How to connect 1/8in (3.5mm) audio card Line out to the car's Aux RCA Input?

Magnum · 06-02-2001, 10:41 PM

What is the most reliable and easy way to make a connection from 1/8 in (3.5mm) audio card’s Line out connector to the stereo head unit’s RCA Aux Input?
I just would like to know, guys, what kind of setup do you have in your systems.

I have already purchased 20ft of high quality triple shielded M/M RCA cable and I would like to use it my setup. I know that you can go and purchase 1/8(3.5mm) to M/F RCA stereo phone adapter at a local Radio Shack store that plugs into the output of the soundcard. However, I would like to avoid this flimsy setup with adapters due to excessive vibrations and twists in the car. The roads here, in Minnesota, are not very good after severe winter. In addition, my RCA is extremely thick and heavy and I am afraid that it would eventually break or loose these miniature 1/8in contacts. Trust me, they break quite easily. Thanks for any input.

pcman · 06-02-2001, 11:40 PM

well
imo
pull the lineout socket off the soundcard and solder in 2 rca socket/plugs

works a treat and will never fall out come loose bla bla

cheers
pcman

Arby · 06-02-2001, 11:46 PM

If you're good with soldering and it's a cheap sound card, go ahead and do that

jshrieve · 06-03-2001, 06:36 AM

Magnum,

Get a short 1/8" to RCA cable instead of an adapter. I use one. The cable is about 3' in length. That way there's no stress on the 1/8" connector.

Just using a plain adapter will put stress on the adapter, and not just the adapter, but the actual port on the sound card. I've seen them ports come lose from the weight of adapters. =)

Get a cable and you should be set.

Tony S · 06-03-2001, 08:19 AM

Monster Cable makes a great 1/8" to RCA cable with very good shielding specs. However, it's not cheap. I think the 4' cable is around the $30 mark. I suggest you do not desolder the 1/8" jack on your soundcard unless you've done solder work before, and I don't mean globbing solder onto two wires to make one cable. ;-) Just insert the 1/8" plug into the jack and then use some holt-melt glue on the connection and it should hold fine. Don't use too much glue though as the weight isn't good for the jack.

Magnum · 06-03-2001, 01:48 PM

Tony, looks familiar?
Interlink® Portable 400 MkII Balanced Stereo RCA to 1/8 Mini

Where can I buy one? Best Buy? Circuit City? Audio King?

Magnum · 06-03-2001, 01:53 PM

Sorry about the link. Let's try again:

Interlink® Portable 400 MkII Balanced Stereo RCA to 1/8 Mini

schrodos · 06-03-2001, 04:23 PM

I use that exact monster cable, the 2.5 footer and it's excellent. Beautiful gold connectors and nice quality shielded wire. No problems with static (from it moving) or it falling out or anything like that. From there I run more RCA monster cable up to my headunit.

I'm not sure where to get them in the states as I live in Canada but I work at a computer store that sells AV stuff and they mark up cables 50% plus. For me it was only $15 cad.

Magnum · 06-03-2001, 09:16 PM

Well, I just checked the prices all over the Internet and they are quite expensive, but you pay for the quality, that's for sure:

Model Description
IP400-.75M----29.95 pr.
IP400-1.5M---39.95 pr.
IP400 2M---49.95 pr.

Interesting thing to notice--Monster’s prices are fixed. You pay what you exactly see on their Internet’s web site or in any retail store, unless you have a special promotional code. No way, you can get a good deal. Lucky Schrodos!

I guess I need a second job

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