Adding an MP3 player directly into the stereo

[wwfmike]

I have a 2000 firebird and I was just wondering if it is possible to somehow directly connect an MP3 player to the stereo. I currently use an FM transmitter but it is a hassle and doesnt give the best audio quality. I have a cable that plugs into the 3.5mm output on the mp3 player and converts it into rca plugs.

Any info is appreciated.

[blindeyed]

They make aftermarket head units that have the 3.5mm input that you would use in this case. I highly doubt that it's possible to hook the mp3 player up to the stock head unit. Since the unit only has stereo outputs and no inputs. Well, except for the 12 disc changer input. I guess if you figure which wire is which, then maybe you can kind of hotwire the outputs from your mp3 player into the cd changer inputs. Other than that, I see no other alternative.

[Matt365]

fm transmitters do well, as long as you get the good quality, the belkin 20 dollar one at walmart is a pos.

[ikeyballz]

I have a iPod, and i use the cigg, adapter one
it costs 80$, which is pretty xp but it works good..
you only get interference when some radio station is really close by, but u can have 3 presets (that u can choose) and just tune ur radio to those also, just make sure the freq' arent too close to each other, and whats the chances of int. on all 3 at one time?

well my cd player in my car is a pos, so i guess ill have to listen to the ipod..

darn 88' firebirds with crappy sounds..neone got any suggestions how to make it sound better? i may be getitng a 2K check.. willing to spend about 1K on sound.....maybe..

i dont understand how to hook up subwoofers, etc.. i have 4 speakers, stock, 12v (is this always the case?) and they're alright, just no bass...so..how do i get that, how do i hook a sub up?

[troubled_offspring]

sound is pretty easy, and with a grand you could have better sound then you expected. go down to the nearest bargain audio liquidation store and pick up some dash speakers and 6x9's cheap. rear speakers are usualy a since to put in, just take of the panels covering them and you will majicaly understand how it works. take off the panels on your doors and you will also find a nice spot hidden in the door where u can put some good speakers. id leave the dash alone though it can cause issues. spend $350 on an 800 watt amp and the rest of a few subs with a box. wiring kit is 60 bucks and if your capable of taking off the panels in your car its easy. if u want instructions on how to wire it up let me know i could wlak you through it, saves you money youd spend getting someone else to put it in and you get the same quality sound.

[troubled_offspring]

Investing in a MP3 player deck would only cost u like 200 bucks too, id recoment doing that their easy to install too, u just take the deck out, buy a fancy clip and it clips right in.

[ikeyballz]

ooh, thanks. ill be sure to ask that question when i get that check. the sound is alright, because someone else changed the rear speakers already? but i needed a lil more OOMPH to the car. how do the subs hook up? are they directly from the radio, or are they hooked up to the speaker? series? parallel?
ive taken electronics, but not speaker stuff so yeah.. really lost about how the sub gets its input + power

[blindeyed]

Originally Posted by ikeyballz

darn 88' firebirds with crappy sounds..neone got any suggestions how to make it sound better?

You could possibly buy new speakers... I personally prefer the cheap ones from Wal-Mart. The ones like Pioneer, and Sony. They sound just as good as the top of the line ones IMO.

Originally Posted by ikeyballz

i dont understand how to hook up subwoofers, etc.. i have 4 speakers, stock, 12v (is this always the case?) and they're alright, just no bass...so..how do i get that, how do i hook a sub up?

12V?.. there are no volts going to speakers. They do get power from the head unit, but it's measured in ohms. What you would do to hook up a sub is pretty simple really. If you can hook up a VCR, then this will be no challenge to you. Your going to need 5 things. Your head unit obviously (which must have 2 RCA plugs in the back for the sub speaker output), wiring harness, whatever wattage amp you choose, whichever subs you choose, and finally your going to need an amp wiring kit. All of these you can find fairly cheap at Wal-Mart or Pep Boys.

If you've never installed a system before, then I'd really have to suggest you either take it somewhere to get it installed, or have a friend who knows a little more to help you out. It's really long and complicated to try and explain. It would take several paragraphs for me to explain it clearly enough for you so that you would understand what it is that I'm talking about. The subs and amps that you buy should come with installation guides with pictures that should make it fairly easy for you.