16 replies to this topic

[partsguy1]

Well, after a couple of weeks working on my stereo install, it is done. The concept was to have no Head Unit, and use my iPod instead. This created some issues that need to be resolved. When I plugged the iPod directly into the amps with a headphone to RCA cable it worked okay, but line voltage to the Amps was so low that the player and the gains had to be cranked. So I decided that a Signal Driver or Pre-Amp was required to boost the line voltage. I went with a 4 band Parametric/ Equalizer, I went this way for a few reasons. It gives me a Volume Control that is separate from the iPod, it lets me run front and rear channels so I have Fader control and it gives me Sub volume control. The other issue that I ran into was with the Remote wiring to power up the Amps, when I used a switched power supply from the fuse panel I was getting loud pops on power up and power down, apparently head units have some kind of delay circuit built into them that eliminates this. So I installed a Relay with a toggle switch that is used to trigger the remote power, it has stopped the popping.................. I just have to remember to switch it off, before shutting the engine off.
I am happy with the results. The system consists of 3.5" coax speakers in the dash, 6X9" and 5" speakers in a board under the rear seat and a 10" Sub in the boot. The front and rear speakers are powered by an 4 Channel Exile 800 Watt, and the Sub is powered by an MTX 500 Watt 2 channel bridged.
Here is a pic.
[attachment=78657:IPOD_Install1.JPG]
Terry

[Ouster]

That sounds very sorted, ver nice and subtle.

Plus your interior looks ace!

[miniman.matt]

dont really know why you have done this because you now have the box under the dash rail that has just as many buttons and looks more ugly than a head unit, but apart from that it looks very neat and im sure it sounds nice, well done for trying something new.

[LOWRIDERHORNET]

You should post a vid of it in one of my I.C.E threads

[Ouster]

dont really know why you have done this because you now have the box under the dash rail that has just as many buttons and looks more ugly than a head unit, but apart from that it looks very neat and im sure it sounds nice, well done for trying something new.

Did you actually read the post? It's a pre-amp which also gives control over certain qualities of the music.

[miniman.matt]

with a decent head unit you can have the same said controls

its just a very fussy way to go about things, but each to their own.

Edited by miniman.matt, 24 January 2009 - 01:26 PM.

[partsguy1]

Ouster, thanks for the positive comments!

L.R.H., I have a video cam .................. but know idea how to post a clip to the site?

miniman.mat, the pre-amp is 1/2 DIN size, which makes it half the depth and 1/2 the thickness of a head unit. The pic does make it appear to be rather large, but in fact it is quite discreet. The whole idea of the install was to be a minimalist as possible, and still stay within the confines that I had set of a retro looking interior in my MKI Cooper. Pre-Amps were all the rage in the 70's and 80's, but alas they are no longer. I feel that my effort is a nice combination of old school and new school, but may not suit the newer generations taste.

Terry

[Deuve]

My congratulations!! I was actually looking for some information about this when I got to your post.

I do share your point of view! I wouldn't like to have any kind of modern stereo showing permanently on my dash, too. I'd prefer using an amp hidden in the trunk, and a really tiny "dock" able to charge and pass the music on to the amp. I also heard about a preamp was needed and I really didn't know a thing about this, but, after looking yours -really small- I think that I could follow your steps and have my car done in a similar manner.

I think it would be great to have the preamp hidden into the dash, and after setting the whole install up correctly, using just the ipod to control volume too.

Well, these are my plans and knowing about your install was great, but I do have a question...

What about the sound quality?? Does it really sound the way a mid-range head unit and ipod adapter would do??

Best regards,
David

[partsguy1]

Trying something new?

Terry

Edited by partsguy1, 24 January 2009 - 11:36 PM.

[chappy]

Trying something new?

Terry

that is his car though... isn't it?

[partsguy1]

Trying something new?

Terry

that is his car though... isn't it?

Yes, that is my car.

[BiMU]

What is track is that? Is it Madonna? I must say its pretty funky!!!

[biggav]

Christ... i thought it was hoooge til i realised the car was left hand drive!!!


peronally, i'd have hidden a head unit in the glove box!

[paulrockliffe]

I did this in August, but I found I didn't need any pre-amps or anything complicated. I have an amp that I bought from someone on here for £20 and a pair of speakers in the parcel shelf. The iPod plugs straight into the amp and sounds perfect! I also have a bluetooth receiver that works with the amp too, so I can just bluetooth music from my phone, but the iPod is less hassle.

I STILL haven't got around to putting my car pc together, but when I do.......

[Watso]

very slick!

Edited by Watso, 28 January 2009 - 01:32 PM.