HOW TO: Get sound from PC to Car Stereo / Amp - Page 10

ppgt94 · 05-16-2005, 12:19 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by sansoo24

If your ears work properly and you spent some hard earned cash on some nice speakers then dont just use a y splitter. It is a very easy way to connect to an amp but not a nice sounding way. Most sound cards arent built to output a 13v signal.

I don't believe the Y-splitters in the examples aren't the splitters you're thinking of. They don't actually split the signal (diviiding the output) of any channel. It just converts pysical plugs - they're adapters. It takes male stereo (two channel) 1/8" plug and converts it to male stereo (same two channels) RCA plugs.

I don't see a need for a 13v preout. I don't even know of any high-end headunits that go that high. Maybe cummulative but not per channel. Anyway, that's why amplifiers have gain knobs - to match (or get as close to) input voltage.

Quote: Originally Posted by sansoo24

Plus, following this example, if you want to connect 2 amsp for subs and components then you need to y split twice.

Like mentioned earlier there is no splitting involved in my illustrations. Most modern sound cards are multiple channel with multiple outputs offering serperate output for front, back, and, subwoofer(s).

Quote: Originally Posted by sansoo24

Follow PPGT94's diagram, but instead of going straight to the ano i would but in and OVERDRIVE signal prcessor/booster from AUDIOCONTROL. Then conect to your 4 channel amp. And if you want subs and components then use a 2xs or 24xs crossover by audiocontrol after the overdrive unit. This will give you 2 sets of pre outs. A high pass for the components and a lowpass for your subs. All of these audiocontrol components i have found on ebay at very reasonable prices. And select other online retailers. Sounddomain doesnt have them cuz they dont know squat about car audio. And if you have further questions let me know and i can diagram it out for you

I'm not clear on what you're suggesting. A line-driver/external pre-amp? If so that might not be a bad idea but not nessasary for most people.

ppgt94 · 05-16-2005, 12:23 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by d_sellers1

I think he was actually looking at running a 5.1 setup in his car but his current amps won't allow it.

My suggestion would be to run the center channel speaker in a bridged configuration between the front set of speakers.

Front and back speakers would hooked up normally but the center would go to the FR+ and the FL- speaker terminals on the amp.

This will take away some power from the front speakers but by playing with the balance, you can get that to equal out. But remember that this will not be a true 5.1 setup. If your primary use is for listening to music then remember that music is stereo and not real 5.1. I doubt you would even really notice while watching a DVD.

Derek

I understand that he doesn't have enough amplifier or speakers. From what I understand is he wants to run a kind-of 4.1 surround (center sound going to front l/r). Setting the sound card software to mix in the center channel into front l/r should work fine. They you just use one 4 channel amp without messing with more wiring or reduce any power.

LESLIEx317537 · 05-16-2005, 04:46 AM

Wouldn't running the center channel off the 4Ch's front left and right output change the ohm's somehow?
I guess if it drops the ohms, then the amp would be working at a lower ohm pumping more wattage and it may not reduce the power???
The THD% value will go up though.

It may be easier to just add a small mono amp for the center channel if you really want one. I was thinking of adding one, but I have no more amp mounting space right now in my current config.

ppgt94 · 05-16-2005, 03:34 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by LESLIEx317537

Wouldn't running the center channel off the 4Ch's front left and right output change the ohm's somehow?
I guess if it drops the ohms, then the amp would be working at a lower ohm pumping more wattage and it may not reduce the power???
The THD% value will go up though.

It may be easier to just add a small mono amp for the center channel if you really want one. I was thinking of adding one, but I have no more amp mounting space right now in my current config.

Not if it's done through software. Most surround sound cards offer many options to up or down-mix channels. It doesn't change any ohmage. I'll look for a screen shot to try and visually explain what I'm talking about.

Goines · 05-16-2005, 03:48 PM

Moved this over to a separate thread (since it's not really on par with the thread title).

