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Well I finally got my JBL MS-8 sound processor installed and it was definitely worth all the trouble. The actual install was time consuming because of all the wires involved, but it wasn't all that hard. The problems came from issues with the unit. I first purchased an MS-8 direct from Harman as a refurbished unit back in February and got it all installed and set up. After a few days... the on board amplifier went out. I took the MS-8 out and sent it back to Harman since it was under warranty. They sent me a new one quite quickly. I think it took exactly 1 week from the time I shipped it off to them for me to get a replacement.
I thought the headaches were over, but of course (with my luck) I was wrong. I got a new unit, but whoever refurbished the unit at Harman did a horrible job. The display port was not working and after a little tinkering I found this.
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Whoever "attached" the display unit used small wires and some kind of adhesive to attach the display port. It wasn't connected properly and without the display, the MS-8 is pretty much useless. I removed the adhesive and wires and properly soldered the display port on. The thing now works perfectly. I considered sending the unit back to Harman for a second time, but I was a bit fed up when I called customer service on a Saturday and he told me I would have to wait until Monday to have my problem solved when a supervisor would be available. Although I voided the warranty, I felt pretty accomplished when I got the thing working!
All problems aside, a perfectly working MS-8 is GREAT! I loved it from the moment I got it installed which is why I took the time to go through all this to get it back working after the initial problem with the on board amplifier.
I installed the MS-8 along with new rear speakers and a JBL GTBassPro12 subwoofer. The subwoofer works great and puts out plenty of bass for my system. The new speakers I put in the rear also sound pretty good. I replaced them since the MS-8 only allows for 1 way rear speakers and these Kicker KS60s sound better IMO. Plus the factory speakers had already begun changing colors!
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I put the subwoofer in the trunk on the drivers side and the MS-8 right next to the passenger side taillight. Power comes from a distribution box mounted on the styrofoam piece behind the driver side rear seat. There's a 4AWG wire coming from the battery and 10AWG wire coming from the distribution box to the MS-8 and sub.
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I mounted the MS-8 on a wooden mount I made out of old wood we had sitting around. The mount is in front of the inverter for the rear power outlet and next to the Bose amplifier on the rear right side of the trunk. It's bolted to the metal piece on the left since it already had holes I could use to attach it. I added a zip tie just for a little extra protection even though it felt pretty solid with just the bolts.
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This is the top of the MS-8 after I mounted it. I cut slits in the carpet panel for the wires to come through on top and bottom. In order from left to right we have: High Level Inputs, Low Level Inputs, Mic Port, 25amp Fuse, 12v, Ground, Remote In, Remote Out. The high level inputs are connected directly to the output signals from the Bose amp. The MS-8 only requires the FL, FR, and sub output signals. (In this case the sub connections are the rear low signals since they only put out bass.) It was pretty convenient that the Bose amp was right there!
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This is the bottom of the MS-8. From left to right we have: High Level Outputs which are connected to the FL, FR, RL, and RR speakers; the Low Level Inputs which are connected to the sub; the display port; and the power LED.
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Here is the finished product. I think the install looks pretty good.
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The display wire is plenty long to reach any part of the car so I decided on installing it in the glove box. This is perfect since I can see it well and hide it since I don't make too many adjustments now that it's set up.
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I installed the subwoofer's remote level control in the small storage compartment in the center console. I took the plastic mat out so it would stick better.
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This project was DEFINITELY worth it! The MS-8 is for those who don't understand the whole world of car audio but still want great sound using time alignment and similar techniques to create a system with a great sound stage and great sound quality. The MS-8 has an auto tune feature that will blow your mind and can be used by anyone who can follow simple instructions. You will need to do a little research on crossover points, but you really just need a basic understanding for set up. For the auto tune, you sit in each seat and the MS-8 plays test tones then uses the recording to calculate the car's acoustics. Next, it compensates for the acoustic results and returns some truly amazing sound. If you are pretty good with audio equipment, there are a few options that can be fine tuned, but the MS-8 does most of the work. When I had to send the unit back to Harman, I reconnected the Bose system and there was a SIGNIFICANT difference. I couldn't wait to get the MS-8 back up and running.
