MP3 through standard sound system

[Plainwhitevy]

I would like to listen to an mp3 player in my acclaim through the sound system.
Have tried one of the FM senders and found it pretty average.
I have heard that there are kits that you can buy/make to plug mp3 through the mobile phone wiring in the car, using the GM connector.

Has anyone used these and if so how good are they, where can I get one - or the recipe for making one?
Thanks in anticipation!

[Raggyman]

I was wanting to do the same thing with my VX. Ended up just putting in a JVC DVD MP3 player and computer in the car instead. Not sure with the VY, but over here in the UK on www.hsv.org.uk there is a current topic about trying to crack it the problem with a couple of Monaro's, which have the same unit I believe. Might be worth checking it out.

At the moment the site is down, but should be up in the next couple of hours.

You can get to it temporarily from http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?f=69&h=0

[greenbeam]

Apparently the phone input is mono in the VY-VZ Blaupunkt system.

This issue is also being discussed on the US Pontiac GTO forum (LS1-gto I think). They seem to be homing in on two possible solutions - a simple one where you tap a couple of wires into the CD input and play a blank disc, and a more elegant solution which will involve reprogramming a chip and running a separate input out of the back of the head unit.

No doubt someone will post to this forum if/when a solution is available.

Big thumbs down for Holden not making something like standard in the age of the iPod!
Cheers,
Paul.

[greenbeam]

I now have MP3 input through my standard VY Blaupunkt 6-stacker (will also work with the single CD unit)!!!!

It took me about an hour last night to make the change and I now have a 3.5mm headphone plug in the centre console bin right by the cigarette lighter socket so I can power my mp3 player. And I have a completely invisible installation too.

You do need to remove the stereo head unit, take the bottom cover off (two screws) and solder three wires onto the circuit board (steady hands). But it was really a simple mod, and I probably spent half of the hour messing about with trim removal/replacement and routing the audio lead into the console.

If you are interested, there is a set of comprehensive instructions and photos at: www.thelug.com/radio/gtoradio.html

Thanks to our friends on the LS1GTO forum for working out this mod.

Darren - this link should probably be sticky for both VY and VZ - plenty of people want AUX IN to the Blaupunkt unit.

Cheers,
Paul.

[vy_acclaim]

Here's an alternative that is far less technical... It plugs into your power socket and contains a flash disk full of MP3's. You tune your radio to frequency you specify, and presto.

http://www.pccasegear.com.au/prod2715.htm

[kmbattle]

I now have MP3 input through my standard VY Blaupunkt 6-stacker (will also work with the single CD unit)!!!!

It took me about an hour last night to make the change and I now have a 3.5mm headphone plug in the centre console bin right by the cigarette lighter socket so I can power my mp3 player. And I have a completely invisible installation too.

You do need to remove the stereo head unit, take the bottom cover off (two screws) and solder three wires onto the circuit board (steady hands). But it was really a simple mod, and I probably spent half of the hour messing about with trim removal/replacement and routing the audio lead into the console.

If you are interested, there is a set of comprehensive instructions and photos at: www.thelug.com/radio/gtoradio.html


Thanks to our friends on the LS1GTO forum for working out this mod.

Darren - this link should probably be sticky for both VY and VZ - plenty of people want AUX IN to the Blaupunkt unit.

Cheers,
Paul.

Thanks heaps for postin that.
Just wondering if you could give us a few tips on soldering circuit boards as Ive never done it before and I dont wanna **** this up.
Do you have any pics of the socket in your centre console?
How good is the sound quality?

[Marks-VY]

I have just had my factory VY stereo modified by Phreddy and I have to say it is the only way to go if you want to run an IPod/MP3 player.

FM transmitters have a very narrow frequency range, which means you will not hear the quality sound that a CD/MP3 provides. Also, the mod shown by "the lug" is a simple but shorcut solution.

Phreddy has provided an input at the pre-amp signal stage, meaning it is a full and clean signal at the right point. A 3.5mm input plug and an activation button has been installed in the spare space on the Traction Control button panel, which looks very neat but can be replaced at minimal cost if I ever wanted to.

Phreddy also provided low-level outputs from the original stereo so I could connect a power amp (800watt), using the clean pre-amp signal. The result is a crystal clean sound with no buzz or noise from the amp (which I was getting by using the hi-low convertors previously).

I would recommend Phreddy for either or both of these mods. He has designed his own printed circuit boards which are installed within the ample space in the stereo case. Phreddy also installed a plug just above the original plug (on the rear of the casing), so that the stereo can be removed without wires hanging out of it (something the lug has not thought of also).

