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

**sofakng** · 11-29-2004, 10:26 AM

Even though I won't be setting anything up (or buying anything) until February or so, I'm trying to plan everything out for my Car (computer) MP3 setup...

Here's what I've figured out so far:
1) I'm buying a new car so let's assume it will have a factory (eg. junk) stereo and no extra amplifiers.
2) I'm buying a in-dash LCD screen (7" touchscreen, one that can be pushed back into the dashboard).

So, I'm wondering what I should to get the audio from the computer to the speakers in my car. I know I'll need to either replace the factory head unit with something that supports RCA input or buy a 4-channel amplifier, rewire the speakers to the new amplifier and then connect the PC to the amplifier. If I go the amplifier route, I'm not even sure how I'd control the volume...

Right now I'm leaning heavily towards buying a head unit that supports RCA inputs (from the PC). Now I'd also really like to get Sirius satellite radio so it might be in my best interest to buy a head unit that has this built-in as opposed to waiting for a Sirius-to-PC type of connection (like XM already has).

I'd really like to spend as least as possible on a head unit but I also don't want garbage. All I need is RCA-inputs and Sirius-radio support. I don't care about MP3 playback or visual quality (because these will be played using the computer)

What are your opinions?

**fasternfaster** · 11-29-2004, 11:02 AM

save the money and dont get a headunit.. instead buy a 4 or 5 channel amp and connect the pc to that using RCA cables and then connect the amp to all you speakers .. this way u can spend the 230 bux on a nice amp rather than on a headunit. this will also give you space to put a slim slot loading dvd rom in the dash along with the 7" touchscreen

**sofakng** · 11-30-2004, 04:36 PM

Well, I'm assuming you connect the line-out on the sound card to the RCA jacks on the amplifier... How does that sound? (wouldn't be a lot of line-noise?)

How do you adjust the volume?

**Milo** · 11-30-2004, 04:57 PM

If you go with the Way of the Amp, you tune your amp then change volume using the PC.

I whent a Different way,

I bought a Clarion DXZ546MP which has an Aux In and a Sub Control and a LPF built in so I thought i could get a decent Amp but if the computer was to die i would be musicless which would most likely send me insane, Clarion also makes a Transponder to run with my Cars Steering wheel controls (VY Holden Commodore or as some would know Pontaic GTO 04)

I would have gone with the Amp if i trusted The PC to run without fail.

And to all the Aussies i know my car is not a Monaro but wiring wise it is the same :P

**DaRacerz** · 11-30-2004, 08:03 PM

Before you go and buy a head unit, you really need to ask yourself this question first. How important is the Radio too you. And furthermoore - do you want AM Radio? Do you want good FM reception?

If you answered yes to them, then yea, you will need to go with a Headunit. I'm personally running a Pioneer 4600MP receiver (because I want AM Radio when going thru NYC traffic to miss the jams) and must say it sounds really good. Noise, I have some noise right now, but I think I finally figured out why, and after this fix the noise level should be minimal.

**sofakng** · 11-30-2004, 08:10 PM

Well, AM is fairly important to me... I enjoy listening to talk radio (and traffic alerts). However, I'm considering Sirius satellite radio but that also requires the purchase of a head unit... (correct me if I'm wrong here).

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.

Currently I have a very old Lanzar amp (800 watts I believe?) powering my very old Kicker 12" Competition Subs (x2). I have a small JBL 2-channel amp (40x2) but it's in my MAME arcade cabinet...

**khemical** · 01-04-2005, 02:17 AM

Originally Posted by sofakng

Well, AM is fairly important to me... I enjoy listening to talk radio (and traffic alerts). However, I'm considering Sirius satellite radio but that also requires the purchase of a head unit... (correct me if I'm wrong here).

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.

Currently I have a very old Lanzar amp (800 watts I believe?) powering my very old Kicker 12" Competition Subs (x2). I have a small JBL 2-channel amp (40x2) but it's in my MAME arcade cabinet...

Sirius does not require a headunit. If you buy a sirius tuner (highly recommended as HU satellite controls seem less than desired), most the car kits have a line out, that what do ya know, can connect to the line-in on a computer! then you can use the soundcard to split into 4.1 or whatever you plan.

Also, check on the sirius threads to see if progress has been made on getting a pc interface for sirius. I was going to try and make one, but decided I would rather spend my time working on my car/home audio front end and....school....tends to get in the way

oh and don't let me forget to mention the 4 minute repeating traffic channel for NY/Boston area (in the 160's i believe, i live in the boonies and don't have traffic problems)

anyway, good luck

steve

**dmurray14** · 01-04-2005, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by khemical

Sirius does not require a headunit. If you buy a sirius tuner (highly recommended as HU satellite controls seem less than desired), most the car kits have a line out, that what do ya know, can connect to the line-in on a computer! then you can use the soundcard to split into 4.1 or whatever you plan.

Also, check on the sirius threads to see if progress has been made on getting a pc interface for sirius. I was going to try and make one, but decided I would rather spend my time working on my car/home audio front end and....school....tends to get in the way

oh and don't let me forget to mention the 4 minute repeating traffic channel for NY/Boston area (in the 160's i believe, i live in the boonies and don't have traffic problems)

anyway, good luck

steve

Get your butt over to the Sirius thread, and make some Sirius software! I beg this of you!

Dan

**rushnrockt** · 01-04-2005, 11:58 PM

Originally Posted by sofakng

So, I'm wondering what I should to get the audio from the computer to the speakers in my car. I know I'll need to either replace the factory head unit with something that supports RCA input or buy a 4-channel amplifier, rewire the speakers to the new amplifier and then connect the PC to the amplifier. If I go the amplifier route, I'm not even sure how I'd control the volume...
What are your opinions?

You forgot another alternative, it is possible that your car cas a cd-changer controller and since you won't really need the cd-changer, you can get an adapter that transforms the input into RCA. I am planning to do that with my VW Golf, since the color scheme of the dash and audio match up and are too damn good to replace. Something to consider...

**ricknieves** · 01-13-2005, 07:54 AM

You forgot another alternative, it is possible that your car cas a cd-changer controller and since you won't really need the cd-changer, you can get an adapter that transforms the input into RCA. I am planning to do that with my VW Golf, since the color scheme of the dash and audio match up and are too damn good to replace. Something to consider...

Please I am interested on to fine out more about that adaptor, since I do have a radio that control a CD changer, and need to connect my CarPC to it.
I was considering a FM modulator but I really will like to stay away from it if possible.