Headunitless Stereo System?

[StereoInstaller1]

All you really need is a switch to turn the amp on/off and a stereo audio pot in line with your source (mp3 player/phone etc) .... We are talking $10 worth of parts :) More if you want to add fader, etc.... pretty easy stuff.

nope, still needs more gain. The JL does great, makes a solid 7V or so. Sure kicks the shit out of a normal head unit in SQ!

[ngampleh]

Its really straight forward. This is a cropped image of the diagram for my car.

The CL-RLC is the "signal amplifier". Many thanks to the guys on the message board here for turning me onto them in the first place.

Thanks a lot..

do you have complete diagram that install with amplifier, 2 speaker and sub?

[bimma360]

Yes. Have done so several times. My preferred answer is the JL Audio CL-RLC.

http://compare.ebay.com/like/140891973831?_lwgsi=y&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

Single knob, so no balance/fader or tone controls. I say a 5 channel amp, a single 10 or a single 12 (whoda thunk!) and either nice condition PS speakers or whatever front components and rear co-ax you come up with with a little tuning makes one damn fine sounding car.

You can also use 2 of them "cascaded" to make your sub level control match your volume, or use the level control that came with the amp.

GL and HTH,
Luke

Just to be sure, I can use this with a 4 channel amp in conjunction with 4 component speakers right. And in addition, I would also need to get the iPhone to dual RCA cable cord right? Probably all silly questions on my part, but its been about 3 years since I did my sound system.

[Gregolas]

Just to be sure, I can use this with a 4 channel amp in conjunction with 4 component speakers right. And in addition, I would also need to get the iPhone to dual RCA cable cord right? Probably all silly questions on my part, but its been about 3 years since I did my sound system.

Yes, you would need the ipod to RCA cable and they can be had for cheap on ebay (~$12 or so). As far as use on a 4ch amp it should be fine, but you are only getting one rca output from this unit. My understanding of the JL unit is that the RCA output to the amp is just that: one RCA out (ie no front, rear, and fader [sub] channel, just one rca output utilizing whatever signal comes in either with or without the volume control function).

Luke, perhaps you can clarify on this? I believe I have the understanding correct given my quick search on this...

[brian52555]

Slight OT, but where did you source the faceplate surround for your gauges OP?

I have exactly the same setup with the VDO gauges, but my faceplate sticks out a bit and has exposed screws. BOO. A link would be super appreciated...

Also, I have dealt with this same problem. In conjunction with Luke's help, I decided on the following:

1. iphone for tunes
2. JL CL-RLC as Luke recommended
3. 8" Luke Box
4. Alpine Type R Sub
5. Planet Audio 1800.5 5-channel amp; comes with its own sub control

With this setup I should be able to control volume, gain, and sub individually. Just need to install it all.

[VinniE30]

Where did you get those gauges and the thing that holds them in the headunit spot?

[cholyoke]

Don't know if the OP's gauge panel is the same, but there is someone on here that makes them.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=259051&highlight=laser

[bmwman91]

First, I have to say that the OP has the single greatest avatar image ever.

Second, this thread is relevant to my interests (beyond my interests in koalas boning mountain goats).

[StereoInstaller1]

Slight OT, but where did you source the faceplate surround for your gauges OP?

I have exactly the same setup with the VDO gauges, but my faceplate sticks out a bit and has exposed screws. BOO. A link would be super appreciated...

Also, I have dealt with this same problem. In conjunction with Luke's help, I decided on the following:

1. iphone for tunes
2. JL CL-RLC as Luke recommended
3. 8" Luke Box
4. Alpine Type R Sub
5. Planet Audio 1800.5 5-channel amp; comes with its own sub control

With this setup I should be able to control volume, gain, and sub individually. Just need to install it all.

Well, you still need 2 "Y" cords IIRC. That amp will run all 5 channels off of 4 inputs, but your gain knob will only provide 2. You can do the Y cords at the amp (you will want "1F 2M" Ys) and run 1 pair of RCAs total.

Some 5 channel amps will drive all 5 channels from 2 inputs, check your manuals. Lots of 4 channel amps have that same input switch, but it works wrong. Some of them will make jumper the left and right of each pair, meaning it will make 2 mono channels instead of 4 stereo channels.

If you get stuck on this, post your exact model numbers and maybe a link to the manual.

Yes, you would need the ipod to RCA cable and they can be had for cheap on ebay (~$12 or so). As far as use on a 4ch amp it should be fine, but you are only getting one rca output from this unit. My understanding of the JL unit is that the RCA output to the amp is just that: one RCA out (ie no front, rear, and fader [sub] channel, just one rca output utilizing whatever signal comes in either with or without the volume control function).

Luke, perhaps you can clarify on this? I believe I have the understanding correct given my quick search on this...

Well, there is also a "fixed" output that is not affected by the volume control and is only gain. The thing provides quite a bit of gain, its kinda cool!

Luke

[Click]

Take a look at my thread for install pics. The surround is an billet aluminum one from 42 draft designs that was powdercoated black. It's a nice piece and I like how the gauge holes are countersunk so the gauges sit flush with the panel. It's designed for a mK4 VW so it needs some modifications done to get it to fit. It sits out slightly but its not really noticeable from the drivers seat (although I will mill it down one day). Gauges and senders are from egauges.

[brian52555]

1. Luke you are correct:

http://www.planetaudiousa.com/technical-support/manuals/

Page 7 of the user manual for the AC1800.5 shows that 4 RCA connections must be input. I'll go ahead and buy the Y cords now - thanks!

Also, what sort of solution would you recommend to bypass the "remote turn on" terminal that usually connects to the head unit? In other words, how will I be able to turn on/off the amp from inside the cabin? Sorry if this has been answered already.

2. For the gauge plate - sorry if this is apparent from the links and I'm just too stupid - but how does it actually mount and stay in the dash? I see that there is a backplate and a faceplate, I see some threads, but it's not super apparent to me how it all comes together. Did you have to drill into your dash?

Thanks!!

[Click]

The gauges have threaded cups that you tighten and they push against the back plate which clamps down on the lip of the HVAC panel (which is sandwiched between rear and front plates). The rear backing plate should actually be about a 1/16" thicker since there is a tad bit of play. It doesn't jiggle around driving (or racing for that matter) though.

[keith2]

Does that JL CL-RLC send remote turn on for amps as well? Looks like it only has constant power, power, and ground but no remote. I want to use this for my tablet install. I know theres many other (and somewhat better) ways but this one seems right for me. Grab auxiliary out from tablet into RCA, RCA into CL-RLC, the out from CL-RLC into either a processor or equalizer then out to amps from there. Or did I over complicate that?

Id rather just grab signal from the AUX into and RCA Y-cable then into a processor but then idk where to get remote from...

[keith2]

Im guessing you would use the switched 12v and just split off that...which i could do without using the CL-RLC, by just tapping into the factory radio harness or any other switched 12v source in the car...but seems like the radio would be smartest/safest way.

[brian52555]

Good question keith2... curious as well.