Connecting the sound card to the speakers WITHOUT a headunit or amplifier

**Sammyboy** · 09-27-2004, 07:51 AM

Hello everyone,

I aim to make my system as small as possible, so the existing head unit will be replaced with the carputer box. Does anyone have an idea as to how I can connect the sound card to the car's speakers WITHOUT using an auxillary amplifier? Is there any kind of electronic gizmo that does the job? I've read somewhere that I shouldn't connect the speakers directly to the sound card. Is that true?

Any reply will be much appreciated.

Kind regards,

Samuel

**DarquePervert** · 09-27-2004, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by Sammyboy

Hello everyone,

I aim to make my system as small as possible, so the existing head unit will be replaced with the carputer box. Does anyone have an idea as to how I can connect the sound card to the car's speakers WITHOUT using an auxillary amplifier? Is there any kind of electronic gizmo that does the job? I've read somewhere that I shouldn't connect the speakers directly to the sound card. Is that true?

You could do it in theory, but you'd have very low volume and poor sound quality.
You can get low-power rated amps for around US$100. In my eyes it would be worth the extra bucks for the sound quality.

**Sammyboy** · 09-27-2004, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

You can get low-power rated amps for around US$100. In my eyes it would be worth the extra bucks for the sound quality.

But my problem is that I don't have the space to mount an extra emplifier. Any other thoughts?

Kind regards,

Samuel

**blurp** · 09-27-2004, 08:40 AM

That "electronic gizmo" you're talking about IS an amp. And if you get a cheap little amp, it'll certainly be no bigger than this mysterious gizmo would have to be.

**Sammyboy** · 09-27-2004, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by blurp

That "electronic gizmo" you're talking about IS an amp.

Sorry, I'm a newbie. I'm still learning the lingo. Could you perhaps provide me with some links to a retailer?

Kind regards,

Samuel

**ryuandwings** · 09-27-2004, 09:05 AM

when I was getting my system in my car, I hooked up carputer without AMP to see that work. The result was you could only hear if I put my ear right against speaker. I don't think that is not the way to drive.

I have hatchback and did not want have AMP in trunk, so I placed under the seat. It works. I'm sure you got some space there.

**hijinks21** · 09-27-2004, 09:34 AM

I've seen a little thing at best buy once that took RCA in and let you hook it right up to your speakers.. lemme see if i can google something.

**ryuandwings** · 09-27-2004, 11:26 PM

There are some small AMPs listed in this thread.
I am sure you have some space.

This thread

**TruckinMP3** · 09-27-2004, 11:41 PM

Mine fits under the seat.... it is a low slung seat. Even the little imports have some space.

**ppgt94** · 09-28-2004, 12:06 AM

You will definitely need a amp if you want to hear anything from your speakers. a 50 watt x 4 channel amp is not really all that big. They can usually fit under most car seats. If not there mounted in various other places such as behind rear seats, or on a wall in the trunk/boot/hatch.