Recommendations on head unit or amplifier? (for use with a PC in the car)

**jbors** · 01-13-2005, 04:01 PM

Sorry didn't read all the posts above so it may be captured already. I'm planning to use my PC connected to HU through USB adapter via CDC out. This way I'm going to assign some HU buttons to control the audio/video/XM and OBDII. For now I will have adapter for MBus/AiNet and P-Bus( VW ). AiNet is the best way right now as you can display even graphics on HU...
For better sound I bought the external amplifier, but it will be later...

**edscholl** · 01-14-2005, 02:22 AM

Originally Posted by sofakng

It looks like I'm stuck buying a head unit if I want the radio. However if that means I have to purchase a head unit (~$250?) and an amplifier (~$230) then that's too much and I'll just buy an amplifier.
(

buy a reman. amp. $80.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...744489387&rd=1

**MatrixPC** · 01-14-2005, 10:56 AM

If you are not into lound and thunder, a decent HU will not require and amplifier to run those original factory speakers. When you change to aftermarket speakers, you may consider (but not really needed) buying an amp.
I may suggest one step at a time.
Figure out what kind of car you are going to buy and will the LCD be easily place in that car's dash.
Where is the radio going to be installed if the LCD is in-dash? Seriously but the radio is a must have item in car too along with carPC. A 5 min trip down the liquor store doesn't need to have the PC on.
Once the radio is installed, does the factory speakers sound the way you like? If not replace them.
Replace the speakers, how does it sound with the HU? Now, that is time to findout you need an amplifier or not.

If you are going with Sirus Sat radio, there are not that many HU brands on the market that support it. Kenwood, Alpine are the 2 that I know for sure, maybe Blaupunkt and/or Clairon.

**scott_fx** · 01-14-2005, 02:59 PM

Get the phoenix gold 5.1 amp with digital input. i forgot the model no. but i know its only $350! As far as volume, you can do what i am doing and get a rotary encoder phiget and you map it to your pc's volume control.

**stillnocar** · 01-17-2005, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by scott_fx

Get the phoenix gold 5.1 amp with digital input. i forgot the model no. but i know its only $350! As far as volume, you can do what i am doing and get a rotary encoder phiget and you map it to your pc's volume control.

Phoenix Gold Octane-R 5.1MT