Additional car stereo

[creese]

I have just bought a 'new' car, new to me.

 

I have an existing stereo with handsfree and USB etc. but the existing is built in to a fascia panel. I can replace that panel but would if possible like to add the newer stereo. Is there such a thing as a splitter for the cables, if so what do I search for? Is it possible to add a second with both working?

 

I have sent for a replacement fascia panel.

[Danp]

There is always a way, but normally you take out the OEM one, get an ISO lead (car brand - head unit brand), fascia plate and away you go.

[creese]

Thanks, I have the correct cable and the fascia is on it's way.

 

I have fitted many stereos over the past few decades, but never had two working which is what I would prefer.... the original has a Cassette deck... I have loads of those (cassette tapes).

Edited February 10, 2014 by creese

[sted]

so you want to leave the factory fit in place and add a second stereo?

its probably doable but at the risk oif blowing speakers if you accidently have both on at once unless you wire it up so one stereo uses the fronts and one the rears

id just replace it and put the time in converting the tapes to mp3 in the longrun probably easier

[Danp]

Thanks, I have the correct cable and the fascia is on it's way.

 

I have fitted many stereos over the past few decades, but never had two working which is what I would prefer.... the original has a Cassette deck... I have loads of those (cassette tapes).

 

Ah, sorry. It is completely possible as I have seen them fitted. Exactly how I dont know for sure. Have a look on talkaudio.co.uk

[Seb1780]

In the past I've installed head units in glove boxes and under parcel shelves for security purposes, leaving the original "unappealing" radio in place, albeit dead. There should be no reason why you cannot set up both to run (but not at the same time) using a bit of wiring, switching and ingenuity.

 

One of the biggest bugbears I found was controlling the thing. Reaching across to the glove box to turn up the volume was OK in the Mini, but not achievable in a Discovery!

 

If you want to play tapes get an old Walkman and use a phono lead to feed to your new headset.

Edited February 10, 2014 by Seb1780

[Andrew_C]

No, not with a splitter cable. You can't feed two amps into one set of speakers, as you would be driving signal into the back of the amp switched off. You could get clever and create a switch/relay box that select which head feeds the speakers

[creese]

I don't want too much work. Just a thought to leave the original in place, as I may not have the car too long.

 

I can easily remove the old fascia and replace including the newer stereo, or fit the newer and temporarily disconnect the existing.

 

Thanks all

[SpuffMonkey]

I spose it depends why you want to have another system?? You can use those FM transmitter gizmos to send a signal to the existing head unit - which is easier than wiring.

 

As above - I've installed in some funny places - my last car had a hard disk MP3 unit under the front seat (before iPod type docks were the thing) - but it had a useful remote

[creese]

I have an FM transmitter.

 

The car was genuinely previously owned by a little old lady, I wanted to leave it as untouched as possible. But I'll just have to go for the fascia replacement.

[Danp]

I did have one of these in both of my 5 series, that way I kept the OEM head unit

 

Connects2 CTVBMX002 BMW 3 Series 1999 - 06 iPod iPhone MP3 AUX Interface Adapter | eBay

 

I have since replaced one of of the head units with a small CD-less unit.

[creese]

I did have one of these in both of my 5 series, that way I kept the OEM head unit

 

Connects2 CTVBMX002 BMW 3 Series 1999 - 06 iPod iPhone MP3 AUX Interface Adapter | eBay

 

I have since replaced one of of the head units with a small CD-less unit.

 

The Stereo I took out of the last car is pretty good, has USB, Handsfree calling, CD, a remote and SD slot. Not bad for a Lidls or Aldi product.

 

Similar to this

Edited February 11, 2014 by creese

[Danp]

Not bad at all!

 

This is the one I have fitted

 

JVC KD-X200 MECH-LESS STEREO MP3 USB AUX MEDIA iPOD iPHONE ANDROID PLAYER CDLESS | eBay

[abillybob]

@creese , Maybe the parrot mki9200 is what you're looking for got mine setup and kept the old stereo in place. Comes with usb, ipod, Bluetooth, aux. Also has it's own amplifier, screen and wireless remote control. It basically bypasses your stereos speakers so it can output the music as soon as you stop the music on parrot device the radio kicks in and when you turn music on the parrot then turns off the radio. Very seamless! Can fit into any car you just need the correct SOT lead!

[creese]

@creese , Maybe the parrot mki9200 is what you're looking

 

Thanks, but the stereo I'm putting in has handsfree. I have the old fascia out and the new one ready to go in once I have a bit of time, I spent the weekend baking for a wedding and delivering and attending said wedding.... maybe tonight.