Bose Amp/Car Computer question

[Eiknujrac]

Ok so in about a month or so I will have all the parts i need for my car computer install. (car is a 98 c280s)

I have/Will have a 7 inch touchscreen and Motherboard, processor, ram, hard drive, 12vDCDC power supply.. (i.e. all the computer components, including case)

My question is this: Is it possible to use the converted audio out from my pc (from minijack to RCA) to send a signal straight to the factory bose amp? Or will have I have to utilize the factory head unit to do this? This is kind of important as I was hoping to ditch the factory head unit (and just use the computer to send the signal to the amp). If I can do this, what would I use to convert the RCA to whatever input the Bose amp uses?

[audiophile]

you would have to use the input on the cpu. the cpu won't have the power to drive the speakers. plus the bose sys. uses 2 ohm drivers.

[Eiknujrac]

Yea i know the computer can't power the speakers alone, but can it send a strong enough signal to my factory bose amplifier to drive the speakers? Or will I have to utilize the factory head unit to do this?

[neema12]

What motherboard? Also, what moniter are you using. I had a digitalww flip out 7" touchscreen with a mini itx m10000 mobo. I ran the audio out into RCA, then the RCA into a line drive, a three.1 by audiocontrol, then to my aftermarket amps. I suggest looking into changing your speakers and getting a diffrent amp, it will make a world of diffrence with your setup. Also, where are you mounting the computer, sounds like the trunk.;)

[faki00]

Try an aftermarket amp... thats what i did. If you are planning on keeping your HU where are you gonna place the monitor?

[neema12]

Well, you have quite a few places for the moniter. I would place it in the ashtray/cass holder area. Keeps theft low, safe, less light so screen is brighter. But if the moniter is touchscreen, it will be hard to touch efficently. I placed mine in the stock radio location, then built a custom mount for the bass knob and eq in the ashtray/cass holder area.

[audiophile]

just get some output converters, and then you can ditch the hu.

[Eiknujrac]

^^ Thank you thats my answer.

The plan is to get rid of the factory head unit, and move the CC unit down to where the factory phone controller is (at least on my car) That way I free up 2 DIN slots and I will get the touchscreen hopefully molded into those slots.

And I want to mount the computer in the trunk, and run the audio signal straight to the bose amp (less wire). That way i only have to run a VGA and USB cable to the touch screen.

But one last question, Will this setup (from pc straight to bose amp) power the speakers loud enough?

[neema12]

Get a line driver and the sound will be loud. They are almost a must in all computer applications in a car. It boost the voltage provided from the computer sound card. See, most computer sound cards can only put out about 2v of power, most decks put out 2v and the highest end ones push 4v. A line driver can push from 2-9vrms and make your music much louder, because of the increased voltage.

I suggest finding a better place to mount the carputer. The distance of the vga cable will kill your graphics, and make it really smooth and hard to read, fussy is a better word. I mounted mine in the center armrest, it was a tight fit and I needed to take the smaller top part off but it worked out fine. I would give pics but everything is taken out becasue I am thinking of getting a new car. I am also getting the newer motorized digitalww moniter, and selling my flip out one. Please consider putting the computer closer to the moniter, so the quality is much better. It wont be easy, but I can show you a good 5 places to put it. Thanks

[audiophile]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by neema12
[B]Get a line driver and the sound will be loud. They are almost a must in all computer applications in a car. It boost the voltage provided from the computer sound card. See, most computer sound cards can only put out about 2v of power, most decks put out 2v and the highest end ones push 4v. A line driver can push from 2-9vrms and make your music much louder, because of the increased voltage.
actually some of the highest voltage that a hu can push is 8v or even 16v. (Eclipse stereos):rolleyes:

[Eiknujrac]

Originally posted by neema12
Get a line driver and the sound will be loud. They are almost a must in all computer applications in a car. It boost the voltage provided from the computer sound card. See, most computer sound cards can only put out about 2v of power, most decks put out 2v and the highest end ones push 4v. A line driver can push from 2-9vrms and make your music much louder, because of the increased voltage.

I suggest finding a better place to mount the carputer. The distance of the vga cable will kill your graphics, and make it really smooth and hard to read, fussy is a better word. I mounted mine in the center armrest, it was a tight fit and I needed to take the smaller top part off but it worked out fine. I would give pics but everything is taken out becasue I am thinking of getting a new car. I am also getting the newer motorized digitalww moniter, and selling my flip out one. Please consider putting the computer closer to the moniter, so the quality is much better. It wont be easy, but I can show you a good 5 places to put it. Thanks

Where would you recommend putting it? I was thinking if i mounted everything in the trunk I could use a full sized ATX case to cut down on costs, but if you say the graphics will suck, whats your recommendation?

EDIT: One last question:

Does anyone know what the color the signal wires from the head unit to the amp are? I don't have the radio removal tools so I can't check behind the deck myself, and just wanted to see if anyone knew?

[Jbizzyc43]

i wanted to replace my factory bose head unit w/ an apline one, but i need some sort of an adapter to use it or i would have to replace all my speakers becaue of the 2ohm impedance. has anyone successfully replaced their head unit in the bose system without major mods? please help

[unHookt]

post a pic of your setup when it's all done...

[Rocket]

Originally posted by Jbizzyc43
i wanted to replace my factory bose head unit w/ an apline one, but i need some sort of an adapter to use it or i would have to replace all my speakers becaue of the 2ohm impedance. has anyone successfully replaced their head unit in the bose system without major mods? please help

I installed a Kenwood Exelon KDC-X889. It's an awsome deck. with Sirius. Just get a Scosche FAI-3 or OEA-4. I use the FAI-3. Got it from Walmart for $17.77. Works awesome with the Mercedes Bose system in my C36. ;)