AudioControl LC2i PRO vs. LC7i PRO: Which Line Output Converter Is Right for You?

Choosing the right line output converter (LOC) matters as much as choosing the amplifier or speakers it feeds. AudioControl's two flagship PRO converters, the LC2i PRO and the LC7i PRO, share the same advanced feature set. The big difference is how many channels each one can handle. Here's how to pick the right one for your vehicle.

The short answer

Choose the LC2i PRO if you want to add a subwoofer or a simple amp-and-sub setup to a factory system and you only need to tap one stereo pair.

Choose the LC7i PRO if you're building a bigger system, or your factory system splits the audio across several speaker zones and you want to keep every channel intact.

Both are built for factory systems that can be picky about what's connected to them.

Why you need a line output converter

Most factory radios don't have RCA preamp outputs, so an aftermarket amplifier has no clean signal to use for input. A line output converter taps the factory speaker wires and turns that speaker-level signal into the low-level preamp RCA signal an amp can use. You keep your factory screen and steering-wheel controls, and you still get to add amplifiers, subwoofers, and better speakers.

What both PRO converters share

The LC2i PRO and LC7i PRO are part of AudioControl's most advanced LOC lineup, and both include the features that make installs faster and more reliable:

•      AccuBASS® processing. AudioControl's patented circuit restores low-frequency output that factory processing rolls off as you turn the volume up.

•      Load matching. A load selection switch lets the converter "look" like a real speaker to the factory system, so even finicky factory amps don't mute or throw a fault.

•      Three turn-on trigger modes. Turn the unit on with GTO™ signal sensing (DC offset), audio signal sensing, or a standard 12-volt remote input. That saves install time and works across more vehicles.

•      Ground isolation switch. Helps eliminate ground-loop noise like alternator whine.

•      Variable outputs with discrete level controls.

•      ACR-1 dash remote included, so you can set subwoofer level from the driver's seat.

•      Clean output. Both deliver up to 9.5 Vrms (13 V peak) with a 150 Ω output impedance, so you can keep the gain setting on your amp low, ensuring it runs cooler, plays louder, and puts out minimal distortion.

In other words, you aren't giving up any of the PRO features by choosing the smaller unit.

The big difference: 2 channels vs. 6 channels

LC2i PRO: the compact, two-channel option

The LC2i PRO takes one stereo pair of speaker-level inputs and converts it to preamp outputs. It's a great fit when you want to:

•      Add a subwoofer and amplifier to a factory stereo

•      Upgrade a front stereo pair with an aftermarket amp

•      Work in a tight space, thanks to its slim, compact chassis

It also offers selectable load settings of 20 Ω, 60 Ω, and 20 kΩ to match the factory system.

LC7i PRO: six channels for bigger builds

The LC7i PRO takes six channels of active speaker-level inputs, with input handling up to 40 volts. Having all six channels means you can tap front, rear, and sub or center channels and either keep them separate or sum them together for a single pair of full-range outputs. That's the right choice when you want to:

•      Keep the factory system's fade, balance, and speaker-zone processing intact

•      Feed a multi-channel amplifier or DSP with separate signals for each zone with separate F+R+SUB, Hi+Mid+Low, or a summed, full-range signal

•      Build a full system across front stage, rear fill, and subwoofer, not just add a sub

•      Handle vehicles with factory amplifiers that send different signals to discrete speaker groups

It also has a wider output gain range of ±15 dB, compared with ±12 dB on the LC2i PRO, which gives you a little more room to match your amps.

Which one should you buy?

Pick the LC2i PRO if:

•      You're adding a sub or a single amp to a factory radio

•      Your vehicle's factory system doesn't need multiple channels tapped

•      You want the most compact converter with every PRO feature

Pick the LC7i PRO if:

•      Your factory system is amplified or split into several speaker zones

•      You're planning a multi-amp or DSP-based build now or later

•      You'd rather buy the extra channels up front than outgrow the converter

Not sure what your vehicle needs? When in doubt on a newer, amplified factory system, the six channels of the LC7i PRO give you room to grow.

LC2i PRO vs. LC7i PRO at a glance

Ready to upgrade?

Browse AudioControl's full range of line output converters to find the right fit for your vehicle.