Building a "headless system" - skipping the receiver... but how?

[Manhattan]

I'm putting a "system" in a Jeep CJ. The Jeep doesn't lock. It will almost never even have a top on it. So, the system will be cheap... and hidden. I'll have two speakers behind the dash, and a small 4-channel amp hidden behind the dash. I'll have RCA and power/ground cables run to the back of the CJ for a removable box - with (probably) just 2 6x9s.

I'm not planning on using a headunit/receiver. I want to stream directly to the amp, using an iPhone. I've seen tons (!) of bluetooth adapters/receivers, but they all run on battery power or require a 120v plug. Surely there's a bluetooth adapter with RCA plugs that can be hard wired to a 12v system... right?

Thanks!

Click to read more...

 

[garychoffmann 10+ year member]

Why not just use a rca to 3.5mm cable?

 

[d77543020 10+ year member]

only amps Ive seen that do it

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

Or you can just add the JL CL-RLC and you get a volume knob and interface between the amps. that's all you really want anyway - a knob on the dash.

JL Audio CL-RLC Remote level control and line driver at Crutchfield.com

 

[bbeljefe]

Axxess AALC 2-Ch Remote Level Controller 266-008

Eight dollars plus a two dollar RCA to 3.5mm cord and you have a line level volume control for your mp3 player.

 

[Manhattan]

Would the inline remote be necessary? Wouldn't the iPhone's volume control suffice? Apple seemed to get that part right - as it functions with most external devices. It "remembers" the volume settings from the various speakers, e.g. plug in headphones - it jumps to 3/4 volume, set "office speakers" as source - drops to 1/5 volume, etc. Would it be the same streaming directly to the amp?

Also, the inline remote still doesn't solve the bluetooth as the sole source directly to the amp does it?

My goal is to have the iPhone pair with the stereo without a cable. I realize that on longer trips, I'd want a power source for the phone, but the Jeep is soooo far from a road trip car - 90% of its mileage is within 10 miles of the house.

Thanks for you help on this.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Parrot - All products

Milennia MIL-BTREC Bluetooth® adapter at Crutchfield.com

 

[Manhattan]

Parrot - All products
Milennia MIL-BTREC Bluetooth® adapter at Crutchfield.com

HA! just came back here to say "Hey, found this MIL-BTREC Bluetooth adapter at Crutchfield..." So that'll do it? Just connect the RCAs to the amp, wire the adapter for power/ground and pair the iPhone? That would be the perfect solution.

From an overall perspective, do you guys think this is an okay route for the sound system? CJs are terrible environments for sound, e.g. single wall panels, no insulation, no roof, can't lock... My goal is a invisible system with decent sound. Thoughts?

Thanks guys - you've been a HUGE help. If I can help you out with any questions related to old Jeeps, just let me know ;-)

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

HA! just came back here to say "Hey, found this MIL-BTREC Bluetooth adapter at Crutchfield..." So that'll do it? Just connect the RCAs to the amp, wire the adapter for power/ground and pair the iPhone? That would be the perfect solution.
From an overall perspective, do you guys think this is an okay route for the sound system? CJs are terrible environments for sound, e.g. single wall panels, no insulation, no roof, can't lock... My goal is a invisible system with decent sound. Thoughts?

Thanks guys - you've been a HUGE help. If I can help you out with any questions related to old Jeeps, just let me know ;-)

The universal weakness to anyone worried about their sound system making the vehicle a stronger target for theft is the music. Any potential thief who hears your vehicle is going to suspect there's something worth stealing if that's on their mind. A CJ is never going to get you awesome sound, but what you have in mind is better than leaving it stock.

 

[Manhattan]

The universal weakness to anyone worried about their sound system making the vehicle a stronger target for theft is the music. Any potential thief who hears your vehicle is going to suspect there's something worth stealing if that's on their mind. A CJ is never going to get you awesome sound, but what you have in mind is better than leaving it stock.

Solid points. Reminds me of the guys with the giant "JL AUDIO" or "KENWOOD" decals on the back window. It's awful considerate of them to help the bad guys narrow down their search for the right cars to hit ;-)