For this project, I had a couple goals in mind:
1. Be able to connect my iPhone to the stereo.
2. Remove some excess weight.
I never listen to the actual radio or CDs anymore, so I decided I wanted to remove all of the associated parts relating to those two. I removed the CD changer from the trunk and the radio headunit from the cabin, with intentions of wiring a mini amp directly to the speakers.
I now have an NSX-R delete plate covering the hole.
I purchased a Fiio A1 mini amp and was able to wire it directly to the speakers. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the original owner had installed aftermarket speakers, so I did not have to deal with the amps in the speakers. I spliced the power off of the cigarette lighter power source, as I wanted it to work like OEM, and not have it draw power when the car is off. Due to the fact that the amp is 12v DC, I was able to splice directly into the power line.
This is how I had it for a little while, which is obviously not ideal. My end goal was to put it into the center console armrest.
I eventually fit it all into the armrest, creating a tunnel for the wires from the center console through to the armrest, and it was great. I was using a Belkin retractable audio cable to plug my phone into, and it worked fine. But, there was just something not ideal about having a cord, and having to plug my phone in every time. So I searched some more for bluetooth adaptors.
I was elated to find the Kinivo BTC450 hands free car kit, and it turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. It's actually an incredibly cool little device because the little module has a microphone built into it (for phone calls), and also remote control buttons, so I can pause and skip the music using the little remote. Another great (and very necessary) feature is, this particular one auto connects to your phone when you turn on the car. Apparently other modules don't auto connect. After I plugged it in, it worked great, but there was static coming through the line. After some quick research, I was able to find this PAC ground loop isolator which stopped all of the static, and now the audio comes in crystal clear! I also ordered a cigarette lighter socket because the BTC450 uses one of those plugs, and it has a usb port on the other side, so I'll be able to charge my phone as well.
Here's everything stuffed into the armrest, the amp is a perfect size to be a snug press fit. I secured the ground loop isolator down with sticky tape.
I sticky taped the remote module in an out of the way but easily accessible area.
I'm incredibly happy with the way things turned out, as I ended up with even more functionality than I had originally planned for. The bluetooth connectivity is awesome since I don't have to plug anything in. The stereo gets loud enough for me on the highway. It doesn't get ear bleedingly loud, but who wants that anyway? In the future I'll do a little bit more wire management, but honestly the arm rest will be closed all the time anyway, so I'm not in a rush.
1. Be able to connect my iPhone to the stereo.
2. Remove some excess weight.
I never listen to the actual radio or CDs anymore, so I decided I wanted to remove all of the associated parts relating to those two. I removed the CD changer from the trunk and the radio headunit from the cabin, with intentions of wiring a mini amp directly to the speakers.
I now have an NSX-R delete plate covering the hole.
I purchased a Fiio A1 mini amp and was able to wire it directly to the speakers. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the original owner had installed aftermarket speakers, so I did not have to deal with the amps in the speakers. I spliced the power off of the cigarette lighter power source, as I wanted it to work like OEM, and not have it draw power when the car is off. Due to the fact that the amp is 12v DC, I was able to splice directly into the power line.
This is how I had it for a little while, which is obviously not ideal. My end goal was to put it into the center console armrest.
I eventually fit it all into the armrest, creating a tunnel for the wires from the center console through to the armrest, and it was great. I was using a Belkin retractable audio cable to plug my phone into, and it worked fine. But, there was just something not ideal about having a cord, and having to plug my phone in every time. So I searched some more for bluetooth adaptors.
I was elated to find the Kinivo BTC450 hands free car kit, and it turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. It's actually an incredibly cool little device because the little module has a microphone built into it (for phone calls), and also remote control buttons, so I can pause and skip the music using the little remote. Another great (and very necessary) feature is, this particular one auto connects to your phone when you turn on the car. Apparently other modules don't auto connect. After I plugged it in, it worked great, but there was static coming through the line. After some quick research, I was able to find this PAC ground loop isolator which stopped all of the static, and now the audio comes in crystal clear! I also ordered a cigarette lighter socket because the BTC450 uses one of those plugs, and it has a usb port on the other side, so I'll be able to charge my phone as well.
Here's everything stuffed into the armrest, the amp is a perfect size to be a snug press fit. I secured the ground loop isolator down with sticky tape.
I sticky taped the remote module in an out of the way but easily accessible area.
I'm incredibly happy with the way things turned out, as I ended up with even more functionality than I had originally planned for. The bluetooth connectivity is awesome since I don't have to plug anything in. The stereo gets loud enough for me on the highway. It doesn't get ear bleedingly loud, but who wants that anyway? In the future I'll do a little bit more wire management, but honestly the arm rest will be closed all the time anyway, so I'm not in a rush.
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