Run Ipod without a HU?
Run Ipod without a HU? Just curious if anyone has tried this or has a good idea of where to start.
Want to run no headunit or antenna to save weight. Besides I would be happier just having the ipod anyway..
Thanks for any help guys.
Want to run no headunit or antenna to save weight. Besides I would be happier just having the ipod anyway..
Thanks for any help guys.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
If your car doesn't have Monsoon then it doesn't have a stock amp (at least not outside the head unit). Besides, the Monsoon amp takes speaker-level input which an iPod can't produce.
Would I need a certain kind of amp for this?
I am not much of an audio guy. Sorry for the spoon feeding lol.
I think the problem is that if you get an amp, it's probably going to weigh as much if not more than a cheap HU, so you're not really going to save any weight. Since you're not dealing with the Monsoon stuff (amp), you can also save weight by buying the lightest speakers you can find.
But...I'm always game to follow threads where someone is trying something new so if you do it, let us know how it turns out!
But...I'm always game to follow threads where someone is trying something new so if you do it, let us know how it turns out!
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I threw the idea around for a while but didn't get around to it.
You need a 4 or 5 channel amp depending on if you will also be using a subwoofer with the speakers in the doors and hatch.
The speakers would run off the amp.
A 3.5mm Stereo Mini RCA Aux Cable would connect the ipod to the amp.
The only thing I wasn't able to figure out how to send the signal from the ipod to amp when you connect/disconnect the ipod. In a headunit's harness there's usually a blue wire (signal) that does this for you.
Without some sort of a signal the speakers will always have that buzzing sound because they think they are on.
Maybe someone can chime in for that part of the question.
You need a 4 or 5 channel amp depending on if you will also be using a subwoofer with the speakers in the doors and hatch.
The speakers would run off the amp.
A 3.5mm Stereo Mini RCA Aux Cable would connect the ipod to the amp.
The only thing I wasn't able to figure out how to send the signal from the ipod to amp when you connect/disconnect the ipod. In a headunit's harness there's usually a blue wire (signal) that does this for you.
Without some sort of a signal the speakers will always have that buzzing sound because they think they are on.
Maybe someone can chime in for that part of the question.
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Verdad Gallardo Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
There are amps on the market that use signal sensing to turn on rather than a remote turn-on wire (the Monsoon amp uses signal sensing). They aren't very common but can be found - some JL amps feature signal sensing.
However Cheap Guy is correct... if weight saving is your concern, a head unit with iPod input will weigh less and be easier to setup than an amp without a head unit.
However Cheap Guy is correct... if weight saving is your concern, a head unit with iPod input will weigh less and be easier to setup than an amp without a head unit.
I've noticed that a few of the major HU manufacturers (Sony for example) have decided to do something similar to what the OP wants to do - HU without CD since very few people actually use CDs anymore in their cars. I think they're called "Digital Media Receiver" or something like that.
I guess this would be the "lightest" way to play a iPod since I guess the lack of the CD unit saves some weight.
I guess this would be the "lightest" way to play a iPod since I guess the lack of the CD unit saves some weight.
Whitebird00 Thank you for clearing that up.
If I were to do this, it would be for aesthetic reasons and not so much for weight reduction.
If I were to do this, it would be for aesthetic reasons and not so much for weight reduction.
Last edited by bad_408_vert; Jan 23, 2011 at 09:59 AM.
Great info guys. Thank you. I also plan to remove the antenna. The assembly weighs some im sure with the motor, bracket, etc.
I know Im not going to save a ton but I would rather have the Ipod setup anyway. Saving a little weight would just be a plus. 5-10lbs adds up.
I know Im not going to save a ton but I would rather have the Ipod setup anyway. Saving a little weight would just be a plus. 5-10lbs adds up.