Ready to start from scratch

[drpeeb 10+ year member]

You got a $2,000 limit to start from scratch on a 2005 Nissan Titan king cab (extended).

No HU wanted or needed ... I am only interested in running my iPod directly into an amp(s), with door speakers in the four OEM locations only (no comps), plus a single sub in a 1.0 cu-ft box.

Goal is SQ first, SPL second (SPL matters, but is 2nd)

What amp(s), speakers and sub combo do you recommend?

I know there are some serious limitations here. Weigh in if you're up for a challenge. (Is more $ needed?)

(See my sig for current setup)

Click to read more...

 

[cj407]

why run the ipod directly into the amps....that just screams cheap.

 

[drpeeb 10+ year member]

why run the ipod directly into the amps....that just screams cheap.

Not too concerned about its looks, I just want it to sound great, and avoid tearing the dash apart, buying an HU I don't want or need.

And, I actually have a nice iPod holder I made on my dash right now that doesn't look bad at all.

 

[cj407]

not about looks.....its about the problem you are having amplifying the signal...amps are working so hard to amplify the signal they are getting from an ipod...rather than just ipod into the h/u and using those rcas....unless you are using a line driver in between the amp and ipod. or even a crossover/eq when u make your new setup...

 

[drpeeb 10+ year member]

not about looks.....its about the problem you are having amplifying the signal...amps are working so hard to amplify the signal they are getting from an ipod...rather than just ipod into the h/u and using those rcas....unless you are using a line driver in between the amp and ipod. or even a crossover/eq when u make your new setup...

Ah .. OK. Well, right now I have my iPod running straight into the PDX-5 via mini->RCA cable, with splitters on the end of each RCA L & R in order to feed the two Alpine 6-3/4" and the sub.

The amp's gain setting does need to be almost maxed out to get the most volume out of the speakers this way.

Are you saying I need to amplify the iPod's output prior to the amp?

 

[SSS 18734 5,000+ posts]

If you want to leave your head unit stock, you should get an aftermarket interface like the RF 3 Sixty.

 

[Pemrick69 10+ year member]

Ah .. OK. Well, right now I have my iPod running straight into the PDX-5 via mini->RCA cable, with splitters on the end of each RCA L & R in order to feed the two Alpine 6-3/4" and the sub.
The amp's gain setting does need to be almost maxed out to get the most volume out of the speakers this way.

Are you saying I need to amplify the iPod's output prior to the amp?

No, you need to get a HU. Or keep the stock one and get a cleansweep. Really, I don't know for sure why you think skipping the HU is going to improve your sound. Everything else aside, there will be a point when you're going to want to do something that you're going to want a HU for, and then when you've got $2,000 into you're stereo and a HU that sounds like **** you're going to regret it

Pick up one for $200-$300, a HU really isn't that hard to install. Hell, even adding a cleansweep is going to be about $200, but they're are a harder to install. Really, I'd be very suprised to learn a decent aftermarket HU, or even your OEM one with a good audio interface, won't sound better than you're ipod running straight to an amp.

 

[cj407]

if your true goal is some sq...then a H/U is needed...may not be what you want but it is needed....if you wanna be cheap and go ghetto as you have been...then you could just put an eq in....like a soundstream MPQ-7....where it has input for rca and 3 outputs..(front,rear,sub) but like i said your sq is going to suffer going the ghetto route.

 

[cj407]

where in FL are you..i could set everything up that you order....

 

[drpeeb 10+ year member]

if your true goal is some sq...then a H/U is needed...may not be what you want but it is needed....if you wanna be cheap and go ghetto as you have been...then you could just put an eq in....like a soundstream MPQ-7....where it has input for rca and 3 outputs..(front,rear,sub) but like i said your sq is going to suffer going the ghetto route.

Right now with the PDX's gains set at about 85-90%, when I turn the iPod volume up to say 95% that seems to be about all the speakers and sub can handle anyway. I'm just not clear how I would get more out of it by running the iPod into an HU. It doesn't sound like I'm entering the distortion zones of either the iPod or the amp, but maybe I am?

 

[drpeeb 10+ year member]

if your true goal is some sq...then a H/U is needed...may not be what you want but it is needed....if you wanna be cheap and go ghetto as you have been...then you could just put an eq in....like a soundstream MPQ-7....where it has input for rca and 3 outputs..(front,rear,sub) but like i said your sq is going to suffer going the ghetto route.

Also .. swapping out the HU is going to eliminate my steering wheel's stereo functions ... And, that seems pretty ghetto to me. Shrug ..

 

[cj407]

Also .. swapping out the HU is going to eliminate my steering wheel's stereo functions ... And, that seems pretty ghetto to me. Shrug ..

no its not...many companies are making interfaces to keep steering wheel controls....do a search...i just pulled one out of a chevy 2500 hd...pioneer deck and interface.

 

[Pemrick69 10+ year member]

Also .. swapping out the HU is going to eliminate my steering wheel's stereo functions ... And, that seems pretty ghetto to me. Shrug ..

does you're steering wheel run the ipod that's not connected to your HU?

it's not going to be a step down, at least.

 

[cj407]

pemrick...no need....let the guy who thinks running his ipod directly to his amp is the ish...and not ghetto....let him think that its going to give him great sq without h/u interaction.

 

[terra 5,000+ posts]

SQ and coaxials...not a good combo.