra. If going digital use the coaxial digital input on the DSP if you have one.

@@CarAudioHorizons you can use Cayin USB type C to coaxial cable to connect your DAP to Helix, or use a USB type C to mini USB type B cable for the HEC HD player module (optional)

@@TheTakimata Yes, I know but I bet you the USB to Coaxial doesn’t sound as good as just going coaxial digital out like on the most of the FiiO DAP’s. I’ll eventually test DAP’s from all the different companies at some point in time.

You don’t as you use it as a source unit. If you have a DSP you can connect it via coaxial digital, or 3.5 to RCA input analog, or Auxiliary input. The coaxial digital connection is the best way to go if you have that as an input on a DSP

@@CarAudioHorizons ah. Isee. So this have to connect straight to dsp via rca aux. Thanks for explanation

This sound better than a Alpine 7909j?

@@the14u36 The F1 Status 3rd Gen?

@@CarAudioHorizons no the one from the 80s

Why wouldn’t you just use a Director or Conductor with a DAP and switch back and forth? Pretty simple to do. Who told you it wouldn’t work? There is no downside to a Helix DSP Ultra at all, I think you have been misinformed

I missed the part that you had the Helix SDMI piece. Yes, you’re correct but that’s more of a limitation of the SDMI piece. I use the PAC Audio Amp Pro with the Toslink output and you can select optical or coaxial digital inputs with the Director. I don’t really use the optical input much to tell you the truth as it’s for the radio and Apple CarPlay which I never use much. Knowing what I know now I probably would have just run RCA’s out of the PAC Audio Amp Pro so I could have run the WiiM Mini optical SPDIF out to my Helix DSP Ultra.

First of all it’s called a DAP not DAC…

@@CarAudioHorizons Thank you for putting things right for me. A "very" big difference.. almost un_noticeable.. 🤭 ..Have you find anything about in car matrix audio system, to broad a little bit your >>Horizons

@@MrFryfish It is something totally different! A DAP Vs DAC 😂 The Matrix was one of my favourite movies for it’s time! To bad the new one sucked 😆

@@CarAudioHorizons DAC vs DAP, I can't much difference except that one is not in the mobile phone. If you didn't like Matrix movie I can bet that you do not like electronics (sorry I should have said know.. how it works..). Well let me tell you in electronics can mimic anything when it comes with audio quality.. Some people goes back to turntables.. 🤦‍♂️ most of us are fooled. Even Matrix model, implemented fool people, but at least makes it more pleasurable because SEPARATES SOUNDS once more, expands the front stage to new level. Mobody told you that while car is driven the road noise makes DAP or DAC nonsense, while Matrix + Stage Xpander gives the real pleasure that reside in music!?

@@MrFryfish Sorry I have no clue what you just said. You obviously haven’t seen my other videos 😆

The M11 has been discontinued so when I get the new one then I’ll do a more in depth video on it with regards to car audio

@@CarAudioHorizons nice 😁👍. Btw i wonder, can i Fiio m11 - audioquest - Helix (without 3.5mm to coax converter?)

@@mr.niceguy2524 The ways to connect a Fiio M11 Player to a DSP are. 1 - Coaxial digital cable when using the supplied Fiio 3.5 to Coaxial adapter. 2 - 3.5 to analog cable to two of the Helix RCA inputs. 3 - Aux input in your vehicle but this isn’t the ideal connection. 4 - Using one of the Helix USB HEC cards. 5 - Bluetooth, either regular or Helix Hec card

@@CarAudioHorizons thank you So Much 😊🙏🙏🙏🙏

Yes, some vehicles are starting to lose the auxiliary inputs unfortunately. That being said most people buying DAP’s have aftermarket stereos in their vehicles so they can connect straight to the DSP’s.

@@CarAudioHorizons so when using a DAP say to a Helix DSP doesnt the DSP DAC output the sound? in that case why would you need a DAP ? cant you use an iphone dongle to the RCA input of the DSP? sorry im new to DSP's

@@djrez2107 If you watch any of my product reviews then you will know that each device has it’s own sound signature. You can use all kinds of products in different ways depending on what outputs it has. Some have coaxial digital outputs to connect straight to a DSP via coaxial digital which also has it’s own sound signatures. Some have 3.5 to RCA’s, some have 4.4 out, some products have no DAC at all like a Topping d10s(Has a DAC but you don’t use it) or SMSL po100 Pro which work with a phone or tablet. Then there are streamers as well that you can use in your vehicle with a DSP. So to answer your question, yes you can use your phone with a dongle DAC but you won’t necessarily get the best sound. There are budget gems out there but for the most part it’s price dependent. There is no dongle that comes close to a Fiio M17 which is Fiio flagship DAP. You can get other devices that work with phones and tablets that can be as good or slightly better than a budget DAP. It just depends on your budget and preferences. I have been using DAP’s for years now and the Flagship DAP’s or even some of the mid tier DAP’s blow away anything in car audio for head units for sound quality.

@@CarAudioHorizons thanks for the reply, are you over at DIYMA ?

@@djrez2107 No most of the smart people left that site a long time ago…