Running NO head unit (AUX + 1/2 DIN Equalizer only)

[ohio]

I tried to search for this, but the keywords "no head unit" aren't particularly useful...

I pretty much exclusively use an iPhone or iPod for in-car entertainment. I have no use for CDs, weak internal amps, or flashy lights and displays. I barely have need for AM/FM radio.

I'm thinking of just running an 1/2 din equalizer with the RCA input hooked to a 3.5mm AUX cable through the glove compartment for my iPhone (or any other device), a 4-channel amp, and no head unit. I hate fiddly, hard to feel buttons; I love the idea of separate individual analog dials for volume, balance, and fade. My car is from the 80s and fancy displays don't mix well aesthetically. This will actually look more appropriate since the car came from the factory with an in-dash Blaupunkt amp/EQ. I suppose the EQ may even come in handy to tune the car. I'll need a small block off plate since this is half the height of a standard head unit. Other than that, are there any downsides to running a setup like this?

edit: since i don't have a high post count, I wasn't able to link to an example EQ, but any search for "1/2 DIN equalizer" will turn up something like what I'm describing.

Click to read more...

 

[Bob Saget]

Running just an EQ is gonna cause noise issues if I'm not mistaken. Dual makes a h/u specifically for your needs.

Dual XML8110 In-dash iPod® dock/receiver at Crutchfield.com

If that's more than you're wanting to spend here's another option. It's only $70 shipped, cd player, aux in, & usb charging. Not overly flashy like higher model h/u either.

http://outlet.crutchfield.com/p_070XD1222/Dual-XD1222.html?tp=5684

 

[SicAudio 5,000+ posts]

mmm just get a basic non flashy pioneer like the 3300 and use its aux in.... just an eq may give you noise issues not sure...

 

[ohio]

Bummer. What causes the noise? Is it just poorly matched voltage from a 3.5mm out to a pre-amp in?

It's not the cost. It's the ugly and the buttons. Even that Pioneer would look out of place on this dash. The original stereo was a 80s Blaupunkt Monterey with amber lighting. The only modern stereos (that I've seen) that look remotely appropriate and actually use knobs are the nakamichis, which may be what I end up with. Just seems silly to drop $400 when the AUX in on those is apparently pretty crappy and I won't even use the CD player.

I'm thinking with the adjustable gain, and switchable ground loop on something like the AudioControl FOUR.1 (again, sorry I can't link), I could probably match voltage and ground. Or not? I'll admit, I'm just guessing here based on a couple of plug-n-play crutchfield installs and faded memories of my one electrical engineering class.

edit: on that Dual, yes I checked that out. The problem is that it won't fit my car. Combination of the way the dash is tilted and the gear lever would interfere. At least I'm pretty sure based on pictures and measurements... I haven't actually tried. I do really like that one though, especially as it allows you to use the existing iPod UI, which is leaps and bounds better than anything embedded in a head unit.

 

[Bob Saget]

Bummer. What causes the noise? Is it just poorly matched voltage from a 3.5mm out to a pre-amp in?
It's not the cost. It's the ugly and the buttons. Even that Pioneer would look out of place on this dash. The original stereo was a 80s Blaupunkt Monterey with amber lighting. The only modern stereos (that I've seen) that look remotely appropriate and actually use knobs are the nakamichis, which may be what I end up with. Just seems silly to drop $400 when the AUX in on those is apparently pretty crappy and I won't even use the CD player.

I'm thinking with the adjustable gain, and switchable ground loop on something like the AudioControl FOUR.1 (again, sorry I can't link), I could probably match voltage and ground. Or not? I'll admit, I'm just guessing here based on a couple of plug-n-play crutchfield installs and faded memories of my one electrical engineering class.

If I were you I'd install the stock radio, as a dead h/u, & install the $70 Dual I listed in a hidden spot. Since you're only gonna use the iPod juast mount the h/u under a seat, behind the dash, or in the trunk. Use small metal tabs & mount it using the iso mount screws included. As long as the iPod cord reaches wherever you sit it you'll be good to go.

 

[SicAudio 5,000+ posts]

bob is dead on that was my next suggestion...

hide the deck cuz even a cheap 100$ pioneer will allow the ipod to control it //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[rc10mike 10+ year member]

Yes, that would work, but most EQ's work with work well with 2-4v preamps from standard HU's. An ipod WILL work, but you may get a lot of hiss. Its best to try it out for yourself..

 

[SicAudio 5,000+ posts]

the hiss is what I am concerned about...

 

[rc10mike 10+ year member]

Wow, an 02er...

 

[Bob Saget]

Wow, an 02er...

with 4 poasts lol

 

[Bob Saget]

bob is dead on that was my next suggestion...
hide the deck cuz even a cheap 100$ pioneer will allow the ipod to control it //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

the dual will play it via 3.5mm plug, charge it with the usb, & costs less //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[SicAudio 5,000+ posts]

the pioneer at most is 100 and charges as well and it controls the deck for remote mounting //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif all thru the usb.. makes it simple to just plug it in and go dont even have to turn the deck on the cable activates it for you //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

dual does make a decent deck for being such low cost tho..

I only mentioned Pioneer cuz I know they do everything via USB and not all decks do..

even walmart would have 1 cheap with usb lol course they have dual too come to think of it lol

 

[mossberg385t 10+ year member]

I do it, I am running just my audiocontrol three.1 with ipod aux... Its temp and it definitely works and could easily be done for long run

 

[subzero 5,000+ posts]

I doubt you will have noise issues. I have friends that hid their eq's behind the glove box, then just ran a cable for the ipod and then then also have slash amps hiden to. no noise issues. Just need to do a proper instal and all the normal car audio gear. As far as volume and gains, that is why you get a eq that has a high volt preout. most are 4 volts-8volts. and an amp should be able to perform normally.

 

[hatedonmostly 5,000+ posts]

the dual will play it via 3.5mm plug, charge it with the usb, & costs less //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

My Dual sounded horrible from any source unit. I wouldn't recommend Dual to anyone, honestly...