Moved to here:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=50043

clean customs · 05-16-2005, 05:52 PM

IM getting some bad sound when I plug the rca's from the computer into the aux inputs into the radio. I had the same problem when I tried to use a playstation. From what I read, there shouldn't be any problems, but it sounds horrible. I can hear the music, but it has some static type sound, but something a little different.

Anyone know what this is or how to get rid of it?
thanks for the help

LESLIEx317537 · 05-16-2005, 06:50 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ppgt94

Not if it's done through software. Most surround sound cards offer many options to up or down-mix channels. It doesn't change any ohmage. I'll look for a screen shot to try and visually explain what I'm talking about.

I know, but I'm talking about what the other person is trying to do. Bridge the center channel off the front left and right speaker outputs on the amp.

He's trying to do it physically. Yes that will alter the ohms.

hortimech · 05-23-2005, 02:37 PM

I have read this thread and think I understand what I need to connect my pc to the speakers with the HU.
front lineout of HU to linein on pc (speakers disconnected from HU)
pc lineout to amp
amp to original Hu speaker connection (front and rear speakers)
now I know I need various adaptors, leads etc and can work out what I need when I get the amp, which is where I come to my question.
What sort of amp do I need? , I know absolutely nothing about them. I have googled all over the place and I am now just confused

what do all these terms like channels, cross over, mean. can somebody put me out of my misery by advising me of what type of amp I need or point me in the direction of a web page that explains amps in terms that an idiot like myself can understand

dan__wright · 05-23-2005, 03:13 PM

im confised about what your trying to do, you just need a 2.5" to phono lead, 2.5" eng goes into speaker out connection on oc, and goes into aux in on your headunit, then, if you want to go to an amp, same as you would withount the pc.

edit:
also, channels are how many different feeds the amp has, eg if you have 2 channels, you have to feeds (left and right) 4 for front and rear left and right, mono for subs.

bridge is when you take an amp with multiple chanels and group channels to give you more power, eg if you have a 2 * 400, you can bridge it to be 1*800 to run a sub.

hortimech · 05-23-2005, 04:30 PM

As I said, the wiring bit I can sort out, I just dont understand what type of amp I need, 2, 4 or more channels, cross over ( what does this mean) 100, 200 etc watts output. I just want to connect my radio to my pc and then onto the speakers in my car. nothing fancy, loud etc. I know nothing about amplifiers, for instance, how do you control the volume - do they have controls like radios?
so if someone could advise me what sort of amp I am likely to need, or point me to the dummies guide to amps, I would be very grateful

ps dont say

or

I have tried and just got confused

dan__wright · 05-24-2005, 02:46 AM

who do you want to go hu > pc > amp?
it would be a lot easier (as you dont need special cables / have to cut stuff up) if you go: PC > HU > AMP.

they have a gain control, you set this set this then your your input (hu or pc) to control the volume.

you can get a 2 channel, you have left and right audio, if you get 4 channel you have front left, front right, rear left & rear right.

as for the watts, you need to find out what your speakers are, but i would think 200 would be enough if your using stock speakers.

hortimech · 05-24-2005, 01:14 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by dan__wright

who do you want to go hu > pc > amp?
it would be a lot easier (as you dont need special cables / have to cut stuff up) if you go: PC > HU > AMP.

well it would be easier if there was a sound input on my radio, all there is an input for a cd changer and nobody seems to have the required adaptor

Quote: Originally Posted by dan__wright

you can get a 2 channel, you have left and right audio, if you get 4 channel you have front left, front right, rear left & rear right.

right, so every speaker needs a channel. What I do not understand is, if the sound is recorded in stereo, what comes out the rear speakers? I mean its not as if we are talking surround sound here.
The other question that springs to mind is, if I get a 4 channel amp, are the channels both in and out or two in four out or four in two out. What I am really trying to say (and making a pigs ear of it) can I use a 2 channel amp connected to the front and rear speakers or do I have to use a 4 channel one.

antimatter · 05-31-2005, 04:20 PM

Thread sifted...needs more cleaning