Wiring portable audio speakers

**st11x** · 03-29-2004, 08:48 PM

Hi guys,

I've got a portable MP3 player and had been meaning to hook it up to my car. I was going to buy an amplifier unit, but the cost is a little prohibitive for my usage. Also, it's pretty time consuming to do it.

I then thought about getting a set of portable 2.1 PC speakers, something in the likes of the TDK Tremor. Has anyone gone this way? If it runs on AC, I would require a power invertor right?

My MP3 player has optical outputs, so I would like to take advantage of that. But I guess there isn't any portable speakers around that will take optical inputs.

Appreciate thoughts from members of this forum.

thanks
Matthew

**Nokia6600** · 03-30-2004, 10:16 PM

Originally Posted by st11x

Hi guys,

I've got a portable MP3 player and had been meaning to hook it up to my car. I was going to buy an amplifier unit, but the cost is a little prohibitive for my usage. Also, it's pretty time consuming to do it.

I then thought about getting a set of portable 2.1 PC speakers, something in the likes of the TDK Tremor. Has anyone gone this way? If it runs on AC, I would require a power invertor right?

My MP3 player has optical outputs, so I would like to take advantage of that. But I guess there isn't any portable speakers around that will take optical inputs.

Appreciate thoughts from members of this forum.

thanks
Matthew

Why not use a FM modulator to connect your mp3 player to your head unit?

**Hcomplyr** · 03-30-2004, 10:28 PM

I know my PC speakers run off of a 12v DC source, I'm sure most if not all use an external transformer so all you would need is a regulator so that when the car is pumping out 14.5 volts you won't fry it.
But like what was mentioned... an FM modulator would be much easier

**st11x** · 03-31-2004, 07:09 AM

Thanks guys,

I was thinking about the modulator, but what swayed me towards the 2.1 PC speakers is the sub-woofer that would make things a little nicer

I'll check out the regulator like you mentioned.

thanks
Matt

**ATXaccord05** · 02-04-2005, 12:47 AM

My computer subs/speakers have optical in, they are harman/kardon. I thought about putting this sub into my car and running it off of AC. the problem I ran into was noise. Most PC speakers won't be grounded well, at least in my experience. If I were you, I would stick to car audio in your car and get a AUX input into a CD changer port you aren't using or a cord like this: http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piejvcaux.html

-David