aftermarket stereo ideas

[Sodium Duck]

I'm looking for ideas on what I should do.

I had an iPod, but I sold it. I don't like having a set library of music to listen to, and I don't like maintaining a library of music -- formatting new files, adding new music, finding new bands, etc. I just like being able to flick on the radio and hear something new.

CD's are also out; too expensive and bulky. 'Nuff said.

I just want something compact and simple. I was thinking about something like this: a JVC KT-HDP1 HD radio tuner,
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KTHDP1/JVC-KT-HDP1.html?tp=134

It's small and compact, simple, and gives me a huge range of music to listen to.

The problem is that I would still need a head unit to attach it to -- unless there is a way to wire this directly to a 4-channel amp...? Even then, I would still need a way to connect an antenna to it. I just don't feel like having a head unit. I want to have something different. Plus, I want all that DIN space for my 2-way radio.

I'm just lost, I don't know any other solutions out there.

EDIT: I'm also not into any subscription radio devices/services.

[Sodium Duck]

Just found the customer service, finally, on the JVC website. Should have a response soon to see if it can function as its own unit.

[talnlnky]

you could wire it up to an amp... says it has a miniplug output... you can get miniplug to rca adapters. You wold have to manually control it however, Maybe put in a double throw switch so you could switch between music sources (that thing & deck).

Realistically tho, i'd just do sat radio, better and will only cost you about the price of 1 cd a month.

[bdc87]

Why not get a deck with HD built in or one you can add it too?

[Sodium Duck]

There would only be one music source, the HD radio, so no switches required. I don't want to have a head unit.

And I'm not into sattelite radio at all. My dad has one. Service is spotty, they don't play much music I like. It costs money, which I think is ridiculous. And I don't believe you can have the units function on its own without a headunit. There's no volume control on them. The JVC radio is unique because it has volume control which makes me think it can be a stand alone unit.

[Sodium Duck]

I think head units are obsolete. They don't serve any meaningful for function and take up too much space and power.

I'd rather just have an HD radio (or sattelite radio, for the sake of discussion) and the auxillary input (between the seats) both wired directly to my 4-channel amp. So, I guess yea, I'd need a switch to select an audio source.

It just seems redundant to have a head unit. It's bassically a big complicated switch to me in my situation. Granted, it would make things easier... but it's just boring. I want to do something new and interesting. I want to take it to the next level lol.

[Sodium Duck]

"Thank you for contacting JVC Customer Care.

I am Steve, your email care specialist, and I will be more than happy to answer your questions and concerns regarding your unit's.

I understand you are wanting to connect this unit with a 4 channel amp. As long as the audio connection is compatible to the unit your connecting the KT-HDP1 too it should work. To complete an the installation you will require the KV-K1017 installation kit. Or for an in home installation you will require the KV-K1019 kit.

If we can be of further assistance, please let us know at customerrelations@jvc.com.

Sincerely,

Steve
JVC Customer Care Center"


So... I think that's a yes? lol, some help.

[IsLNdbOi]

What brand / model amp. do you have?

[Sodium Duck]

Jensen XA4150, 4-channel amp

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_110XA4150/Jensen-XA4150.html?tp=115&tab=features_and_specs

[IsLNdbOi]

Your amp. doesn't have an auxiliary input. I don't see how you can connect the HD tuner directly to it.

[Sodium Duck]

Correct, but the JVC HD radio has a 3.5mm audio output jack.

$4.00 on newegg.

[IsLNdbOi]

Yes, the HD tuner has a 3.5mm audio out, but can you connect it to either set of inputs on the amp.? I thought those two sets of RCA inputs on the amp. are for connecting a head unit to the amp..

Do you have the stock head unit with auxiliary jack next to the e-brake?

[Sodium Duck]

Yes, the HD tuner has a 3.5mm audio out, but can you connect it to either set of inputs on the amp.?
-Yes, I can just run it into channel A. No one ever uses/needs rear speakers anyways.

I thought those two sets of RCA inputs on the amp. are for connecting a head unit to the amp..
-The RCA inputs on an amp don't care where the signal is coming from. It just needs an audio signal. I could hook up a cassette tape player for all it cares. It just takes audio signal and "amp"lifies it.

Do you have the stock head unit with auxiliary jack next to the e-brake?
-Yes and no. I do have that, but the stock head unit is going to be removed soon. I'm getting a two way radio and need the extra dash space as I've said before. I see where you're going anyways though -- why don't I just plug it into that -- good idea, but it won't be there soon.

[Sodium Duck]

Also, despite not liking it, I sent an email to XM asking about whether their units can function independently, too.

[Sodium Duck]

Ha!

I think I finally found my answer. I can buy a half DIN equalizer and run my audio devices into that, then out to my amps. Perfect. Will not only give me a main volume control, but tons of other controls as well.

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90135213&listingid=33068492&dcaid=17902
There's an example of one I found really quick. I think this idea is pretty slick.

[Sodium Duck]

So... does anybody know anything about buying equalizers?

They swing in price from like 30 bucks to well over 300 bucks. What will fit my needs? I think the only requirement I have is that it have 3 audio line inputs (auxillary input, HD radio/XM radio whatever, and possibly my 2-way radio), and 3 out to my amps (front speakers, rear speakers, and sub).