Is there a proper CarPC radio solution?

**NibbleIT** · 06-20-2009, 06:54 AM

It seems to me that there's a need for a proper radio solution, ie:

1. USB controlled
2. High sensitivity receiver
3. Audio output to PC via USB - which Centrafuse (or other) could mix with it's SatNav output before sending it to the soundcard.

A combined radio/DAC would be a perfect solution - but I'm damned if I can find one!

**MeeM** · 06-20-2009, 07:10 AM

You mean something like this: http://direct.xtronic.be/products/hq...usb-radio.html

They've been around for a while now and generally integrate with popular front ends (apart from some volume control woes).

**NibbleIT** · 06-21-2009, 04:03 AM

I already looked at the HQCT. It doesn't pipe it's audio via USB, you have to either:

1. Connect its output to the line-in of your soundcard (my DAC doesn't have one)
2. Connect your soundcard's output to the AUX in of the HQCT (you won't hear Centrafuse's SatNav)

Short of buying a new soundcard a don't really see a solution out there.

It would be great if someone would produce a combined USB DAC/Radio - anyone?

**djfourmoney** · 06-21-2009, 04:21 AM

Originally Posted by NibbleIT

I already looked at the HQCT. It doesn't pipe it's audio via USB, you have to either:

1. Connect its output to the line-in of your soundcard (my DAC doesn't have one)
2. Connect your soundcard's output to the AUX in of the HQCT (you won't hear Centrafuse's SatNav)

Short of buying a new soundcard a don't really see a solution out there.

It would be great if someone would produce a combined USB DAC/Radio - anyone?

Sounds like a job for Mitch....

**eliofall** · 06-21-2009, 08:17 AM

maybe i am missing something, but why wont this work ?

its a lot cheaper. i think i would rather go with a pci card. usb seem to shake loose on my carPC.

**NibbleIT** · 06-21-2009, 12:51 PM

Maybe it's me who's missing something - I didn't think the ADSTech Instant FM was designed for car use & consequently reception suffers when on the move - anyone care to correct me ... please!

**treetop777** · 06-21-2009, 10:31 PM

HD Radio Cables READY!

**Deric** · 06-21-2009, 11:33 PM

Originally Posted by treetop777

HD Radio Cables READY!

I think the OP is looking for something USB that basically sets up an audio device so you don't have to tie up the serial port and line in. I have the directed as well but a USB solution is tempting. Plus because of mitch unless another solution offers HD I would feel I lost something.

**Injector** · 06-22-2009, 12:40 AM

Originally Posted by Deric

I think the OP is looking for something USB that basically sets up an audio device so you don't have to tie up the serial port and line in. I have the directed as well but a USB solution is tempting. Plus because of mitch unless another solution offers HD I would feel I lost something.

well radioshark does audio via usb, BUT it's reception is utter and complete crap (trust me i have one) there is a couple mods out there to make it better but i have never noticed a difference.

**NibbleIT** · 06-22-2009, 04:01 AM

Thanks for the response guys

I really like the look of VISTEON HDZ300 & DIRECTED DMHD1000 but as Deric says I don't have a line-in (I've got a 'DAC Straight' from HotAudio) plus I'm in the UK so HD don't exist here!

I'm gonna order the RDX-155-EF & give it a try ... I think I read somewhere that although you can hook it up to a standard car aerial it prefers something else - different impedance or something? Can anyone enlighten me?