Using a Car HU as a Home Audio Receiver

[Blackout67]

So I have a pretty nice Kenwood units that I paid a decent amount for that's just sitting around in a box. I've also been wanting to set up a room for general music listening and got to thinking that I could use the HU as the main receiver and have a decent 4 channel (nothing big maybe 50watts a channel max). Also, the hu has a lot of great sound tuning options, very nice variable crossover selection, 6 RCA out puts, and it's just an over all pretty unit. That and I can't seem to find a quality 4 channel home audio receiver for less than $200. I've seen Pyles, but based on the reviews, they have a lot of distortion past half their rated power output.

My problem is I don't know how I'd set up a power supply for the radio. I've seen articles that say you can use a power supply from a PC. I've also seen power supplies such as the one from Massive Audio but that's expensive.

Is there anyone with experience in this field that has a cost effective way to implementing this? Don't mind if I have to do any splicing or anything like that. Or has anyone got a recommendation for a good home audio receiver that has DSP and variable crossover points?

 

[Firewalker]

DIYMA has a few people with that sort of setup for testing equipment. Best to ask there.

 

[Deiimos]

A computer power supply will work fine. A cheap server supply as well, can get one that puts out 50 – 70 amps to power an amp as well. The fans in the sever supplies are a little noisy, but likely the cheapest solution for high current at 12v. Check your local thrift stores as well, I’ve seen tons of home receivers over the years. What part of Ohio are you in?

There are many server supplies you can use.

Example of a server supply; this will put out 12v 70 amps at 120vAC input on a single 20a breaker. However, you have to know how to wire it up, which is not as difficult as it may seem, the information is easily found to do it, and you need a plug that fits the AC input, it is not a standard PC cord. Would power a 50w 4 channel amp easily though, along with a head unit.

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[spokey9]

I bought my garage receiver for $10 at goodwill...it's a decent Kenwood but it's missing 1 rubber pad

 

[audiobaun]

I bought my garage receiver for $10 at goodwill...it's a decent Kenwood but it's missing 1 rubber pad

Thats a hell of a deal on an HU man.!! I like it!!

 

[SilverSquared]

I've used this to power HUs from cars in my garage.
Works perfectly fine, with HU by itself.
Pyramid PSV300 13.8v Power Supply

 

[SlugButter]

Home

Mean Well MW LRS-50-12 12V 4.2A 50W Regulated Switching Power Supply AC Adapter with Power CablesThis power supply is your best choice for reliable, fully tested power output for amp boards, LED lighting, and other 12 V projects. AC input range accepts from 85 to 264V operation. Short-circuit...

www.parts-express.com

 

[Louisiana_CRX]

I have this to run car radios through ..the radio powers the two speakers ...and theres an internal car amp powering external speakers ..i can hook a radio to it ...or swao radios in it periodically ....it uses a coputer style powersupply ..ive reworked it quite a bit from original form ..it was made in the early 90s i believe ..it originally had 4" speakers ..i upgraded and modded holes for 51/4s for more mids when im playing it working on stuff....

 

[robertsean350]

Get a portable power supply. Many available with DC output. Many adapters available with alligator clips. Likely to also come with unit as adapter that plugs into cigarette lighter/DC output. Make sure to get 2X the watts needed and that the unit has pass-through. This will allow power to be charged by AC and feed DC at the same time. Around Christmas I picked up a unit from a major online retailer for $100. Stalk them online and possible to find similar now

 

[Squirrel!]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BH1FTYP/?tag=caraudiocom-20

 

[Louisiana_CRX]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BH1FTYP/?tag=caraudiocom-20

Thats same one inside my custom test center ..the old 10amp tripp lite played out ..this one was more powerfull and easier to do more outputs

 

[huberoy123]

Thats same one inside my custom test center ..the old 10amp tripp lite played out ..this one was more powerfull and easier to do more outputs

I also purchased one from Amazon, for general powering 12 volt items and testing equipment.

 

[huberoy123]

So I have a pretty nice Kenwood units that I paid a decent amount for that's just sitting around in a box. I've also been wanting to set up a room for general music listening and got to thinking that I could use the HU as the main receiver and have a decent 4 channel (nothing big maybe 50watts a channel max). Also, the hu has a lot of great sound tuning options, very nice variable crossover selection, 6 RCA out puts, and it's just an over all pretty unit. That and I can't seem to find a quality 4 channel home audio receiver for less than $200. I've seen Pyles, but based on the reviews, they have a lot of distortion past half their rated power output.

My problem is I don't know how I'd set up a power supply for the radio. I've seen articles that say you can use a power supply from a PC. I've also seen power supplies such as the one from Massive Audio but that's expensive.

Is there anyone with experience in this field that has a cost effective way to implementing this? Don't mind if I have to do any splicing or anything like that. Or has anyone got a recommendation for a good home audio receiver that has DSP and variable crossover points?

Have you explored Yamaha R-S202 Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth (Black) They are usually on sale for less than $200. Check out the reviews on Amazon and crutchfield.com.

 

[Blackout67]

Hey guys didn't realize this thread got revived. Decided to bite the bullet and buy a used Yamaha receiver. 6 channels 100 wats per channel with crossovers and a sub output connection. Plan on getting a power amplifier for a subwoofer