Amp with Optical Input/Output

**rikblacketer** · 10-06-2006, 01:58 PM

Hi guys

I am new to the forum, and i apologise if im asking something thats been asked before, i have searched high and low!

I am in process of planning the design and build of my incar pc and sound system. This forum is making that so much easier!

My question on this occasion (there will be more im sure) is...

It is my understanding that if i am doing away with my head unit, and replacing it with a Touchscreen TFT, i will need an Amp which the mini pc will connect to. Then from the Amp, to the cars speakers via the connection the old head unit used?

Im told the best way to do this is to get a motherboard that has 5.1 sound and an optical output, then purchase an Amp with optical...

Am i on the right lines? Also...any suggestions or recommendations for amps?

Also, will i need to take my door panels apart to see what type of speakers i have, in order to get the correct amp (power).?

Thanks!

Rik.

**ajscomp372** · 10-07-2006, 03:55 PM

I don't know of any motherboards that have 5.1 sound optical outputs. What you should probably do is get a soundcard like the Auzentech X-Mystique that has an optical output, and stick it in a normal motherboard. Then get the amp with optical input. You don't need to take your doors apart to get the speaker specifications, as most cars have standard 4 ohm speakers. Just connect the amp to the wires your head unit used to connect to. Be aware, though, that discovering which wire is the right one is usually a headache. PM me if you have any more questions.

**blkwrx** · 10-07-2006, 06:01 PM

Car manufacturers usually use 18-20ga wire from the hu to speaker so if your going to be pushing any decent power you probably will want to replace it with 12-14ga.

**rikblacketer** · 10-10-2006, 07:08 PM

Cheers thanks guys. Slowly figuring it out....!

Stage one of my custom bezel tonight too!! Watch this space...disaster or success?? Hmmm.

**jschrauwen** · 10-11-2006, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by ajscomp372

I don't know of any motherboards that have 5.1 sound optical outputs.

My Commell LV675 does, that's one of the reasons I chose it.

5.1 TosLink out from MB to Digital 5.1 amp that accepts TosLink input and then if you wish you can tap back into the factory wiring to your speakers if you don't plan on upgrading the speaker wires (but as mentioned previously, a sound recommendation).

**Evilbunny1114** · 10-11-2006, 09:15 PM

" 5.1 TosLink out from MB to Digital 5.1 amp"

what digital 5.1 amp u got iv been looking around for some

edit?
mybad i looked in ur sig and u got a performance technique 1. how do u like it. im planning on getitng either Nakamichi or JL component speakers and am still deciding what to power them with

**jschrauwen** · 10-11-2006, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by Evilbunny1114

" 5.1 TosLink out from MB to Digital 5.1 amp"

what digital 5.1 amp u got iv been looking around for some

edit?
mybad i looked in ur sig and u got a performance technique 1. how do u like it. im planning on getitng either Nakamichi or JL component speakers and am still deciding what to power them with

Haven't got the Performance Teknique ICBM 5.1 up and running yet since the vender failed to send the IR remote parts with it. If you check one of the ealier posts I made this evening, I've just been advised by the vender that they finally sourced some new IR equipment and will be shipped asap. The amp needs the IR components to configure / set-up. There are sticky's that have a list of amps with optical inputs and where I've added a few more to the list. So you've got some options to look at. I'll post connectivity and sound results as soon as I do a mock set-up on the bench first and will probably post them in my install thread at the bottom of the forums list. I'm not an expert by no means when it comes to speaker selection. My experience with Nakamichi was that their forte was in the digital tape / cassette and in the home entertainment world so as far as a car speaker option, I couldn't really say. I chose JL's for subs since they seemed to be a popular type. As far as components were concerned, I've always been partial to Soundstream, KEF, Boston Acoutics and MB Quart. They're not the highest of quality but I believe a slight bit better than your other run of the mill brand names.
Hope this helps. If you like to emmulate a quality install, look to RED GTi VR6's install. She has some pretty dynamic set-up that is top drawer.

**RedGTiVR6** · 10-11-2006, 09:49 PM

man - where was I the other day where I saw a thread that covered this VERY topic....somewhere in this forum....somewhere....

**jschrauwen** · 10-11-2006, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by RedGTiVR6

man - where was I the other day where I saw a thread that covered this VERY topic....somewhere in this forum....somewhere....

**debugger** · 03-03-2007, 04:01 AM

Originally Posted by jschrauwen

Haven't got the Performance Teknique ICBM 5.1 up and running yet since the vender failed to send the IR remote parts with it. If you check one of the ealier posts I made this evening, I've just been advised by the vender that they finally sourced some new IR equipment and will be shipped asap.

Where did you get you remote equipment from, which vendor has it? I was not able to locate one for 7 month now...