Replace stereo with amp underseat

[ESC79]

Hi all,
My head-unit is dead (an alpine from the PO) so time to look for new audio options. I considered just getting a new Blauphunkt unit, but wanted to see if anyone just mounted an amp under the seat (or somewhere else) and ran an phone connector for aesthetic reasons. A couple of the many posts on this subject suggested that was an option, but I didn't see any details.

Any thoughts on if this is an easy conversation and which amp they used?

My needs are pretty simple - just want to get input from phone to speakers.

thx!

[Sicklyscott]

I've done this before on many cars. What amp exactly depends on your auditory wants. Personally i'd go over to onlinecarstereo.com and pick something up from the sale section. If all you want is some tunes any old amp will do.

I'd imagine something like this would fit: Alpine MRV-F300 300W 4-Channel V-Power Series Car Audio Amplifier at Onlinecarstereo.com

I'm hoping to do something similar when I start working on my interior.

[darrin]

i did this years ago and am very happy with the results. Significantly, I went with an old a/d/s two channel amp with line level RCA inputs and use it to only run the front speakers (which I upgraded to separates) -- I've been VERY happy with the sound (and bass) I get out of my front speakers and plan on removing my rear speakers entirely soon.

I previously used an adaptor cable from my iPhone's headphone out, but recently "upgraded" to a bluetooth adaptor -- I bought this one -- http://www.amazon.com/Fusion-MS-BT100-Bluetooth-Dongle-Marine/dp/B00CUMQU50 -- sound quality is quite good for bluetooth, hear a bit of high frequency hiss at rest, but otherwise clean and clear. The one issue I have with this unit is that it doesn't automatically re-pair with my phone. I do have other devices paid to my iPhone which could be the underlying cause and re-pairing isn't a huge deal, but wanted to mention.

[Tremelune]

The problem is that you need to use your tactile-feeless touchscreen to pause, fast-forward, and adjust volume. It sucks, and is distracting. The best solution I've found to this is some kind of iPhone remote. Still not great.

When you lose the head unit, you'll also lose things like high/low crossovers, equalization, balance/fade...You might not miss some, and others can be found in certain amps and signal processors. It's just a balance between cost, complexity, and quality goals.

[Lapkritis]

I've done this in the past with proprietary iPhone/iPod cable to enable recharging and amp only. These cables are all over ebay for really cheap. I used a physical RCA volume knob/unit on the RCA output from phone to amp. Used a simple 2 channel amp and wired the speakers in pairs for left/right. Match amp to speakers ... no single solution answer.

More simple solution if you don't care about charging:

1.5ft Premium 3.5mm Stereo Male to 2RCA Male 22AWG Cable (Gold Plated) - Black - Monoprice.com

[ESC79]

Thanks for the feedback!

I bought a clarion XC 1410 due to it's small size (I think I can hide it behind a panel in the existing radio plot). Quick question, can I grab the power from the existing plug (old unit was a Nakamichi CD-35z). Based on the wiring diagram looks like it has +12 and a chassis ground that I can use vs. routing power to the amp from the battery.

Wiring Diagram: Nakamichi CD35z CD40z Wiring Diagram: Nakamichi CD35z CD40z Wiring Diagram

I'll post pics once I get this together.

[Tremelune]

Interesting little amp. I think it will pull too much juice from the stock wiring. Clarion recommends 10 gauge wiring, and the 25A fuse seems to back this recommendation. You might be able to get away with the stock wires, but you'll get better performance if you run a pair to the battery.

The new head unit will be fine with stock wiring.