How would I go about replacing a reciever with carpc?

mbuchman · 03-26-2005, 01:30 AM

I know their is already a thread similar to this, but rather than thread jacking, I figured I would start a new one.

Basically, here is what I need

-1 to 2 inputs
-front channel, rear channel, and sub RCA outs.
-volume control for front, rear, and sub (all independently adjustable, with master volume to control all together)
-an equalizer (same requirements as above)
-ability to play one source of audio (like MP3s) in the front, and another source (like a playstation) on the back channel, and selection for sub to be with either the front or rear
-a good am/fm card that could connect to stock antenna

Those are all the features that the reciever I have been looking at can do, but I really know nothing about simulating that on a computer. If it is possible to do all of the above, then I think I might go all car-pc for audio/video, and not even have a reciever.

What kind of stuff would I have to look at to get this? About how much would just the sound as mentioned cost? If I could not get it done for $300, then I really would prefer just to go with the reciever. Basically, the radio reception quality, and sound quality would have to be the same as a decent reciever (because the reciever I have been looking at is a Pioneer Premier, so its pretty decent).

Any ideas? Thanks

Matt

DarquePervert · 03-26-2005, 07:43 AM

There's a sticky explaining this int he Newbie forum.

RedGTiVR6 · 03-26-2005, 10:32 AM

search!

your post is what this ENTIRE forum is about!

use it!

Bugbyte · 03-26-2005, 11:48 AM

Doubt you could do it for $300. Go with the head unit.

scott_fx · 03-26-2005, 04:54 PM

go with an eclipse h/u. less bells and whistles, better sq

RedGTiVR6 · 03-26-2005, 05:01 PM

eclipse or alpine really....but some of the newer eclipse head units haven't been up to their old standards....

which is a shame - because I swore at one time that I would never get anything but eclipse.....then their quality started to degrade....

oh well...lol

choyak · 03-26-2005, 05:17 PM

For that cost it would be better to get a good head unit with aux input and use an ipod for mp3s or a zen or iriver

poseur · 03-26-2005, 08:41 PM

or get a nice eclipse and get digital input

Most of these kids don't like hu's anyway. I for one intend to keep mine basically because I REALLY really like it... though I DO realise there is indeed no need forit.

mbuchman · 03-27-2005, 02:48 AM

The 300 was just for sound card stuff, no computer included. I guess I am pretty dumb for not searching the forums about something as obvious as this, I guess mainly just because I assumed a head unit was the norm. Just such a wierd thought to not have a head unit!

As for what head unit to get, I pretty much made up my mind. The one I found looks pretty good (not too flashy, pretty simple), and I never really cared much for the looks of Alpine decks. And the only Eclipse deck I really wanted was their top of the line ones, and I dont want to spend that much on a deck.

Matt

RedGTiVR6 · 03-27-2005, 10:36 AM

don't like the look of the alpine decks? why is that, just curious....

what did you end up going with?

and you were looking at spending $300 on the sound card ALONE?!?!

mbuchman · 03-27-2005, 01:38 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Red GTi VR6

don't like the look of the alpine decks? why is that, just curious....

what did you end up going with?

and you were looking at spending $300 on the sound card ALONE?!?!

Alpines all look plasticky and cheap to me. Just my opinion.

Hmm, I just checked out the Eclipse website (new design!), and I really dont like the looks of their new line either.

The Premier P8MP has been my favorite for a while in looks (that I can afford), so I would probably go for it if I get a head unit.

And I dont want to spend 300 on sound card/fm tuner alone, but if I could do it for that cost or less, then I would have no reason to get a reciever, being the Premier deck I was looking at can be found on flebay for 300+ship. Plus, I have already been planning on making a carputer for a while, so that has already been figured into the cost of my radio, but I didnt figure in getting a sound card as mentioned above, because I would have a reciever. Thats why I have the 300 limit, because thats how much I was planning on spending anyway for the same thing.

And I still have a while to decide what to go with. I plan on getting a new (to me) car in the summer, so my current car is on hold with stock everything.

Matt

RedGTiVR6 · 03-27-2005, 06:22 PM

interesting - I've never really heard anyone say that they thought that the alpine decks looked cheap....lol

they are some of the best decks on the market....that's why I asked

mbuchman · 03-27-2005, 10:07 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Red GTi VR6

interesting - I've never really heard anyone say that they thought that the alpine decks looked cheap....lol

they are some of the best decks on the market....that's why I asked

Yes, they are very nice decks, I just dont like their looks

. I am not the only one either who thinks this, but oh well.

I am going for a super-clean look in a Lincoln Town Car (1998 or 1999), and I really dont think an Alpine deck would look good in it. The thought of just a LCD seems really nice, because it would be very clean looking. And I have looked around a little, and it looks like the key is the drivers that come with the sound card. I am just wondering if it will be possible to integrate them easily into a .NET program, but I am sure I can find that on Google.

Matt