Headset jack?

[BDP1]

I stuck a car radio in the open cab of my large diesel mower with the intent of using a noise suppressing headset instead of speakers. I wired the speaker leads to a 1/8" stereo jack and used my mp3 compatible (Worktunes) headset. Now I start to learn about impedance mismatch. Takes a high volume setting at which it starts to sound bad. Apparently such headsets are typically 16-32 ohms. Finding an old 8 ohm headset works fine, but they don't seem to make them any more. Is there a way to accomplish a headset jack output from a car radio? I don't recall the model of the radio (Autozone) but it does have rca output for an amp, but that is not likely of use.

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[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

The only thing that happens when you increase impedance is you cut your available power output down. The reason it's distorting is because your distorting the amplifier by trying to drive it too hard. So by changing the impedance your only going to gain volume increase which if the point at which it distorts is not loud enough for you, may be desirable.

I'm also going to recommend you check your local laws, it's very very illegal to drive with headphones on in some states....

EDIT: Yeah just noticed your in Ohio (I am as well) and it's illegal here...

 

[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

The only thing that happens when you increase impedance is you cut your available power output down. The reason it's distorting is because your distorting the amplifier by trying to drive it too hard. So by changing the impedance your only going to gain volume increase which if the point at which it distorts is not loud enough for you, may be desirable.
I'm also going to recommend you check your local laws, it's very very illegal to drive with headphones on in some states....

EDIT: Yeah just noticed your in Ohio (I am as well) and it's illegal here...

he's putting it in a diesel mower not a car lol...

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

You could buy a small CMOY headphone amp and feed it a signal from the head unit or mp3 player. Most run on a 9V battery which can be bypassed with a 9V regulator circuit (simple).

I have build headphone amps from scratch, they are pretty easy with the JFET op amps available today.

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

he's putting it in a diesel mower not a car lol...

lol, my reading comprehension skills in the morning = 0

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

You could buy a small CMOY headphone amp and feed it a signal from the head unit or mp3 player. Most run on a 9V battery which can be bypassed with a 9V regulator circuit (simple).
I have build headphone amps from scratch, they are pretty easy with the JFET op amps available today.

Also I think you should post more...I believe your electrical knowledge is superior to 99% of the members here...

 

[outsideshot23 10+ year member]

lol, my reading comprehension skills in the morning = 0

thats what i was thining.. cant mow with headphones in ohio? lol

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

thats what i was thining.. cant mow with headphones in ohio? lol

Although technically the law just says you can't operate a "motor vehicle" and a mower is a motorized vehicle right? I mean, you can get a DUI riding your mower drunk so if the cop really wanted to be a dick about it...lol

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

Also I think you should post more...I believe your electrical knowledge is superior to 99% of the members here...

Thank you. I come and go on here as I am also busy on several other forums besides having a lot of side projects outside of work and family time. Too many people to help, too little time. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif.

I have a BSEE in circuit design and power systems, almost 20 years in audio including sales, repair, design, and installation. As an Acoustics Engineer I have input on even more...

/horn tooting

I mow my lawn with custom molded ear plugs that offer a flat 15dB of reduction so I can still listen to the mower engine for issues.