Convert Speaker Wires To RCA?

QuickSilver2005 · 08-31-2006, 05:09 PM

I'm not sure if those are the correct terms for what I'm wanting to do because when I was searching everthing that came up was not what I was looking for. What I'm wanting to do is convert the speaker wires (which plugged in to my headunit) to rca cables so I can connect them to my pc. Does anyone know of anyone who has done this? It crossed my mind that one reason why I couldn't find it might be that there are better or easier ways to do this. Also another reason might be the quality of the end result. Any ideas?

Yes I am a newb.

scott_fx · 08-31-2006, 05:39 PM

are you trying to go from you computer output into your head unit input? or your headunit speaker outputs to your computer's input?

QuickSilver2005 · 08-31-2006, 05:54 PM

Going From Computer Directly to speakers. Imagine this, the "3.5mm to rca" cable running from the computer's sound out TO the speakers directly. As in the speaker's wires have been coverted to rca. so they connect easily. Im not sure how it would sound now that I think about it, which might be why I couldnt find anythig on it.

JC-S60 · 08-31-2006, 06:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by QuickSilver2005

Going From Computer Directly to speakers. Imagine this, the "3.5mm to rca" cable running from the computer's sound out TO the speakers directly. As in the speaker's wires have been coverted to rca. so they connect easily. Im not sure how it would sound now that I think about it, which might be why I couldnt find anythig on it.

No "converting" would be needed, but the built-in amp in you pc is way too weak to be used with car speakers.

Headphones, ok, but that's about it...

You need an amp of some sort...

QuickSilver2005 · 08-31-2006, 06:07 PM

Ive read in my manual and online that my truck (2003 Dodge Ram 1500) has an "amp" behind the glove compartment. I have no idea what its rated at or anything like that though. This is why I was wanting to do it this way, use the amp that is included with the truck. You say no converting would be needed however when I installed my headunit a year ago I spliced wires and whatnot. The wires are bare and have no rca "tips". Im looking for the ends to attach to them so I can "convert" them to rca and plug them right into the computer.

JC-S60 · 08-31-2006, 06:17 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by QuickSilver2005

Ive read in my manual and online that my truck (2003 Dodge Ram 1500) has an "amp" behind the glove compartment. I have no idea what its rated at or anything like that though. This is why I was wanting to do it this way, use the amp that is included with the truck. You say no converting would be needed however when I installed my headunit a year ago I spliced wires and whatnot. The wires are bare and have no rca "tips". Im looking for the ends to attach to them so I can "convert" them to rca and plug them right into the computer.

Just get some RCA cable and cut it in half. Then solder (or use screw terminals) the wires to your speaker wires.

Maybe you can find some rca plugs that have screw terminals as another option...

Under "converting" I understand a signal that is adapted in some way, this is only "connecting" to me...

Good luck!

QuickSilver2005 · 08-31-2006, 06:22 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by JC-S60

Under "converting" I understand a signal that is adapted in some way, this is only "connecting" to me...
Good luck!

^ I like your thinking.

Do you think since "the manual" says I have an amp it will sound alright?

Shadow · 08-31-2006, 07:37 PM

Chances are that your amp only powers certain speakers. Hook it up and test it.

walky_talky20 · 08-31-2006, 11:35 PM

Here is the wiring diagram for a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup with the "Premium Sound System". I believe it is the same as the 2003, but I can't get that diagram to make sure.

2002DodgeRam1500-PremiumRadio.pdf

It looks like the amplifier is powering all of your speakers. The attached diagram should give you all the information you need to hook up your computer's output directly to the factory amplifier - no expensive adapters needed.

You can do the connection at the factory radio position in the dashboard or you can do it at the factory amplifier location (if you can find it). I would suggest verifying that the diagram lines up with your truck by testing the wires with a meter - especially the level of the headunit to amp signal and the voltage of the amp turn on signal.

Good Luck,

- Please keep in mind that I could be wrong. I have not done an installation in this particular vehicle before so I can only give advice based on the diagrams.

mp3hombre · 09-02-2006, 01:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by QuickSilver2005

Ive read in my manual and online that my truck (2003 Dodge Ram 1500) has an "amp" behind the glove compartment. I have no idea what its rated at or anything like that though. This is why I was wanting to do it this way, use the amp that is included with the truck. You say no converting would be needed however when I installed my headunit a year ago I spliced wires and whatnot. The wires are bare and have no rca "tips". Im looking for the ends to attach to them so I can "convert" them to rca and plug them right into the computer.

WAIT A MINUTE!

If the radio can drive speakers directly, you DO need a HI to LOW level converter!

QuickSilver2005 · 09-02-2006, 05:45 PM

Im not sure if I understand that mp3hombre, does that mean I can't connect tips to the wires and they not sound nice?

mp3hombre · 09-02-2006, 06:07 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by QuickSilver2005

Im not sure if I understand that mp3hombre, does that mean I can't connect tips to the wires and they not sound nice?

What I mean is that the sound level coming out from the radio could be too high for the sound card. In that case you need to convert it down to a low level output("RCA level") using a Line Level Converter,
Here's one:
http://www.electronixwarehouse.com/c...ramid-ns60.htm

Jahntassa · 09-02-2006, 09:54 PM

I think the OP is trying to connect his COMPUTER to the amplifier in the car. Not the radio to the computer.

If you have an aftermarket headunit already in place, and you have the wires directly connected then the amplifier may need the higher amplified signal going into it.

QuickSilver2005 · 09-02-2006, 09:56 PM

Jahntassa you are very close, thats the setup, except I won't have a headunit.

Jahntassa · 09-02-2006, 11:49 PM

Okay. Yes, possibly you can try taking a pair of RCA cables, cutting them in half, and connecting them directly to the cables behind your existing radios. IF your amplifier takes a line-level signal, it should work fine. However, I think most manufacturers make their amplifiers (stock amplifiers) so they'll take the high-level signal of the stock radio.

So, it may work, it may not. But either way, the soundcard in your computer probably won't have enough power to deliver a good, clean signal to that amplifier. You'll probably need some sort of small line-amp in between.