Car Audio gurus - I need your help!

[DPmaster]

I want to be able to run multiple HUs in my car but I'm not 100% sure how to do it. I want the ability to play mp3s but the HU I currently have doesn't have the capability. I don't want to get rid of it either because I'd have to spend a decent amount of money to get something with similar sound quality. What I would like to do is keep my current HU but get something like an Alpine HU with mp3 capability and run it alongside the older unit. I'm just not sure what kind of equipment I need to get this working. I know Audio Control has the 4.1 which has dual source inputs but is this the only way to go? What do I need to get this working?

 

[Slvrtg277]

If the HU that you have now has line in inputs, just get an mp3 player and connect it that way. Getting an entire HU when you don't even need the amp, tuner, etc. is kindof a waste of money, imo.

 

[DPmaster]

I thought about that but driving down the ride while trying to squint at a little ipod screen and finding the song I want = bad idea.

edit - and an ipod costs $300-$400 depending on the model you get. You can get a pretty nice HU for $300-$400.

 

[Slvrtg277]

Well you're in a bad position on this one. Being that you want the entire cars audio system to use the HU that you already have, the only option you really have is to feed it an MP3 source somehow, whether it's from an ipod or a different HU, whatever.

I guess if you got a second HU and used a line out on it to a line in on the current HU, mounted it wherever convenient and supplied it power, you could do it. But that's a lot of work and it's pretty jerry-rigged too.

 

[MikeMike]

what deck is currently in there? its not that hard to get a good HU with good SQ and mp3's if its a denon (rockford) then i would say screw mp3's. but if not i would get an Alpine and be fine with just that.

MIKE

 

[Slvrtg277]

Originally posted by: nourdmrolNMT1
what deck is currently in there? its not that hard to get a good HU with good SQ and mp3's if its a denon (rockford) then i would say screw mp3's. but if not i would get an Alpine and be fine with just that.

MIKE

I run an Alpine in mine right now and I really like it. The V-Drive amp doesn't give me what an external amp could, but 27 watts RMS isn't too bad, and I think the sound is great. The unit ran around 400 when I bought it.

 

[DPmaster]

Originally posted by: Slvrtg277
Well you're in a bad position on this one. Being that you want the entire cars audio system to use the HU that you already have, the only option you really have is to feed it an MP3 source somehow, whether it's from an ipod or a different HU, whatever.

I guess if you got a second HU and used a line out on it to a line in on the current HU, mounted it wherever convenient and supplied it power, you could do it. But that's a lot of work and it's pretty jerry-rigged too.

Yeah that's something I'm trying to avoid. All I would really need is some kind of input switch (sort of like a KVM switch) but there doesn't seem to be a large market for something like that.

 

[Slvrtg277]

No, I wouldn't expect there to be a huge market there. Can I ask why replacing the HU is not a viable option?

 

[DPmaster]

Originally posted by: nourdmrolNMT1
what deck is currently in there? its not that hard to get a good HU with good SQ and mp3's if its a denon (rockford) then i would say screw mp3's. but if not i would get an Alpine and be fine with just that.

MIKE

Yeah it's a Rockford Fosgate 8250 (Platinum 2000). I'd just like the ability to listen to mp3s.

 

[DPmaster]

Originally posted by: Slvrtg277
No, I wouldn't expect there to be a huge market there. Can I ask why replacing the HU is not a viable option?

It's a fairly high-end HU that I didn't want to get rid of. I'd probably have to spend a minimum of $1200+ to get something with comparable SQ.

 

[Slvrtg277]

Originally posted by: DPmaster

Originally posted by: nourdmrolNMT1
what deck is currently in there? its not that hard to get a good HU with good SQ and mp3's if its a denon (rockford) then i would say screw mp3's. but if not i would get an Alpine and be fine with just that.

MIKE

Yeah it's a Rockford Fosgate 8250 (Platinum 2000). I'd just like the ability to listen to mp3s.

Maybe you could find an MP3 changer that would work.

 

[DPmaster]

Originally posted by: nourdmrolNMT1
what deck is currently in there? its not that hard to get a good HU with good SQ and mp3's if its a denon (rockford) then i would say screw mp3's. but if not i would get an Alpine and be fine with just that.

MIKE

Hmm. If I decide to just use the Rockford, do you recommend any processors to go with it? Something like the Audio Control DQS or DQX? Or would you just recommend just feeding the Rockford directly into my amps?

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: Slvrtg277

Originally posted by: DPmaster

Originally posted by: nourdmrolNMT1
what deck is currently in there? its not that hard to get a good HU with good SQ and mp3's if its a denon (rockford) then i would say screw mp3's. but if not i would get an Alpine and be fine with just that.

MIKE

Yeah it's a Rockford Fosgate 8250 (Platinum 2000). I'd just like the ability to listen to mp3s.

Maybe you could find an MP3 changer that would work.

that deck is amazing. i would love to have one. its a dead head however i am not sure if there is an mp3 changer available. im not sure how possible this would be.

as for processors, a lot of ppl who really want quality will have a Berhinger home EQ setup for a 12v car system and that will allow you a lot more control as well as a lower price even with the conversion. also, what amps? if you are looking for a nice system make sure you have nice amps to.

MIKE

 

[DPmaster]

Just an FYI but this would be the equipment I would be using.

JL Audio 450/4 (amp for front/rear speakers)
Zapco 1100M (amp for sub)
Boston Acoustics Z6 (front speakers)
Boston Acoustics Neo Type-M (imaging system)
JL Audio XR650-CXi (rear speakers)
JL Audio 13W7 (sub)

 

[kt]

Is a MP3 player CD changer out of the question? You can have the changer installed in your glove compartment so it's easily accessible. I am sure your current HU supports CD changer right?

 

[DPmaster]

Originally posted by: kt
Is a MP3 player CD changer out of the question? You can have the changer installed in your glove compartment so it's easily accessible. I am sure your current HU supports CD changer right?

I don't think so. It is basically just a CD transport and nothing else...doesn't even have an EQ if I remember correctly...but the SQ is amazing.

 

[Wahsapa]

wait wait...

you want to keep your high quality head unit... BUT you want to play MP3s off it?!

well i guess thats ok because this is car audio

 

[DPmaster]

Originally posted by: Wahsapa
wait wait...

you want to keep your high quality head unit... BUT you want to play MP3s off it?!

well i guess thats ok because this is car audio

Yeah I know it sounds strange having a high quality HU and then wanting to play mp3s but I'd just like to have the ability. Any of you guys hook up a computer to a car audio system before? I've been looking at that too...maybe feeding it into a Alpine AV controller or something...not sure.

edit - didn't really want to play mp3s off of that unit...just in parallel with it. The Rockford would be used whenever I feel like listening to my music in "SQ mode" and the other HU would be used whenever I don't feel like CD swapping.

 

[Wahsapa]

dude carputers? thats what i think you SHOULD do... it would own so much more then an mp3 player... but they cost more, but then you also get way more for the money :thumbsup:

check out http://epiacenter.com/ and http://mini-itx.com/ in fact i was just reading about a carputer kit the other week... heres the link - http://www.kontron.com/product...l.cfm?keyProduct=39558 (but you can probably make your own for cheaper )