Overall I love the MS-8. (I guess I should after all that work!) Hopefully, I'll be able to get an amp installed for the front and rear speakers. The MS-8 on board amp only puts out 18w per channel and I think I need a bit more to achieve my ultimate goal when it comes to sound quality. I'm also planning on putting some good components in the front. Let me know if you have any recommendations!
Sorry for the long post! lol!
I thought the headaches were over, but of course (with my luck) I was wrong. I got a new unit, but whoever refurbished the unit at Harman did a horrible job. The display port was not working and after a little tinkering I found this.
Whoever "attached" the display unit used small wires and some kind of adhesive to attach the display port. It wasn't connected properly and without the display, the MS-8 is pretty much useless. I removed the adhesive and wires and properly soldered the display port on. The thing now works perfectly. I considered sending the unit back to Harman for a second time, but I was a bit fed up when I called customer service on a Saturday and he told me I would have to wait until Monday to have my problem solved when a supervisor would be available. Although I voided the warranty, I felt pretty accomplished when I got the thing working!
All problems aside, a perfectly working MS-8 is GREAT! I loved it from the moment I got it installed which is why I took the time to go through all this to get it back working after the initial problem with the on board amplifier.
I installed the MS-8 along with new rear speakers and a JBL GTBassPro12 subwoofer. The subwoofer works great and puts out plenty of bass for my system. The new speakers I put in the rear also sound pretty good. I replaced them since the MS-8 only allows for 1 way rear speakers and these Kicker KS60s sound better IMO. Plus the factory speakers had already begun changing colors!
I put the subwoofer in the trunk on the drivers side and the MS-8 right next to the passenger side taillight. Power comes from a distribution box mounted on the styrofoam piece behind the driver side rear seat. There's a 4AWG wire coming from the battery and 10AWG wire coming from the distribution box to the MS-8 and sub.
I mounted the MS-8 on a wooden mount I made out of old wood we had sitting around. The mount is in front of the inverter for the rear power outlet and next to the Bose amplifier on the rear right side of the trunk. It's bolted to the metal piece on the left since it already had holes I could use to attach it. I added a zip tie just for a little extra protection even though it felt pretty solid with just the bolts.
This is the top of the MS-8 after I mounted it. I cut slits in the carpet panel for the wires to come through on top and bottom. In order from left to right we have: High Level Inputs, Low Level Inputs, Mic Port, 25amp Fuse, 12v, Ground, Remote In, Remote Out. The high level inputs are connected directly to the output signals from the Bose amp. The MS-8 only requires the FL, FR, and sub output signals. (In this case the sub connections are the rear low signals since they only put out bass.) It was pretty convenient that the Bose amp was right there!
This is the bottom of the MS-8. From left to right we have: High Level Outputs which are connected to the FL, FR, RL, and RR speakers; the Low Level Inputs which are connected to the sub; the display port; and the power LED.
Here is the finished product. I think the install looks pretty good.
The display wire is plenty long to reach any part of the car so I decided on installing it in the glove box. This is perfect since I can see it well and hide it since I don't make too many adjustments now that it's set up.
I installed the subwoofer's remote level control in the small storage compartment in the center console. I took the plastic mat out so it would stick better.
This project was DEFINITELY worth it! The MS-8 is for those who don't understand the whole world of car audio but still want great sound using time alignment and similar techniques to create a system with a great sound stage and great sound quality. The MS-8 has an auto tune feature that will blow your mind and can be used by anyone who can follow simple instructions. You will need to do a little research on crossover points, but you really just need a basic understanding for set up. For the auto tune, you sit in each seat and the MS-8 plays test tones then uses the recording to calculate the car's acoustics. Next, it compensates for the acoustic results and returns some truly amazing sound. If you are pretty good with audio equipment, there are a few options that can be fine tuned, but the MS-8 does most of the work. When I had to send the unit back to Harman, I reconnected the Bose system and there was a SIGNIFICANT difference. I couldn't wait to get the MS-8 back up and running.
Overall I love the MS-8. (I guess I should after all that work!) Hopefully, I'll be able to get an amp installed for the front and rear speakers. The MS-8 on board amp only puts out 18w per channel and I think I need a bit more to achieve my ultimate goal when it comes to sound quality. I'm also planning on putting some good components in the front. Let me know if you have any recommendations!
Sorry for the long post! lol!
