Someone must make a small 12V Audio Amplifier for IPOD???

[SeaKaye12]

What I am looking for is a small inexpensive audio amplifier that could be wired to accept a MP3 player's output. Would need to operate on 12V. Could be mounted most anywhere out of the way.

Then a small set of speakers for the marine environment; similar to the miniature BOSE speakers that are so popular today.

Anyone know of such an amplifier? If no one makes something like that...then here's a great business opportunity for someone out there.

Most all boat stereos are just modified auto type units. Especially the speakers. They don't need to be so big; given today's technology. What I am looking for would fit a need perfectly and should be much more rugged and inexpensive that the old-fashioned CD players and such.

My two cents.

Chuck

 

[madgadget]

Re: Someone must make a small 12V Audio Amplifier for IPOD???

Use any car audio type amplifier. That's all you need and will do the job just fine.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Someone must make a small 12V Audio Amplifier for IPOD???

My receiver has a 1/8" stereo input on the front face for any mp3 player. Many (if not most) have that now.

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: Someone must make a small 12V Audio Amplifier for IPOD???

Any marine amplifier will work. All you need is a cable like this one.

For the 3.5mm (1/8 mini plug) version, this is the link. Both shown for example only.

Neither will charge the ipod, though. Some head units with ipod docks will charge the ipod.

The tiny satellite speakers won't give you thump. They're simply too small to move enough air to fully reproduce the bass frequencies.

For good thump you'll also need a subwoofer. Most amp manufacturers make a 4-channel amp. Make sure the amp also has built-in crossovers a.k.a. high- and low-pass filters.

Connect the satellite speakers to 1 & 2. Bridge channels 3 & 4 and connect the sub to the positive output of 3 and the neg output of 4. Set the high pass filter on 1 & 2 to 120Hz (or whatever the satellite speaker manufacturer recommends). Set the low-pass filter on 3/4 to 120Hz.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Someone must make a small 12V Audio Amplifier for IPOD???

Well; thanks for the input.

I'm looking for an amplifier something the size of; say, a deck of playing cards. I don't have very much space and don't want to spend a lot of money.

Chuck

 

[madgadget]

Re: Someone must make a small 12V Audio Amplifier for IPOD???

That wont happen. Amplifiers are still limited by physics. Small amp = small power, probably not enough for you.

 

[Wreck Rider]

Re: Someone must make a small 12V Audio Amplifier for IPOD???

I haven't tried this yet but throw it out as an idea, powered computer speakers are pretty cheap and pretty good right now. How about using one of those units. They almost always accept a 1/8" headphone type jack as input, perfect for your iPod. Also they run on low voltage DC, even though you plug it in the wall or use an adapter, that could be easily rewired for direct operation on 12V.

Think about that and re-post if you have success.

Andrew

 

[chrclo]

Re: Someone must make a small 12V Audio Amplifier for IPOD???

Go to partsexpress.com and look for a class T Amp. They are small and put out good power. They are used for nicer computer speaker set ups.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-380