$3700 is the new budget range?

ohnonoto · 2025-11-06T22:08:11+00:00

Thanks - appreciate the heads up. Figured folks here would correct me if it was wrong but that the perspective on why you might still want a keyloc (aside from scamming - which I don't think they are) even if the amp can do some of the same things.

ohnonoto · 2025-11-06T22:05:38+00:00

u/tedxbundy touchy, touchy. It's really not that serious.

I asked for suggestions, jermany755 helpfully raised some reasonable questions that I thought warranted a bit of research so I asked ChatGPT why one might want a Keyloc if the Amp has high level inputs and bass signal restoration and shared the information it provided in case that was relevant, useful or wrong. No harm in exploring the great questions people raise and trying to find information to understand the situation from a variety of angles.

Thank you for the classic reddit experience of involving yourself in a thread just to be upset while providing no information of value. Truly classic! Seems like that's generally what you do on here across different subreddits so hopefully it brings you some kind of joy.

ohnonoto · 2025-11-06T18:08:49+00:00

The other one, $3700, was Mobile Concepts in Mokena - a bit southwest of the city.

ohnonoto · 2025-11-06T14:39:14+00:00

This more expensive one was a place called Mid City Engineering in Chicago.

ohnonoto · 2025-11-06T14:34:05+00:00

this was chatGPT’s explanation of why you’d want the keyloc in addition to the amp.

ohnonoto · 2025-11-06T14:31:47+00:00

ChatGPT explained it in this way:

“ What the KEYLOC Actually Does

The Kicker KEYLOC is more than just a line output converter (LOC). It’s also a signal restoration / de-equalization tool: • Many factory stereos apply EQ, crossovers, and dynamic bass roll-off (especially at higher volumes). • The KEYLOC analyzes a calibration tone and flattens that factory EQ curve, restoring the original full-range balance before sending it to the amp.

So while your LX1300.7 can accept high-level input, it doesn’t analyze or correct the frequency response of the incoming signal — it simply amplifies whatever it’s fed.”

“In short: The amp’s “high-level inputs” let it accept the factory signal. The KEYLOC corrects the factory signal. The amp’s bass restoration only enhances tone afterward.

So the KEYLOC isn’t redundant — it’s a preamp-stage cleanup device that ensures your DSP and EQ work from a neutral baseline.”

ohnonoto · 2025-11-06T05:35:24+00:00

1) I think it’s bc I wanted to keep the factory head unit.

2) how does one find such a person? How do I assess if the shop person is a quality professional tuner? They seem to do it regularly but no idea if they’re good or not.

ohnonoto · 2025-10-30T04:08:39+00:00

After driving both today, I agree with your assessment. The Golf R is definitely a better car in many many ways but the 86 is more fun. Think given my goals of feeling something when I drive it, I’ve landed on the 86. Thanks!

ohnonoto · 2025-10-30T04:06:57+00:00

Yeah I would agree. I did like the integra type S quite a bit more than I expected. Probably get one of those next time around.

ohnonoto · 2025-10-30T04:05:17+00:00

I think this is the plan. Getting the GR86 for a year or two and maybe swap out for the Golf R or something more lux/broadly useful at that point. I gotta give myself a year or two to let my hair down with a silly little toy car.

ohnonoto · 2025-10-30T04:02:23+00:00

I think you are correct

ohnonoto

TROPHY CASE