No Head Unit?

Simy · 06-28-2006, 05:38 PM

I just got a spare Dell L400, Theres no doubt its going into my car.

Im going to get rid of the head unit, So im just going to hook an amp to my computer, and use the stereo input for both front and rear speakers. My only problem is fade and balance, I'ld like to have it set a certian way (more power going to the back then the front, and more power going to the right, then the left.)
Is there an easy way to do this? perhaps an equalizer, I've been doing some searching but, to be honest im a little confused on the subject. If sombody could point me to an 4 channel amp that would allow me to make those adjustments, or if an EQ will work, what terms am i looking for in both?

EDIT:
Found out that an EQ will indeed work, Just need to look for one with the fade or fader option (which is the only reason i wasnt getting search results, Missing the 'r' at the end. :::grumble grumble:::
Thanks in advance.
-Simy

LexF15 · 07-01-2006, 12:14 AM

I am using a Sony 600W 4 channel amp with inputs for front and rear. Since my PC is only 2 channel stereo out I used Y splitters to split Left to front and rear and Right to front and rear. Then I adjusted the output level on the amp itself for front and rear channels. This is done with a small screwdriver on the outside of the amp controls. It's not something you can adjust while you are driving, but hey - fading is normally something you get set right and leave alone. I use Winamp to play tunes and use its equalizer for left versus right balance as it seems you've already found.

Sharkbite86 · 07-01-2006, 12:26 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Simy

I just got a spare Dell L400, Theres no doubt its going into my car.

Im going to get rid of the head unit, So im just going to hook an amp to my computer, and use the stereo input for both front and rear speakers. My only problem is fade and balance, I'ld like to have it set a certian way (more power going to the back then the front, and more power going to the right, then the left.)
Is there an easy way to do this? perhaps an equalizer, I've been doing some searching but, to be honest im a little confused on the subject. If sombody could point me to an 4 channel amp that would allow me to make those adjustments, or if an EQ will work, what terms am i looking for in both?

EDIT:
Found out that an EQ will indeed work, Just need to look for one with the fade or fader option (which is the only reason i wasnt getting search results, Missing the 'r' at the end. :::grumble grumble:::
Thanks in advance.
-Simy

Have you taken a look at this?
http://www.mobileaudiocontrol.com/pr...50&l1=5250&l2=
I was planning on getting one but i dont think i will just becauseit only has 2channels for inputs. However, it sounds like it will work quite well for you

.

Just wire this thing between your computer and the amp(s).

Simy · 07-03-2006, 02:59 AM

It looks awesome, I think your right, exactly what I want, And what I need (Crossover, Forgot about that).

However is there a cheaper solution? This thing seems to cost $200. If its gona cost that much, Ill just install my headunit in my glovebox, that way i can still adjust it, but its not in the way... I just would prefer to sell it and use the money from it for more parts =) Its one of the Sony Explodes that plays cdrw's and mp3s

Thanks for your reply(s)

-Simy

Simy · 07-03-2006, 03:29 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by LexF15

I am using a Sony 600W 4 channel amp with inputs for front and rear. Since my PC is only 2 channel stereo out I used Y splitters to split Left to front and rear and Right to front and rear. Then I adjusted the output level on the amp itself for front and rear channels. This is done with a small screwdriver on the outside of the amp controls. It's not something you can adjust while you are driving, but hey - fading is normally something you get set right and leave alone. I use Winamp to play tunes and use its equalizer for left versus right balance as it seems you've already found.

You'd be amazed at how much i change the fade, More so then balance or anything else besides volume or channel/cd with my current headunit... usually because of bass pounding my front speakers, or not enough at all or sleeping passengers

RedGTiVR6 · 07-03-2006, 07:56 AM

sounds more or less like you need to properly tune your system and you wouldn't have many of these issues. Would probably end up saving yourself some money by tuning it properly first.

Sharkbite86 · 07-03-2006, 01:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Simy

You'd be amazed at how much i change the fade, More so then balance or anything else besides volume or channel/cd with my current headunit... usually because of bass pounding my front speakers, or not enough at all or sleeping passengers

sounds like a crappy headunit to me. Are you just inputing your carpc audio into the head unit and then out to your speakers? Personally i think you would be better getting an external sound card that plugs into some amps. The you can use software fron the soundcard to properly setup your audio system. Something that is setup well usually does not need changing.

If you are tight for space (like i am) get some class T amps from http://www.41hz.com/. Get the AMP3s though, they are the smallest and they only use 12V. However, they are all kits so you have to assemble them yourself. they are so small you can just stick them into a radioshack project box and place them under your seat! but anyway. Head units are not all the great for splitting stereo into 4 or more channels.

Just my opinion, so you can ignore me if you happen to like headunits

Simy · 07-04-2006, 02:04 AM

I dont want a head unit, and my headunit is fine i think (its a sony explode) My speakers are the cheapest walmart speakers there are!, i paid around $30 for 4 speakers, What do you expect? 2 6x9's and i think the fronts are 4's, I just needed speakers! the old ones were all blown or otherwise trashed.

