Connect Ipod directly to car amplifier [Archive]

Ramcas

02-17-2005, 10:53 PM

Has any one tried connecting the Ipod directly to a car amplifier without the head unit.
My car stereo got fried and I'm not really interested in new one.
Amplifier and speakers are still working...

stophman

02-18-2005, 03:14 AM

I have my iPod plugged directly into my amp in my '67 Chevelle. I didn't want to have a head unit messing up my stock dash, so I installed a 2-channel amp in the trunk, which is wired to the speakers. My iPod is connected directly to the amp via a long mini-jack > rca cable run under the carpet. I've found the sound to be great with no problems. You will need to run the turn-on wire that went from your amp to your stereo and redirect it to the fuse panel of your car so that the amp will turn on and off with the car. Also, you will need to adjust the gain on your amp for optimum sound/volume. I turned the volume up on the iPod to about 3/4, then adjusted the amp gain until it was sufficiently loud without distortion. I have found that if I plug in the cable to the iPod when the amp is on, I get a slight buzz at the instant the cable plugs in. I've found this to be the ultimate clean set up, sounds great, looks great, is great. Cheers!