Headunitless Stereo System?

[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

[VinniE30]

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

[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.

[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...

[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.

[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?

[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!

[SkiFree]

Luke...
With JL Audio CL-RLC, how to install it?
Any pic explanation or DIY

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.

[Jean]

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.

[Jay@ExtremeAutos]

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

I would have recommended the same! ::thumbs up::

Jay

[ngampleh]

Luke...
With JL Audio CL-RLC, how to install it?
Any pic explanation or DIY

[Nick_S]

This thread interests me. Been thinking of doing this in my E30 lately.

[ClayW]

In my 1600, I have an amp that is fed by a headphone-jack-to-RCA cord. I wired a simple switch to power the amp. Done.

This also works as a hands-free device for my phone.

[bubbajan21]

I'm looking at doing a system without a head unit. I'm planning on using a Peripheral ipod to RCA cable (with 12V for charging) into an Audiocontrol LC8i into a 5 channel amp and then some nice components and a lukebox.

[nando]

IMO, gauges are worthless when they're down there. The whole point of them is to be able to see them at any time.

agreed, I have the ash tray gauges now. they're pointless.