oem stock radio vs audio upgrade

MisTAmaN · 08-24-2012, 01:08 PM

this may be a stupid question but has anyone installed an amp and sub with just the original oem radio? i am trying to keep it as original as possible plus i have a fm transmitter for the ipod and built on my phone.

the reason i ask is because i have a system in the process of installing and after i broke my oem radio,(only one from 5 e30's i have owned worked) i realized most decks will not match nicely the interior. plus, i got a oem cd changer laying around and i figured that i could get premium sound oem radio that goes with the cd changer and put in the sub and amp and then im set.

so really what have people done with there oem audio.

p.s im also looking for a stock oem e30 radio. premium sound or base model is fine. If not, a single din dvd deck would work.

help appreciated
Jon

cormier · 08-24-2012, 02:02 PM

Just wire it using speaker wire splicing from the rear speakers as your signal-- won't be as nice a a dedicated RCA output for a sub on your deck though

DR.ZED · 08-24-2012, 02:40 PM

There are what are called "line level" converters, like what was mentioned above. You use one of the rear speakers and take two wires off them and connect to this small $20 part. The other side are regular RCA outputs which you connect to your amp.

I did this in my 09 Jetta and though there are better ways to do this, its the quickest and easiest way to add some base. You'll be surprised at how great it does sound for minimal investment.

RedEye · 08-25-2012, 09:50 PM

Anything you can play directly will probably sound pretty good, but every ipod FM transmitter I've heard sounds like ass.

karmatose · 08-26-2012, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedEye

every ipod FM transmitter I've heard sounds like ass.

I've had good luck with the Griffin iTrip when I owned Apple MP3 devices. That said, I don't live in the GTA and I can imagine finding an empty signal there is fairly difficult and requires something with some decent power.