Sorry if this is in the wrong section, and also apologies for my lack of knowledge in the subject. Anyway, I have a project I want to do with an OEM Infinity head unit out of a 2007 Kia Amanti. For the record, I understand this is most likely pointless, I've just wanted to do something like this for a long time.
The end goal is to have the head unit function as a CD player (and a the FM radio?) and be able to hook it up to my home stereo receiver with RCA cables. Ive seen how to power the head unit outside of a car all over the internet, I just couldn't get a straight answer on how or if I could use the head unit as a sort of source component.
So the main question is, is it possible to potentially get RCA cable modded into the head unit to then plug into the RCA input on my receiver? Secondly, is there a better/more efficient way to do such a thing?
I opened the head unit with hopes to see an easy solution, lol.
Pics for reference below if needed;
Thanks in advance!
Jimmy
The end goal is to have the head unit function as a CD player (and a the FM radio?) and be able to hook it up to my home stereo receiver with RCA cables. Ive seen how to power the head unit outside of a car all over the internet, I just couldn't get a straight answer on how or if I could use the head unit as a sort of source component.
So the main question is, is it possible to potentially get RCA cable modded into the head unit to then plug into the RCA input on my receiver? Secondly, is there a better/more efficient way to do such a thing?
I opened the head unit with hopes to see an easy solution, lol.
Pics for reference below if needed;
Thanks in advance!
Jimmy
Attachments
Hi,
Look for an adapter cable that you might find at a car radio installation shop. Even if you get one meant to go the other way, the pin-out will tell you where the power and signal is.
Some car radios have an anti-theft feature that requires you to put in a security code once power has been removed. So you might have to deal with that as well.
Good luck with it, Chris
Look for an adapter cable that you might find at a car radio installation shop. Even if you get one meant to go the other way, the pin-out will tell you where the power and signal is.
Some car radios have an anti-theft feature that requires you to put in a security code once power has been removed. So you might have to deal with that as well.
Good luck with it, Chris
Post a good quality photo of the larger plug on the back of the head unit.
Have you looked up the pin configuration of the head unit to power it up to see if it works before you spend any money on it?
If you do this, do it with a fuse (nothing larger than 3 amps) in the 12v positive line for protection. Make absolutely that you don't allow any short-circuiting between pins.
I don't see a heatsink anywhere in the head unit so it may be preamp only. The connections to a speaker level head unit vs a preamp only will likely be different. You will likely need to block DC on both. A Line Output Converter will do it on speaker level.
Line Output Converters
As was previously stated, a car audio shop will have adapters plugs (may be difficult to find to plug into the head unit). The markings on the wires will be something like the ones in the attached image.
Have you looked up the pin configuration of the head unit to power it up to see if it works before you spend any money on it?
If you do this, do it with a fuse (nothing larger than 3 amps) in the 12v positive line for protection. Make absolutely that you don't allow any short-circuiting between pins.
I don't see a heatsink anywhere in the head unit so it may be preamp only. The connections to a speaker level head unit vs a preamp only will likely be different. You will likely need to block DC on both. A Line Output Converter will do it on speaker level.
Line Output Converters
As was previously stated, a car audio shop will have adapters plugs (may be difficult to find to plug into the head unit). The markings on the wires will be something like the ones in the attached image.
Attachments
Perry, I took the head unit out of my current car when upgrading to aftermarket and installing an amp w/ subs, so I know that it works. I also had to mess around with my cars wiring harness, so I am somewhat hip with the wiring and such.
I have a couple fairly dumb questions, feel free to answer as well anatech (sorry again for how little I know about this stuff):
1. If I buy a Metra factory wiring harness to plug into the back of the head unit, can I splice RCA cables to the Left and Right +/- wires on said harness? (I don't fully understand line-out, pre-amp, ect.)
2. If I splice RCA cables to the wiring harness, will that be sending the correct audio to my stereo? or would this be an instance of needing a line output converter?
Thank you both v much.
I have a couple fairly dumb questions, feel free to answer as well anatech (sorry again for how little I know about this stuff):
1. If I buy a Metra factory wiring harness to plug into the back of the head unit, can I splice RCA cables to the Left and Right +/- wires on said harness? (I don't fully understand line-out, pre-amp, ect.)
2. If I splice RCA cables to the wiring harness, will that be sending the correct audio to my stereo? or would this be an instance of needing a line output converter?
Thank you both v much.
You have to know if it's preamp or speaker level to know which converter you need. Some drop the level, others may not.
It's likely that all of the output wires will have 6v of DC voltage on them and you cannot use that to connect to the receiver or amplifiers. At the very least, you will need capacitors to block the DC.
You can splice RCAs into preamp signal lines (with proper DC blocking and grounding).
The head unit could have individual outputs for lows/mids/highs. If so, that greatly complicates things.
If you know it to be working and it has value on eBay, sell it and buy an aftermarket head unit. They're basically dirt cheap (even for Pioneer or Alpine) for the features you can get and they will have preamp output that will plug directly into your other equipment.
It's likely that all of the output wires will have 6v of DC voltage on them and you cannot use that to connect to the receiver or amplifiers. At the very least, you will need capacitors to block the DC.
You can splice RCAs into preamp signal lines (with proper DC blocking and grounding).
The head unit could have individual outputs for lows/mids/highs. If so, that greatly complicates things.
If you know it to be working and it has value on eBay, sell it and buy an aftermarket head unit. They're basically dirt cheap (even for Pioneer or Alpine) for the features you can get and they will have preamp output that will plug directly into your other equipment.
Hi jwinn22,
You might be able to buy a harness that is used to test your head unit. Try not to cut into any harnesses. You do not want that grief. Use an adapter harness for this, and those should be available. Any installation shop can order these for you, avoid any installers that won't.
I generally save my factory radios to put back into the car when it is time to sell it. That's when using adapter harnesses really help! That way, there are zero changes to the factory wiring harness (these are more expensive than you can imagine, the installation labour is higher still!). You can use the head unit at home if you want. I wouldn't. Try a new aftermarket radio as they have the harness made up for you with labels and a manual explaining how to connect it. No muss, no fuss.
-Chris
You might be able to buy a harness that is used to test your head unit. Try not to cut into any harnesses. You do not want that grief. Use an adapter harness for this, and those should be available. Any installation shop can order these for you, avoid any installers that won't.
I generally save my factory radios to put back into the car when it is time to sell it. That's when using adapter harnesses really help! That way, there are zero changes to the factory wiring harness (these are more expensive than you can imagine, the installation labour is higher still!). You can use the head unit at home if you want. I wouldn't. Try a new aftermarket radio as they have the harness made up for you with labels and a manual explaining how to connect it. No muss, no fuss.
-Chris
in car end same most likely. at player end usually different from producer to producer
The only reason I am using this specific head unit is because its cheap and has two source components within it that I would like to use.
I am used to the Metra harnesses, I had used the aftermarket plugging for my car, and the OEM harness will fit into the back of the head unit I want to use.
If I connect the factory harness's speaker and ground wires to this adapter:
https://www.amazon.com/Rockford-RFH...+Output+Converter&qid=1577302067&sr=8-2-fkmr3
Would I be able to connect the adapter to the home receiver with RCA cables?