Rear Aux Inputs with amp?

[ph34r]

This seems like something I should be asking on an audio website, but I'll give it a shot here since you guys are pretty freaking smart .

Im currently in the process of installing an audio system in my beetle (first time ever) and so far Ive ran my wires for my RCA, grounds, powers and all those cables for the equalizer. Then something struck my as a little confusing. Basically I was just planning on using the old pioneer DEH-1600 that came with the car, but am running into problems finding an iPod connector for it since its pretty old. Anyways, I was thinking.. maybe I could just use the rear aux ports like I did on my old car if I bought a different headunit rather then buying a new headunit AND an iPod adapter. The reason I wasn't really sure was because my old car just used the stock speakers and everything, it didn't have an amplifier.

However, I wasn't sure if using the rear aux inputs would work since the sound is basically redirected to the amplifier. I'm a noobie when it comes to car audio as you can tell. That story was probably pointless so simple version:

Will using rear aux inputs on a headunit work with an amplifier, equalizer, and sub?

[sean_fabanich]

if your radio has rca inputs then yes it will work.

however i tried looking it up and every place i checked said it only had rca outputs..not inputs...however i know a good bit of the older pioneers had inputs...so

if it has rca ins...then yes...itll work

otherwise...

its not gonna do much with an amp. it only has one set of very low voltage rca outs....so you wont get a fade.

just save up and get a new pioneer or kenwood...
way more capabilities with amps and such...and they still have decent onboard sound control...alpines and clarions basically require you to buy a sound processor for any good contol...i prefer kenwood...some of there models have up to five lines of display for ipod readout info...and they have onboard digital to analog converter that will improve the sound of poor quality songs on your ipod. plus the one (942u) i have has time correction...which really improves the sound quality in a beetle give the odd speaker placements...really makes a huge difference...
but again...back to your question...

yes it will work...if the radio has rca inputs

[ph34r]

That makes sense. I figured I would have to get a new unit since this one seems really old. So basically when I get my new unit I would be using the RCA inputs with like an RCA to 3.5mm cable rather than the rear aux inputs? Ive been searching eBay for a new unit seeing as I don't really want to spend too much. Should I stick with pioneers since the speakers I ordered are pioneer or does it even really matter..? Thanks for your help

[sean_fabanich]

alot of people think it makes a difference...but in my opinion it does not. alot of people think they are more compatible and such...but yea...thats just a load of bs.

id look into pioneer or kenwood thou. just make sure you check ipod compatibility. whats nice now....is that you wont use the rca inputs...or the aux jack that so many radios now have...of course you could use that input...but like i said before many kenwoods...and maybe pioneers now have better digital to analog converters which improve mp3 playback quality. essentially the ipod gets plugged into the radio via usb plug...and u can run the ipod from the radio as the ipod stays charged...this is also a bonus because it keeps you more focused on the road then your ipod sliding around the car as you drive...and its charges it...and it might make some poor download sound better, and you can run the usb to your glove box so no knows you have an ipod in the car.

what also is cool is that you can download mp3s onto a thumbdrive and plug it into the cable....and run it from yoru radio...basically the radio is turning into a mini computer.

again make sure you check ipod compatibility...older models will say they work with all ipods...but in reality newer ipods have come out and they dont work right...or work right but dont charge the ipod. if you have an older ipod youll be fine...but if you have a touch or i phone or newest models of classic or nano then you wanna double check. if you want post some models your interested in and ill double check for you.

just remember your beetle...and mine...has poor acoustics..so if your spending the money on a new radio then just spend a lil more and get a radio that has built in eq...at least 3 band...but 5 or 7 is really nice. hpf (high pass filter). and maybe even time correction...which is primarily on the kenwood...it really makes a difference...

good luck...let me know if i can help anymore

[ph34r]

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. Cleared up some misunderstandings I had. I have an iPhone and there really are no units made fully compatible for it yet (Ive been searched everywhere online) that's why I am just trying to use aux ports.

[sean_fabanich]

Kenwood KDC-HD942U (kdchd942u) In-Dash CD Receivers with MP3 / WMA Playback In-Dash Car Stereo Receivers and Head Units Car Audio and Video - Sonic Electronix

Kenwood KDC-MP642U (kdcmp642u) In-Dash CD Receivers with MP3 / WMA Playback In-Dash Car Stereo Receivers and Head Units Car Audio and Video - Sonic Electronix

Pioneer Premier DEH-P510UB (dehp510ub) In-Dash CD Receivers with MP3 / WMA Playback In-Dash Car Stereo Receivers and Head Units Car Audio and Video - Sonic Electronix

these are just some examples of radios that have usb input that should work with the iphone. the kenwoods need an additional adapter...retaill is 30..can find it on that site for 17 i think.

and also has a traditional aux in as well.

i really suggest the ones that have the true ipod input...itll sound better. and much easier and safer to use on the road...the kenwoods both have 5 lines of display so it makes searching the ipod very easy.

another thought is to go with an alpine...just make sure you buy it somewhere tht you are covered by the warantee...they even make some "mechless" radios that dont even have cd changers in them...they feature a large wheel on the face that is used just like the ipod...some even have a screen just like the ipod too. anyways.

good luck