Bluetooth without head unit?

[jdalexa84]

Has anyone tried or been able to set up a Bluetooth connection to an amp without a had unit. I was thinking it would be a good way to keep my dash original and not need anything but my phone connected to an amp and speakers

[Espy71]

Yes I have a Bluetooth unit with RCA inputs. Just connect the BT device(RCA) righ into the amp and hookup the power, ground speakers etc. the only extra work I had to do was run a toggle switch to the REM/IGN 12+ that turns the amp on and off. The reason I did that was that if the amp and BT turn off at same time you get a big pop from the amp to speaker. Turning off the amp REM/IGN first drains the power so that it doesn't pop.

Here is the BT I ordered:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_822BTRE...5494425&awdv=t

My amp is a Polk PA330 and speakers are 2 kenwood 6x9 5 way speakers. Speakers are built into single box on the floor between pax and driver. Plenty of sound for the truck.

Good luck!
Rick.

[jdalexa84]

So how is the volume control for your sound and thanks for the link

[Espy71]

I set my amp gain at about 50% and stuck it under the seat. After that I just control the volume with my phone or ipad. Works pretty slick.

[jdalexa84]

Awesome that sounds exactly like what I want. I think I'll get a 4 channel amp though

[100mph]

Originally Posted by jdalexa84

So how is the volume control for your sound

I did the same with the bluetooth receiver to the amp but in the middle i put one of these, a JL Audio CL-RLC line level controller http://www.crutchfield.com/S-t0bZAUp...io-CL-RLC.html

It has a nice little volume 'knob' that fit in a factory hole on the underside of the dash - just to the right of the steering wheel (sorry I'd post pic but trucks in shop getting IFS installed)

[Espy71]

Looks like a great addition. Thanks!

[jdalexa84]

I like that one too lol guess there are a few options. Does that one run on the switched power also?

[jdalexa84]

I bet that the remote knobs for amp control work for volume too

[100mph]

Originally Posted by jdalexa84

I like that one too lol guess there are a few options. Does that one run on the switched power also?

Wires up like an amp or head unit - 12v constant, 12v switched and ground - rca jacks out of bluetooth reciever to the 'in' and the 'out' to the amp

Just something about a physical volume knob for me that can't be replaced by a smartphone (or damn touch screen infotainment systems in new cars)

[jdalexa84]

Yeah I like the knob better when I'm driving

[71Dually]

Interesting concept, sounds like a cool way to go. Subscribed for later upgrade consideration for my truck.

Now if I can only figure a way to play 24/96 FLAC files. But thats just my personal preference for audio files.

[Pop's C-10]

That is trick piece

[100mph]

Another cool little thing I found ... a bluetooth receiver with NFC (near field communication).

I tried probably 4 different bluetooth receivers and none of them would automatically connect when I started the truck but if your phone is NFC capable with this one HomeSpot NFC-enabled Bluetooth Audio Receiver for... you can.

you need to hold the phone up close to the receiver to initiate but then i have an android app called Trigger (might be version for ios) that will automatically connect the bluetooth, start my music app and start playing music.

[sKnNyPpY]

Originally Posted by 71Dually

Interesting concept, sounds like a cool way to go. Subscribed for later upgrade consideration for my truck.

Now if I can only figure a way to play 24/96 FLAC files. But thats just my personal preference for audio files.

The Poweramp app plays FLAC, etc. There is a free version for Android but worth the 3-4 bucks for full version. Dunno about iPhoneys

[100mph]

Originally Posted by 71Dually

Now if I can only figure a way to play 24/96 FLAC files. But thats just my personal preference for audio files.

Bear in mind too that bluetooth audio isn't exactly hi-fidelity. A2DP bluetooth is better but I don't think you'll ever get the equivalent to a good hard wired connection

At one point I had an iphone dock inside the ashtray hard wired to the JL audio volume controller - sound was a little better but bluetooth is much more convenient.

[jdalexa84]

If there was a usb to rca output on for android I would use that instead of Bluetooth but I don't think I can do that... guess I might be able to use a headphone to rca cord with the jl audio knob. Hmm

[jdalexa84]

I found a dock for my gs 3 that allows me to use the charging port to play music.. I think I will mount it in the ashtray I like the fact it will charge it and has a output that I can hook up to the amp and jl knob