Now I need a radio!

[scouthead]

O.K., I really like the way those roof flashing kick panel speaker mounts look, but I think I better start with a radio or something first.
I would like a cd player, but they all seem to be to wide for the dash, and I don't want to cut it out.
Has anyone found a new radio or cassete player that fits the stock location? Also, has anyone found one with a jack for an I-Pod or MP3 player?
Advice or pics??

 

[cruiser88]

the brand dual has a setup i bought yesterday for the i pod hookup.it is sold at walley world.the system runs 120 bucks and the face unit is motorized.now but this radio is way to big for the 55 or the 40 dash.in the past i have built a box,in which you can put your cb,scanner ans cd player all in one.it takes alot of work out of cutting the dash

 

[Trollhole]

This should solve your problem. They have a 2 channel and a 4 channel. Just hook up the amp switching lead to a switched power source.

Blaupunkt Car Stereo Amps Solve Problem of Missing Aux Inputs

Blaupunkt PCA-465 amplifier.

Broadview, IL (6/19/06) -- Blaupunkt has introduced a line of car audio power amplifiers that offers separate audio input connections for iPods, portable MP3 players, or portable navigation systems. Since most factory car radios do not have auxiliary inputs for such devices, the Direct Aux Input® feature of Blaupunkt's ProComponent PCA series amplifiers provides an external player connection and significantly boosts the power of the car audio system at the same time.

PCA 465 auxiliary input connection diagram, shown with optional MP3 player
"While all car audio amplifiers are designed to deliver more power to the loudspeakers," said George R. Velez, Marketing Manager, Blaupunkt USA, "the these PCA amplifiers also provide a simple but effective way to support portable music players and navigation systems without changing radios or compromising performance by using an FM adaptor."

The Blaupunkt ProComponent PCA line consists of three models, the PCA265, PCA465, and PCA1350 rated at 2x65 Watts, 4x65 Watts, and 1x300 watts respectively. All three have conventional line-level RCA inputs and high-level inputs that can driven by the radio's speaker outputs. The multichannel PCA265 and PCA465 also add stereo Direct Aux Input® jacks to allow connections to portable media.

The reinforced Class AB circuitry is stable into 2-ohm low-impedance loads, and the multichannel amps can be bridged to achieve higher output levels. The crossover filters, both high- and low-pass, are continuously variable from 50 to 250 Hz.

All the Blaupunkt Pro Component PCA amplifiers are currently available. The PCA1350 has a suggested retail price of $249.95; PCA265, $159.95; and PCA465, $239.95.

 

[Trollhole]

more

Blaupunkt PCA 465 MSRP: $239.95 Performance Flexibility Dollar Per Watt Overall Value*5 pts possible
If you've been searching for an easy solution to connect your iPod or other portable audio source to your car audio system, Blaupunkt may have what you're looking for.

A 4-channel unregulated Class A/B amplifier, the Blaupunkt PCA 465 rates at 65 watts x 4 at 4 ohms, 100 watts x 4 at 2 ohms and 175 watts x 2 bridged into a 4-ohm load. The amp sports 50Hz to 250Hz highpass/lowpass/all-pass crossovers and a zero to 12dB bass boost for the front- and rear-channel pairs, high-level inputs and the standard RCA inputs as well as "AUX" inputs for an iPod or other source that has it's own volume level.

Blaupunkt uses a standard extrusion for the heatsink with the amplifier circuit board "upside down" so that the board is close to the aluminum shell. Silver plastic covers at each end of the amplifier dress up the sheetmetal endcaps. These nicely frame the flat black extrusion and brushed aluminum embossed logo plate running down the center area of the amplifier's top.

The power and speaker terminal block connections are all at one end with the two 30-amp fuses. On the other end you'll find RCA, high-level and auxiliary inputs, crossover, bass boost and gain controls, and power on/protect LEDs. The front channels use the same functions as the rear channels on this amp, and all of the controls are neatly lined up in two rows across the endplate.

The owner's manual is printed in four languages, using about three pages for instructions in each language and three pages of diagrams. While the instructions are brief, they are fairly thorough.

The amplifier comes with four mounting screws and two harnesses to connect to your speaker lines when using high-level inputs. Installation should be a fairly straightforward operation - the mounting feet have good clearance from the body of the amplifier and the connectors are all clearly marked.

The manual states that there's a manufacturer guarantee for products bought within the European Union, but does not give any further information beyond a website and a U.S. telephone number. A quick look at the site reveals a 12-month warranty, so keep your receipt for any service issues that may arise.

Performance The PCA 465 measured in at 71 watts x 4 into 4 ohms, 89 watts x 4 at 2 ohms and 176 watts x 2 bridged into 4 ohms (all measurements were taken with all channels driven and loaded simultaneously). This exceeds the stated stereo and bridged power ratings at 4 ohms, but falls a little short when pushing 2 ohms. The frequency response was 13Hz to 29.7kHz. This is extremely close to the stated response of 10Hz to 30kHz, and quite acceptable.

The Direct Aux Input, or auxiliary input, is a very simple feature design that uses a standard 2-channel jack mounted parallel to the RCA inputs on the circuit board. When using an auxiliary source, such as an iPod, the radio must be turned on so that the amp will power up. Because there is no switching circuit between the RCA and aux inputs, the volume on the radio must be turned all the way down or else both signals will be played at the same time. Volume is then controlled from the auxiliary source.

There is no extension cable for the aux input supplied with the amplifier, so if you are planning on mounting it in the rear of your vehicle, you will have to purchase that separately. And, to further complicate matters, you will also need to purchase a splitter to send signal to both front and rear channels.

Conclusion This amplifier tested out quite well. It's a very standard design and built within its intended use. It offered no surprises on the bench - it just sat there and amplified signals. With a useful array of crossovers and bass boost all around, and the addition of the auxiliary inputs, this one will be pretty flexible. You could use it in your first system on a DVC subwoofer, run your fronts and rears, or fronts plus a sub. With an MSRP of $239.95, the dollar-to-watts ratio is a hair over 67 cents per watt. All in all, I think that's a fair value for your car audio dollar.

 

[Lucy_FJ55]

Thanks Marshall, this all helps me out as well.

 

[scouthead]

that's a lot of info! I may have to read through it again... but this may be what I've been looking for.
Thanks!

 

[snailwagon]

That is a pretty innovative design for an amp. With that guy you can even keep the plastic radio slot cover. Pretty sweet.

I originally tried mounting a radio above the heater, under the dash. I had to remove my ash tray for mounting reasons. This didn't last long, as the heater was making the entire radio way too hot and led to a very early demise. I imagine a radio could also be mounted under the glove box area, as I have a CB mount there, but this puts the radio controls too far away from the driver.

I am not a purist, but I can't figure out what the big deal is about enlarging the hole in the dash for a modern radio. There is enough room there to do so (albeit a little tight behind the dash). It increases the functionality of a pig (if you can actually hear your radio over the sounds of a cruiser at 70mph) and doesn't decrease the resale value as long as you don't try to sell it with a gaping hole.

Long live the saw and grinder!