Stereo upgrade via mini-amp

I'd caution you re: Retrosound...sure they are designed to fit as a 'similar' to stock radio but they are way overpriced for what you get. I have two of them an earlier Model Zuma in my Vicky and a newer Model 2 in my F-100.

 

The Zuma has been in the Vicky for several years now but is starting to act up, fader and other controls sometimes works, sometimes doesn't until the radio is turned off then turned back on. And the model 2 just doesn't sound good at all and has a hard time pulling in stations in the FM mode, despite running through a Rockford-Fosgate amplifier with matched Rockford-Fosgate speakers, blue tooth has never worked right and the ipod/mp3 hookup works but the sound is just 'off'. I had this system installed by a premier audio company and have had it back there several times. For the $350 + spent on the head unit it seems a bit overpriced for what it is...I have a cheap older Alpine head unit that sounds 10x better than the Model 2.

I know Retrosound gets some good reviews but if the two I have are any indication I'd never use one again. FWIW

To get ANY kind of quality sound out of automotive speakers you need to run an amplifier.  If you don't want a stereo head unit showing in the vehicle and you plan on playing music through your Iphone or an Ipod there is another choice.

 

You will need a few simple components and I'll give you those links here:

 

This device would be mounted under the carpet and could exit from the e-brake boot.  A foot of cable would show which would allow you to hold your Iphone/Ipod in your hand to make song choices etc.

 

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1...35-RCA.html?tp=47586

 

That cable would be wired to the battery and a ground so your Iphone/Ipod would charge while plugged in.  Then the RCA cables from that device would plug into a separate volume control to allow you to control the volume of your Ipod/Iphone without picking it up.  It would be connected to this setup which could be easily concealed under the dash within easy reach of your fingers while it rests on the gear shift.  It also requires a power source and a ground:

 

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1...-CL-RLC.html?tp=3091

 

The volume control from the link above is plugged in directly to the RCA inputs of the amplifier. With this setup you plug your Iphone/Ipod in to the adapter that is connected to a volume control that is connected to your amp.  No modern day stereos are mounted in the vehicle, no holes in the dash, and nothing under the dash except for the small volume control knob.

 

Cost for these parts is relatively minor in comparison to the RetroSound unit. $100 for both sets of cables.  If you have an Iphone 5s or newer you will need one more adapter that is $40.00.

 

Here is a Porsche Speedster with the same exact setup:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umnczGIcdJk

 

Just for reference I mounted a JL Audio 500 watt under my dash against the front firewall and you can't see it unless you look under the dash.  The other options is mounting the amplifier in the battery well at the front of the vehicle. The cables appear to be long enough for that as well.

 

The only caveat is that you won't have as much control over the SOUND of the music.  With a stereo you can more definitively adjust the bass, treble, mid-range, etc with a stereo.  Your Iphone does not allow for any control over the sound and an Ipod has preset sounds such as Jazz, Rock, Hip-hop, Extra Bass, Extra Treble, etc.

Thanks for the tips.  I am staying with my Blaupunkt for now as it is 3 years new.  Can the Iphone adapter go to my USB input?

 

 

It looks to be pretty easy to do iphone/ipod direct plug-in to usb or just do a Bluetooth/usb dongle like you mentioned up top. I'm all for the wireless solution, Marty.

 

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html...sb+adapter+interface

Can someone translate for me?  I think this is the hard to find accessory that came with my Blaupunkt  Brisbane SD48
http://m.ebay.com/itm/271306602083?cmd=VIDESC

What Iphone are you using?

Iphone 5

Use this adapter for your Iphone 5 and it will plug in directly to your USB Slot on your Blaupunkt:

 

http://store.apple.com/au/prod...c752890598e18201960b

I think I have that at home.  I'll give it a try.  

UPS delivered a care package today.  Look how small this Amp is.

Marty, waiting for your reviews!

Well played with the banana for scale...

Looking at this picture over my shoulder, Ginny asked me if that amp is 10 inches wide?

 

I said "Yes. Yes it is"! 

You wish...

 

I have an Oxygen Audio head unit that my iPhone 4s mounts in and is totally controlled by the phone. i get all my apps, hands free phone, etc. I have a 2k watt pyle amp in the trunk, a pyle 8 in. powered sub mounted under the passenger day, and pyle component separate speakers in the doors. I can produce enough sound pressure to enjoy distortion free music up to 65mph on the freeway with the top down. Other than the speakers none of the equipment is visible. Total cost was less than $1k. The Oxygen Audio unit is now obsolete i will work with any iPhone but will only mount and charge with the 4s. It is a cheap solution if you were to mount a later iPhone with lightning adapter elsewhere. With Carplay released I do not Oxygen is going to produce these units any longer and they can be purchase very cheap.  Pioneer and Alpine are now producing Apple Carplay head units. At present they are all double din, but I expect they will have single din units shortly. I will be upgrading to those units then. With Carplay you get a similar set up to what I have now, but the controls are on the head unit. 

Actually, It was me that told Ginny that little banana in Marty's pic was 10"! 

Would you mind posting a photo of the 8" sub set-up?  I'm about to put in a shallow mount JL Audio 10" sub and need some more ideas.  Thanks.

So, Marty - You rockin' yet?

Unfortunately Swifty is in storage for the winter. Understand the sub is amplified so it is a bit larger that what you are talking about. I hung the sub from the frame in the passenger seat. It is set back far enough that it is not visible from outside the car. The main amp is in the trunk. I did not want to put in a large sub box and the amplified sub is the only solution. I believe Kenwood no has one even smaller. I am looking to replace the stock Bose system in my ML320 and I want to put the sub under the drivers seat like the factory Bose unit. 

 

Those sneaky designers at Bose have conjured up subwoofers to fit where-ever they can.

 

I have a new Nissan Rogue with a Bose system.  When I got under the rear carpet and into the auxiliary well, there was my full size spare with this BIG, black, plastic thing molded into the well of the spare, with BOSE all over it and a couple of wire bundles going to it. Yup, it's my sub-woofer, space-designed for that spare tire well.

 

 

I may look for a Mini Sub too, but I'll try the mini amp first to see results.  Not installed yet.