HOW TO: Get sound from PC to Car Stereo / Amp

**ppgt94** · 10-21-2004, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by ecaandrew

i just forgot im not even using my headunit, im using my carputer for music, so can i use the front channels on the sound card and hook that up to the front speakers, and the rear channel to the back speakers, and the center to the amp to sub?

Yes. Although you can't go straight from sound card to speakers. You need something like a amp inbetween to drive the speakers. You probably know this from the images. Just thought I'd make it clear for others who may not.

**mayh3m** · 10-29-2004, 06:43 AM

Just exactly how bad is a FM Modulator?

My head Unit (JVC KD-G405) doesn't have any inputs

I have the choice of hooking my PC up to the head unit with a modulator or buying an amp and making some kinda switch system to switch between the two (head unit and pc) to play through the amp. Currently the head unit is hooked up directly to my speakers as the power is good enough for me.
I don't want to lose CD quality sound.
What is the best bet?

**Marsupial** · 10-29-2004, 11:12 AM

I had modified my FM modulator in order to get "descent" audio - otherwise it looks like you are listening to Montreal radio while being in Ottawa 100 miles away.... and even with the homebrewed extended antenna, the sound get quircky sometimes - it depends of the other available radio stations. You might have to change your "station" from time to time.
All in all, it rarely gives a CD quality audio, there is almost always some parasite. But maybe its my cheap ratshack modulator...?

**mayh3m** · 10-29-2004, 11:18 AM

What did you do to make yours better Marsupial?

**OriginalNick2** · 10-31-2004, 04:46 PM

What sort of Wattage should the 4 chanel amp be? dont want it super loud, i also have a 1200W amp to power a sub but is only 1 or 2 chanel.

Nick

**Gruven** · 11-05-2004, 12:10 PM

Can't seem to find this answer anywhere, (if its there, forgive me)..

How would I go about connecting the 6 channel audio from the computer to the aux-in on the headunit? Or do I lose the functionality of the 6 channels?

My intent is to have the HU for radio (with aux in), and all other functions performed by the PC. I have 1 4-ch amp to drive the interior speakers, and 1 mono amp driving the subs.

As far as I understand it, I should be running the 2 pairs of lineouts from the deck to the 4ch. And the 1 subout pair to the mono amp. As you would with any car audio setup.

How do I keep the 6 channels on the PC?

**Gruven** · 11-05-2004, 05:01 PM

Just after thinking about it,

What if I reverse it, and have the 6-channel audio go straight to the amps instead of the HU. Then have the HU send audio from the pre-outs to the sound-cards Line-IN. Would that be the best solution?

**HybridFox** · 11-05-2004, 05:30 PM

yes... yes it would

**thanatos106** · 11-26-2004, 05:37 PM

Ok after check all threads I still don't know how to wire my car pc with the sound system in my car.....

This is what I have:

-Factory HU with 6 in-dash cd player,steering wheel control,but no outputs. :(
-Factory amplifier with 400 watts.
-Carputer with VIA Vinyl Six-TRAC Audio AC' 97 codec onboard audio.
-Two tweeter,front door R/L speakers, rear R/L speakers.

What i want to do:

-Keep my HU intact.
-Use full 6 channel of my carputer.

I been thinking on geting one of those FM modulator the one that you can find on radioshack but I don't think is the best option,or maybe run the sound front the carputer directly to the Amp.but that means create some kind of interruptor between HU and carputer(don't know how).

I really don't know much about my amplifier and i don't want to kill my new carputer.

Thanks eveyone...

:confused: :confused: :confused:

**blumatrix03** · 12-20-2004, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by thanatos106

Ok after check all threads I still don't know how to wire my car pc with the sound system in my car.....

This is what I have:

-Factory HU with 6 in-dash cd player,steering wheel control,but no outputs.

-Factory amplifier with 400 watts.
-Carputer with VIA Vinyl Six-TRAC Audio AC' 97 codec onboard audio.
-Two tweeter,front door R/L speakers, rear R/L speakers.

What i want to do:

-Keep my HU intact.
-Use full 6 channel of my carputer.

I been thinking on geting one of those FM modulator the one that you can find on radioshack but I don't think is the best option,or maybe run the sound front the carputer directly to the Amp.but that means create some kind of interruptor between HU and carputer(don't know how).

I really don't know much about my amplifier and i don't want to kill my new carputer.

Thanks eveyone...

I'm still a noobie but here's what it think might work for you.
you'll need two hi-low converters. you can pick these up for about $10 each at a local stereo shop. hi-low converters allow you to add input RCA jacks to stock HU's.
splice the hi-low converters to your front and rear speaker wires and get a 4 channel amp. use two channels and plug that in from your front channel output on your carputer. use the sub/mid output and plug that into the other two channels and bridge the two channels to wire your subs to it. and you'll have to rewire your speakers to run off the amps and not the HU.
hope this helps!

now my turn to ask a question. i'm wondering if those radioshack rca stereo y-adapters to plug the speaker output to the amps is sufficient? generally, higher end RCA cables for cars are thicker gauge and shielded. and i'm going to be running these y-adapter cables from the carputer to my EQ and then to my amps. i don't want them to be the weakest link and hurt my sound quality. anyone know if it actually makes a difference, and if it does, where can i get better quality rca stereo y-adapters?