some audio questions for my setup

**PatrickB** · 05-02-2005, 10:22 PM

i would like to hear some thoughts on what you pros think i should do.
i have been thinking of my system for awhile

first the heart:

i have 3 laptops to chose from all with docking stations
i have a 1ghz w/ 30gig 512 mb ram then i have 2 800mghz 10gig 576 mb ram.

I think i am going to go with the the 800mghz since its got a small screen lower profile and gernally not as nice cosmeticly as the 1ghz ibm thinkpad.

However I drive a civic and it only has one den. and no where great to mount a LCD. I am not into cutting the dash at all to make something fit also i don't want to have the car that long so i don't want anything to be to perminant.

i thought maybe this would be perfect http://www.mp3car.com/store/product_...roducts_id=103

However I do not want to complicate wiring my audio system. to be honest i am not an audiophile, FAR FAR from it. how hard is it to move a deck unit to the glove box? i don't really want to spend a fortune to get audio. I have the simple audio output from the laptop thats what i would like to stick with it.

I have found this amp . maybe use it instead of a head unit? http://www.crutchfield.com/S-ZBsEgWh...20&I=108R5761A
I already have a mtx amp and 10" jl audio w6 (about 8 years old now) sheesh i am getting old.

here is a pic of the interior any suggestions.

(also the spot above the shifter is a hide away cup holders which i kind of enjoy having but its a posibility.

thoughts of how the BEST and or the cheapest way to get my audio correct? my current head unit doesn't support audio in. i would probably just get some used alpine maybe with a beatup face or non working cd and put it in the glovebox.

I could always just get a lcd and mount it somewhere and keep the audio where it is. grr i am so torn i have the money in the bank to make my project happen i just need to get all the plans laid out and i have the computers sitting here ready to go.

**PatrickB** · 05-03-2005, 07:06 AM

maybe i should have put this in the audio forum

**Matthew230** · 05-03-2005, 07:42 AM

If you are not worried about quality use an FM modulator.

In any event read this - HOW TO: Get sound from PC to Car Stereo / Amp

**PatrickB** · 05-03-2005, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by Matthew230

If you are not worried about quality use an FM modulator.

In any event read this - HOW TO: Get sound from PC to Car Stereo / Amp

lol i understand how to hook a amp up and fm modulators are HORRIBLE Sounding. however a modulator isn't really inline with what i am asking that still leaves the headunit where it is. then where should i put my lcd? etc etc.

this is more about. is it hard to put a cd player in glove box? i wouldn't think so but is it practicle? i won't be listening to cds if so i would just user my carputer...

should i just leave head unit in the den and get a lcd and attach it to the vents. i just want ppl to throw out what they think would be the best option and and why.

should i just just buy a multichannel amp bother with splitting the audio out of the laptop and prolly lose some sound quality and for me to dish out money and run wires and etc etc it better sound good.

**Vchat20** · 05-03-2005, 05:10 PM

if you know how to hook up an amp, just hook one up and go straight from your carputer to the amp.

**ming** · 05-03-2005, 05:17 PM

I won't spend $400 on an amp if I were far far away from being audiophile.

I don't have good experience with FM modulator, but I've heard they could be good. you want those wired ones that lines between your head unit and antenna, not a wireless one. also, there are two companies make adapters for Honda with those you get line-in for your head unit (if your HU has change/tape control).

the easiest way to mount the LCD nicely, I think would be making a bracket and let the LCD hang below the head unit. you don't need to make any major change on the dash. just my 2 cents...

**hondaguru** · 05-03-2005, 05:47 PM

JUst build something with fiberglass that molds into the dashunder neath the head unit like you said that holds the lcd. Dont make a getto bracket. You could probebly have a local stereo shop in town make you one for cheep, and it would look alot better with no moving your head unit.

**PatrickB** · 05-03-2005, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by hondaguru

JUst build something with fiberglass that molds into the dashunder neath the head unit like you said that holds the lcd. Dont make a getto bracket. You could probebly have a local stereo shop in town make you one for cheep, and it would look alot better with no moving your head unit.

i don't want to keep this setup in the car for long.so doing something that custom prolly isn't in the cards. i have plans to switch cars as early as 4-5 months.

fm modulator isnt a option i don't care to buy a nice headunit w/ aux in.

. i am just torn. why do you think one way would be better then the next.

**Electrocharge** · 05-04-2005, 03:09 AM

Y dont you just run external sound from the laptop straight to the amp with an external card like this one @ www.gnetcanada.com ......

http://www.gnetcanada.com/vehiclepc-...m#GNETUSBAUDIO

I use it for my setup, granted i have everything totally wired in but it works well. I did use a multichannel amp too..... forget the head-unit

**PatrickB** · 05-04-2005, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by Electrocharge

Y dont you just run external sound from the laptop straight to the amp with an external card like this one @ www.gnetcanada.com ......

http://www.gnetcanada.com/vehiclepc-...m#GNETUSBAUDIO

I use it for my setup, granted i have everything totally wired in but it works well. I did use a multichannel amp too..... forget the head-unit

yeah i think i am going to with a 5 channel amp. get some decent infinity components up front and power my JL in the back.

3 brands i am looking at are:

Infinity, JL audio, and Eclpise. whatever i can find for a good price. open to suggestions for a budget 5 channel or a budget 4 channel (i currently have a mtx mono sub amp)

also i will probably go with the motorized flip out lcd for a clean look.