Hi all
My beloved BMW E36 was just totaled by a guy not paying attention and slammed into the rear end. I had done a pretty cool DIY Android tablet install using a Galaxy Tab 2 7", and I'd like to do the same on my new (to me) E46 convertible.
In my E36, the way the tablet interfaced was I had a headunit with aux inputs in the back installed in its normal spot, and then the tablet installed in a cubby area below. The tab had a 3.5mm to RCA L/R go into the head unit, so my custom wiring was minimal. All I had to do was figure out how to mount the tablet and wire for power. Easy.
Now, I have an E46 and would like to do a similar install. The problem is that that way the dash is laid out, I can't keep a headunit installed, it needs to come out. In order to interface the tab with the audio system, I've drawn up a rough sketch of what I think I need to do. The idea is the tab uses the same 3.5mm to RCA L/R (or a USB DCA) and plugs into a small power pack amp like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Alpine-KTP-445U-4-channel-Power-Amplifier/dp/B003VVYL46/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432068495&sr=8-1&keywords=power+pack+amp
RCAs go into power pack, and then I wire the channel outs on the amp to a standard radio wiring harness adapter. That wiring harness then feeds into the factory amp, which powers the speakers. Sketch of this below:
View attachment 26552462
Number of wires is for illustration purposes only. My main question is: will there any issue by using a little amp like that only to have it feed into the factory amp? Will I be compromising sound quality or long-term reliability of the stock amp by feeding an amp into it? My gut says no, because a head unit itself acts as an amplifier, just maybe not to this particular level.
Any help is appreciated. I've asked different folks with general audio experience and on an E46 forum and am either not getting straight answers or conflicting answers. Thought I'd try my luck here.
Thanks!
