would this work? Amp + MP3 = no cd player

[trashcop 80s 80s]

Could I use the 12+ ignition that usually goes to the cd player as a remote turn on wire for a small amp? Then use the 12V power to the cd player as my power to the amp, and then use an mp3 player as the signal input to the amp?

[StereoInstaller1]

Yes, you can...but be prepared for suckage.

Here's the deal. If you set the gain on the amp high enough for full output, you will not be able to listen quiet. If you set the gain to be able to use the thing with someone else in the car, you won't be able to get loud.

This is caused by an impedance mis-match.

So, go for it, just be prepared.

Luke

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

Yeah, my miata friends do it for that ultra-lightweight enjoyable audio experience. Hahahaha

[netcsk]

And if you do this, please get a decent mp3 player. What sounds okay over headphones may sound like shit over speakers. My shuffle and m:robe sound like crap in my car, so I just stick to my XM radio (until I get a USB input headunit).

[trashcop 80s 80s]

If you set the gain on the amp high enough for full output, you will not be able to listen quiet. If you set the gain to be able to use the thing with someone else in the car, you won't be able to get loud.

Does an MP3 player not have a high enough voltage output? Are you talking about impedence difference between mp3 player and signal input on the amp? Would it be better to use the hi level input or the rca input?

[StereoInstaller1]

Most MP3 players have about 4mw output at 10K ohms. This will drive most amps fully, but wont turn down low enough to be quiet.

RCA input, of course. 4mw on an input meant for 5 watts won't be audible, plus the 8 ohm or so input impedance would smoke most MP3 players.

Are you doing this to be cheap or looking for something else? There are other options available. An external volume control and a line amp would work perfectly if you wanted nothing more than MP3 playback without a head unit.

Luke

[trashcop 80s 80s]

I think the internal amp on my cd player is messed up. I can put a good set of speakers on it and then they will sound blown after a little while. My fronts don't even work anymore they just make a little static.

I wanted to do it because an external amp sounds better than an internal cd player amp. I don't mind just using the mp3 player. I hardly use the car, and I can deal without am political shows for a little while. I also don't like keeping up with cds in a car that isn't driven much, and when it is, I don't want cds flying around inside.

[europeanplates]

Most MP3 players have about 4mw output at 10K ohms. This will drive most amps fully, but wont turn down low enough to be quiet.

RCA input, of course. 4mw on an input meant for 5 watts won't be audible, plus the 8 ohm or so input impedance would smoke most MP3 players.

Are you doing this to be cheap or looking for something else? There are other options available. An external volume control and a line amp would work perfectly if you wanted nothing more than MP3 playback without a head unit.

Luke

Luke,

What would you have in mind, see my post about the same thing sorta. I do not want to steal this thread.

Thanks,

Tyler

[DSchultz325e]

Hahaha, I was thinking about doing this exact setup. Running a really good stereo with a friggin iPod shuffle would be so ghetto fab. Just perfect for a POS 325e!