I think I'll just get a good amp and use that. But can you tell me what i need, I'll tell you what ild like...

I'ld like the entire unit to be able to be played at high volume, without the speakers blowing because of bass. I'm not quite sure how this is sopposed to be setup, But i do eventually want subs, and i cant afford them right now.... espically now (with carputer in the works)

But i dont want any distortion. Yaknow what, Do headunits normally keep bass away from front speakers and treble away from the back speakers? my stereo dosnt seem to do that. That may explain it.

So whats a good amp that wont distort any of my back speakers, or better yet, what options am i looking for, The amp in question shouldnt be very high powerd, as im not driving subs with it, If i do infact get a sub, it will be driven by its own amp, So what kind of power do i need? My explode says its 200W or somthing (Yeah i understand, there basicly lying) Ill just be driving two 6"x9" 's and two lil 4" 's

Thanks for the help.

ps: What i know about audio is thats its a signal, and if the songs good i usually like it. I dont however know about all these things for audio, like crossovers, equalizers (just understand them to balance sound) and any other terms, i know RMS is real sustainable power, and if its not RMS, its some large rediciolus basicly BS number, right? Then theres alot of other things, like why the heck would an amp need its own externel LARGE!!! capaciter?!?

Sharkbite86 · 07-04-2006, 03:48 AM

well I can go through what i have learned so far with car audio systems and try to help ya out...

Quote: Originally Posted by Simy

I dont want a head unit, and my headunit is fine i think (its a sony explode) My speakers are the cheapest walmart speakers there are!, i paid around $30 for 4 speakers, What do you expect? 2 6x9's and i think the fronts are 4's, I just needed speakers! the old ones were all blown or otherwise trashed.

well **** lol there is your problem!! If you want a great sound system you need quality speakers (although you could get buy with less than perfect easily). The first thing i say you should do is save up for better speakers. I boycott walmart, all they sell is crap for prices that are not helping america at all!!! AARRGG dont even get me started on walmart lol.

Quote:

I think I'll just get a good amp and use that. But can you tell me what i need, I'll tell you what ild like...

I'ld like the entire unit to be able to be played at high volume, without the speakers blowing because of bass. I'm not quite sure how this is sopposed to be setup, But i do eventually want subs, and i cant afford them right now.... espically now (with carputer in the works)

well with a carputer you sould have a good quality sound card (internal or external) that will give balence and consistent sound. The tune and dial it all in with the software provided (or with the OS itself). This will give you the control you need to not over extend your speakers.

However, keep in mind that an amp is just that, it amplifies and signal you input. Thats it! People will boast about an amp giving you better sound (and they can) but dont confuse that with the idea that they somehow change the sound to make it better. The better sound people get is simply because of the less noise and distortion than with a headunit or something else. But yeah, all an amp does it increase the sound levels and make it loud!

But like i said before if your speakers are ****ty an amp will only bring it out more.

Quote:

But i dont want any distortion. Yaknow what, Do headunits normally keep bass away from front speakers and treble away from the back speakers? my stereo dosnt seem to do that. That may explain it.

Yeah pretty much. Good headunits create good sound by taking some of the bass out of the front and placing it in the back. It gives better imaging (surround/depth/feel, etc.).
This should be easier to do if you use amps and a soundcard on your pc. all you do is have your pc do all the sound adjustments like set it up for 4.1 speakers or surround sound, etc, then just amplify the signal and feed it into your speakers.

Quote:

So whats a good amp that wont distort any of my back speakers, or better yet, what options am i looking for, The amp in question shouldnt be very high powerd, as im not driving subs with it, If i do infact get a sub, it will be driven by its own amp, So what kind of power do i need? My explode says its 200W or somthing (Yeah i understand, there basicly lying) Ill just be driving two 6"x9" 's and two lil 4" 's

Well first off, you MUST have an amp that has an RMS rating that is UNDER or around equil (but under is safer) to the RMS output of the speakers. If your amps is more powerful thatn you speakers it will tear your speakers apart (not literally though

). You will get distortion, bad sound, and possibly permanent speaker damage. The best thing you can do is get an amp that will not blow your speakers. Either that or get better speakers that can handle the wattage of a powerful amp.

Your headunit saying that is is 200 watts is not lying, that is the totall watts of the whole thing, period. So that means that it probably has 50watts per speaker (at 4 speakers), add them all up and you get 200. Why they do that, i dont know, but im sure it makes it sound more powerfull so i duno lol. I think it is pretty dumb myself though

.

Quote:

ps: What i know about audio is thats its a signal, and if the songs good i usually like it. I dont however know about all these things for audio, like crossovers, equalizers (just understand them to balance sound) and any other terms, i know RMS is real sustainable power, and if its not RMS, its some large rediciolus basicly BS number, right? Then theres alot of other things, like why the heck would an amp need its own externel LARGE!!! capaciter?!?

