stereo question

[btoran]

i currently have two map pocket speakers and a brand new from the box, just installed, original fiat am/fm radio (knobs and all). i'm going to hold on to the radio (unless someone wants to make me an insane offer on it), but will be removing it from the car for a while.

i am thinking of using my iphone to drive the map pocket speakers and in place of the radio, to mount a bluetooth jambox as another speaker source. i think this will make it possible to hear music while driving around town (i'm not talking about highway speeds) without having to cut holes in door panels or rear panels. i have a back seat, which i want to keep as well.

another benefit will be that the jambox is removable, so potential thieves will see an empty hole where the radio would be, and simple map pocket speakers, and will probably take a pass on trying to steal my sound system. another benefit is reusability, as i will be getting a jambox anyway (need tunes in lots of places).

so, how does one hook up the existing speakers to be run from an iphone? do i need an amp that connects to the iphone as a source and the speakers? if so, can anyone recommend a decent amp? it probably wouldn't have to be too elaborate as it would only need to drive two relatively small speakers (or i could upgrade to better speakers).

thanks.

[MrWampus]

You will need an amp of some kind to drive the speakers. An iPhone doesn't have enough power to drive external speakers bigger than those tinny little drugstore speakers. Just go to your local discount electronics store and buy the cheapest car stereo you can get with an aux input in the front. I bought a unit for about $59 with the front input for my iPhone and the front face pops off for security. Sounds great, was cheap, and I'm not worried about anyone stealing it. An amp would cost the same or more than that. I also bought the cheapest speakers they had and I'm amazed at how good it all sounds together. Cheap stuff today is way better than it was years ago.

[btoran]

thanks. i'd like to do away with a radio altogether (need the space for a jambox or bose sounlink mini) and just go with an amp mounted in the trunk. can that be done?

[MrWampus]

I'm sure that can be done, I'm just wondering why. I spent $150 on the stereo and 4 speakers and the sound is great. The Bose Soundlink Mini is $199 by itself. Not sure what a trunk mounted amp would cost on top of that. The other thing I did was buy an extra satellite radio antenna and power supply for my XM Sportcaster unit. So I can use my XM radio in both cars by just moving the one receiver. Mine was a cheap solution that has worked great.

I think your solution will work too but I think you might wind up spending more to do it.

[TX82FIAT]

Agree with some of the comments on how to get this done. You will need a cheap headunit or an inexpensive amp to power your speakers. The lower map pockets are not ideal for a two speaker set up. The sound points to the trans tunnel and not up to the listner unless you modify angles. I assume the bluetooth jam box is designed for use in a car. You may want to consider a fused direct power supply from the battery to the back seat with a customized on off switch and quick connectors to remove the box at will. As long as you have good grounds your battery will be fine (assuming you do not run it for long periods while the car is off). You will have the benefit of running the stereo with no power through the ignition or fuel pump. Ig the bluetooth jam box has speaker out wires it may be able to push some sound to your speakers depending on the setting and resistance. I Imagine if i were a young guy that wanted to park and enjoy music that would be the set up.

[btoran]

Mr wampus - i'll be buying the jambox or bose mini bluetooth speaker anyway for use in the garage, yard, etc., so that is a sunk cost (and it will be wonderful that i'll be able to get extra use out of it in the car). The speaker will also fit perfectly in place of a stereo and will be pointed directly at the driver and passenger, so no need to cut extra holes kin the car for other speakers. I don't want or need the head unit because it will just take up valuable upper console space, which will be used for something else.

[Daniel]

I think installing a radio with a front 3.5 mm Aux Jack input would be less hassle and make more sense like this
1 in the link http://www.amazon.com/Clarion-M109-MP3- ... rion+radio i used to sell Clarion radios was always happy
with them.