car PC without a headunit

**ohioG35** · 07-16-2006, 12:58 PM

Does anyone know of projects where someone has disposed of the head unit all together? I'm planning on this and was looking for some dos and donts that i might have overlooked.

Maybe some 4 channel amp recommendations or PC sounds cards that would work well.
Maybe FM/AM receivers for a PC and what not.

Thanks

**Siezmik** · 07-16-2006, 01:14 PM

I think you'll find that a large percentage of users here are running without head units.

As far as amp recommendations, it's a matter of personal preference, what kind of power output you're looking for, and the amount of money you have to spend. Go with any good quality amp and you shouldn't have any problems.

For sound cards, some people are happy with the on-board sound (if your motherboard is so equipped), while most seem to prefer an add-on card or USB solution. The advantage of going with a USB solution (like the Audigy 2 NX) is that you can put it close to your amp, and therefore are less likely to have interference problems from long cable runs.

Look at the MP3Car store for the HQCT which, by all reports, seems to be a good solution for terrestrial radio. I plan on getting one for my setup.

By the way, a quick search would have turned up answers to all of your questions.

**ohioG35** · 07-16-2006, 01:21 PM

thanks for the quick response. That is what i wanted to hear.

**RedGTiVR6** · 07-16-2006, 07:47 PM

I'm not using a HU, I'd venture to bet a good 70% of us aren't.

I'd suggest you start here: New to CarPCs? Don't know where to start?

also, read here: can a carputer compete with a head unit for sound quality?

**ohioG35** · 07-16-2006, 07:56 PM

I should have stated my questions better, I guess I was wondering if there were any defacto "best sound cards" or "best amps". To avoid getting hardware that is ill suited. In retrospect i would assume most people would bypass the headunit. Using one takes out all the fun

**RedGTiVR6** · 07-16-2006, 08:04 PM

did you read my first post that I linked you to?

I might also suggest this: FAQ: What speakers/amps should I go with?

also, this hobby requires knowing how to do your own research, if you are not comfortable with that, I suggest you find another hobby.

**ohioG35** · 07-16-2006, 08:49 PM

I wasn't asking you to post again, but thank you for doing it. I was just clarifying. As for doing my own research... Please rest assured that i have done plenty and have read the forums but because of volatility of the hardware market it is sometime beneficial to hear real time opinions. Sorry if i offended you. If you ever have any questions that might save you some time by asking instead of reading please ask.
Thanks,
Matt

**RedGTiVR6** · 07-16-2006, 08:54 PM

you didn't offend me...sorry I didn't fill my post full of a billion happy smilies and put flowers and bubbles everywhere to convey the fact that I wasn't irritated.

I simply asked...did you read the first post I linked you to? simple question, that's all. Sorry I didn't fluff it for you. I've now marked you as a fluffer in my mind so next time I'll know I need to fluff my responses to you.

My response to you WAS saving you time. If you had read the link you would understand that.

There is not one single BEST solution for anything out there, let alone the car audio or carpc game. If someone does suggest a BEST solution, especially without knowing your needs and/or requirements, they don't know what they are doing. What's best for you would probably be worst for me. Your requirements (space, money, features) are yours and no one elses. YOU need to find what's best for you. That requires research.

There, did I save you some time?

**ohioG35** · 07-16-2006, 09:07 PM

thanks for the response, as it happens it hasn't saved me time. it was the
"also, this hobby requires knowing how to do your own research, if you are not comfortable with that, I suggest you find another hobby."
comment I found short sighted and elitist but I've marked you as such and will remember to address that in future posts.
Such comments aren't informative or necessary so ultimately additional wasted time.
But i am thankful for your previous post, it was informative.
I hope this helps you become a better poster.

**RedGTiVR6** · 07-16-2006, 09:16 PM

haha - newbie - you had honnestly prepare to get burned pretty hard.

I'm really gathering that you haven't read much on here at all if you're making comments like that. I went really rather easy on you. telling you point blank that this hobby is research intensive. sorry you can't handle the truth.