Well you are correct about RMS, it is a rating used to determine the consistent wattage that something can withstand.

Crossovers are used to cut out certain frequencies (basically the higher the frequency the higher the pitch). So crossovers can be used to, say completely block the low noises that subwoofers make from a midrange speaker. This protects some speakers from over powering and kind of give the speakers a break, it also can prolong the life of some speakers. However, crossovers are a bit on the more complex side and you probably dont need to worry about them.

Equalizers are used to simply adjust the many different frequencies in your audio system. So for example you thing there is way too much treble in your system and want to minimise it, well with an equalizer you can simply lower the high frequencies and there you have it! But again they are probably outside the scope of what you want to do (but maybe not, if you like to mess around with your audio system alot you might want one).

WOW well i sure went on :S sorry for that. Hope you didnt fall asleep half way through lol. Anyway, i hope it helped. For a lot more info and help just got to www.crutchfield.com . they have a great help section and they will help you find any kind of speaker or car something for your car!

PS. lol well after re-reading my post i think I am guilty of "spoon feeding". It would really be best for you to search the forums here and spend a hell of a lot of time clicking around on the net for help

. You know what they say, "something is best learned on your own" or something like that

lol

Simy · 07-04-2006, 07:04 AM

Well i very much appriceate the help, I think im spreading myself a little thing at the moment. So ill probibly cut back a little bit on what i look into, and right now audio is at the bottom of the list.... I wrote a reply about 2 hours ago, and i guess my connection dropped or somthing because it never posted

Anways again thanks for your help, I'll probibly use that USB 5.1 sound thing, and a 200-300 watt rms amp, thanks again man.

-Simy

Damon · 07-04-2006, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Well first off, you MUST have an amp that has an RMS rating that is UNDER or around equil (but under is safer) to the RMS output of the speakers. If your amps is more powerful thatn you speakers it will tear your speakers apart (not literally though ). You will get distortion, bad sound, and possibly permanent speaker damage. The best thing you can do is get an amp that will not blow your speakers.

Newbie to CarPC here, veteran to car audio. I'm going to have to disagree here. Having amps that are capable of overpowering speakers is a good thing. It's akin to underclocking processors in the mobile environment to get them to run cooler. Think of it this way: Your speakers are rated to take 75 WRMS, and you drive them with an amp rated at 50 WRMS. To maximize the potential of this system, the gain on the amp would most likely need to be maxed out (or pretty close). Now you are causing the amp to dissipate the max amount of heat it was designed to do, while still staying under the speakers' design criteria. Also take into consideration that most amplifiers will clip at very high output levels, thereby sending distortion to your speakers. (Which will also damage them)

At the other end of the spectrum, we'll take the same 75 WRMS rated speakers, and drive them with a 150 WRMS amplifier. Proper tuning of this setup would most likely result in a gain setting of 50% or less. Now your amp is running well under it's design limits, while still driving your speakers with 75WRMS. You're not anywhere near the point where the amplifier is clipping, and you're in the safe zone with your speakers.

Another thing to consider when "overpowering" your speakers is that music is very dynamic. This means that your speakers see these high power situations for fractions of a second when music is played. (Not so much with test tones, though)

I will go out on a limb and state that setup is the most important factor in maximizing output/SQ and still keeping your gear safe. It's possible for average equipment that is properly setup/tuned to sound better than the best-of-the-best equipment that has been tuned improperly.

Sharkbite86 · 07-04-2006, 01:14 PM

Good point i never thought of it like that... BTW welcome to Mp3car.com forums!

The unL33T · 07-04-2006, 01:17 PM

I would suggest an amp that is less powerful than the speakers to someone that I thought might not pay attention to his adjustments and could potentially push the gain to full on the amp. A low powered amp on max gain might sound like crap but at least the user's speakers wouldn't get killed (or at least not as quickly). It just reduces the chances of damage. But I do agree that for best sound quality a higher rated amp at lower gain would probably be better.

Personally whenever I get around to finally installing my car PC my amp will be matched to my speakers. My amp is 4 x 150W and I have 4 150W speakers. These are max values, I didn't really look at the RMS when purchasing but if I were going for an optimum set up I would.

Simy · 07-04-2006, 07:53 PM

I wasnt going to turn the amp up eighter way, I was going to keep it at half or 3/4. It depends on how loud it is, I dont typically listen to my stereo when its very loud..... I just want to be able to

I actually looked at my head unit it says 52W x 4.

And worse comes to worse i can always spend another 20-30 on new walmart speakers

RedGTiVR6 · 07-04-2006, 08:57 PM

just because the HU says 52 x 4 on the front doesn't mean a thing. Most likely it's putting out 15 x 4 RMS.

I'm not even going to go into the Walmart POS crap, you're on your own there.