I finally got my car computer in my car but have a question about the quality. I used to have an Eclipse HeadUnit and had a LOUD option which increased the bass by quite a bit w/o distortion. How do I achieve this effect on the computer? I am using a Mini-itx with a mini-jack to RCA cable that plugs into the amp which feeds my front component speakers and my 10" Sub.

I try media player and used the WOW SRS affects and that helps but is not the same, and if I use the equalizer the front speakers begin to distort.....Any ideas?

 

I would suggest turning the computer volume to about 70%. Maybe even as low as 50%. This will keep the speakers from distorting.

 

NO, I would have the computer sound at 100%

If you have an amplifier trying to amplify a weaker signal, you will get more "noise".

Try using winamp .. www.winamp.com

It has equalizer presets, and you might be able to find a skin that will make it easy to use on the car pc screen.

 

If this was a "line out" from the computer I would agree with you. but... it is most likely the typical headphone/speaker jack. It has a little bit of wattage behind it. I have found that if you turn your computer volume down a little bit when connecting to external amplifiers, you get a cleaner sound.

I suppose I could be wrong though

 

Not sure how to fix this but I think I have a solution! I am getting a Nakamichi CD 400 HeadUnit which has a AUX in, so if I feed my computer line out into the headunit I should be able to use the LOUD function on the HU and the sound should sound perfect again....I hope! I have been looking to replace the eclipse HU anyway.

 

the mini jack to rca always creates unwanted noise. i had this problem when hooking my computer to my surround sound in my living room...the best way i resolved that was to use a thicker monster cable. i'd also say try the above suggestions as well.

 

You should look at getting an another sound card. the onboard ones are crap. I had similar problem with the onboard (that and static) ended up getting an usb sound card and works great (has treble and bass setting, unlike the onboard) Also, if you're splitting your connection to the amp (seems like it from your post) your HU gonna overpower the PC output. if your HU has gain adjustment, tune it down and raise the gain on the amp so that the HU and PC are same volume.
But, since you're getting a HU with AUX in, that should solve your problems.

 

ok, that makes sense.

In that respect, can you plug a computer into a amp that takes line level imputs?

 

You could do it... but I dont think you would be happy with the sound. You would have to turn the gain on the amps WAY up and this might amplify all of the noise as well. The output jack from a computer has a very small amount of wattage... nothing like a headunit puts out. I agree with one of the previous posts... then best solution is to buy a nice sound card that has RCA outs.

 

Which soundcards have RCA outs?

 

I know the Creative Sound Blaster AWE64 did have RCA outs. Not sure what new ones do.

 

Radio Shack will have a 3.5mm to RCA converter jacks.

 

Are we going back in loops now?