Completely removing HU from build

**kdl** · 03-16-2012, 12:34 AM

Is it a bad Idea to uninstall the HU entirely running all music from the computer and using a USB DAC for my analog signal?

Something like thishttp://www.amazon.com/HRT-Music-Stre.../dp/B0038O4UFQ

From here everything feeds into a 5 channel amp. Right-Left-Sub

**soundman98** · 03-16-2012, 05:48 PM

no, it is not a bad idea.

many of us run it that way--replacing the hu was my main motivation to building a carpc(for the audio tuning options). overall, it seems that this method has started to be referred to as a 'headless' setup (though technically the carpc becomes the headunit)

that unit has good reviews all around, the only reason i won't buy it is because i require at least 5 outputs for my setup, and buying 3 units is not cost effective.

**kdl** · 03-16-2012, 06:53 PM

I was wondering about that. The USB DAC has two outputs, for each stereo channel. But an amp wants a seperate channel for EACH speaker. Why is this? Just for more indepth fading options? I plan on feeding the input from the DAC into a crossover and EQ before amping the signal, but how do I take two signals and send it to a 5 channel amp that wants 4 minimum

**kdl** · 03-16-2012, 07:07 PM

I was wondering about that. The USB DAC has two outputs, for each stereo channel. But an amp wants a seperate channel for EACH speaker. Why is this? Just for more indepth fading options? I plan on feeding the input from the DAC into a crossover and EQ before amping the signal, but how do I take two signals and send it to a 5 channel amp that wants 4 minimum

**soundman98** · 03-16-2012, 10:00 PM

the 'best' way is rca y-adapters. best as in cheapest/easiest to install.

what eq and/or x-over were you planning on using? some models support upmixing to multiple channels, so y-adapters might not be needed.

**kdl** · 03-16-2012, 10:12 PM

I was hoping that a crossover could do that. I have not found one though. Any idea whrte I migjt find one?

**digital509** · 03-16-2012, 11:03 PM

I'm planning on doing the same, ditching the head unit for a more clutter free install. I haven't decided yet but I think I'm going to go with this from the store:
http://store.mp3car.com/TDA7850_Inte..._p/com-140.htm

**kdl** · 03-16-2012, 11:53 PM

Meh, ive already got a rockford amp for the bass and will probably pick up another for the steroe

**soundman98** · 03-17-2012, 12:40 AM

check nivanov's build thread on his trials and tribulations with that amp chipset(link)-- it woks good, but it does require a heatsink, and as far as i know, mp3car is not selling one with it..