[element465]

Who is this phreddy you speak of and how much would it cost?

[Marks-VY]

It is not hard to find Phreddy. Just have a gander at VZ threads regarding bue dash lights and stereo mods and you will find him as well of lots of very positive posts about him.

Best to talk to Phreddy about costs as it depends on what you want done.

Cheers.

[vzsv8]

Try the link below to find Phreddy. I have one of his 4 channel RCA out mods and it really looks the goods. When I finish everyone elses Christmas shopping I will install it

... And now, Blaupunkt Aux Input! (VY/VZ)

Cheers, Steve

[Darren]

Made as sticky as requested, I might have to give this a try myself as I was a bit down when I found it doesn't play MP3's yet my sisters Barina does.

[davey g-force]

I have just had my factory VY stereo modified by Phreddy and I have to say it is the only way to go ...

Phreddy also provided low-level outputs from the original stereo so I could connect a power amp (800watt), using the clean pre-amp signal. The result is a crystal clean sound with no buzz or noise from the amp (which I was getting by using the hi-low convertors previously).

So he's done one for you has he Mark? How does it sound - happy with it?

He's a bugger!! Ive been speaking to Phreddy about doing mine since August and he's been too busy! Na, to be fair - we've both been busy (Hi Phreddy if you're reading this!).
Ive had a listen to his system in his VZ and Im way impressed for the stock head unit and you can keep the steering controls etc. I'd recommend him to anyone with a VY / VZ. Im getting my low level outputs installed by him just after xmas. You've made me think about the MP3 inputs now. He's already trying to tempt me with the blue dash conversion! Where does it end?

[Phreddy]

Thanks Darren. (4 the sticky)

And thanks to all for such positive comments too!

Hey Dave - you mouse cleaner worked real good!

I mentioned in the other thread on this, but I'll re-iterate. The was a very small problem with the Aux board when used with the mobile phone input, in that if the Aux input was selected and a call came in, instead of muting the music it was mixing the phone audio with the music. (works fine if the main source is used though - CD or radio, only a problem when Aux is selected)

Oh, hey Mark - if it's an issue for you, we'll work something out about catching up and I'll fix it up for you.

I realise that this is only an issue for those with the mobile phone input utilised as well, but I'd prefer to get it right. As it turned out it's real hard to fix anyway. I'm fairly sure I have a solution, and will be able to confirm this tonight.

Thanks again guys!

Cheerz.

[Marks-VY]

Hi Phreddy,

Not a biggie for the moment, it is easy enough to hit the AUX button if a call comes in, although I do use the phone on the road a lot with work so when you work it out, let me know.

Another bonus with the input - I can catch up with all my old tapes I know we all have intentions of converting to CD or replacing them but hey, has anyone out there actually done it?? With my old walkman plugged in I am now pumping out Led Zep, Hendrix, Iron Maiden, you name it (yes, a die hard head banger...)

For anyone considering inputs or outputs, I would suggest do them together like I did, and convert the LED's to blue while you are at it.

[BottFodder]

I have just had my factory VY stereo modified by Phreddy and I have to say it is the only way to go if you want to run an IPod/MP3 player.

FM transmitters have a very narrow frequency range, which means you will not hear the quality sound that a CD/MP3 provides. Also, the mod shown by "the lug" is a simple but shorcut solution.

:

Yeh but MP3's have reduced frequency ranges too. How do you think they get so many of them in an IPOD/SD etc. MP3s do not provide quality sound - Probably close to that of an FM Radio I'd say.

[Phreddy]

Hey BottFodder - I agree with you, that MP3s aren't particularly good sound quality.

Although that does depend on the conversion bitrate too - 256Kbps or better is getting close, but obviously the files are larger. At 128Kbps they sound pretty ragged, but you can fit a load more in. Boils down to what the individual's needs are really.

Anyhow, cheerz All - compliments of the season....

PS - got the phone input thing sorted too - we'll catch up Mark, and I'll sort it for you.

[fruity]

Hey Phreddy ,sounds liKe you need a holiday or time away from all the installations you do. Why dont you come down to good old Melbourne .....and do my radio for mp3 music listening for me.

[Phreddy]

Fruity - gimme a place to crash and bung on the beers, and I'll think about it!!

[Marks-VY]

Yeh but MP3's have reduced frequency ranges too. How do you think they get so many of them in an IPOD/SD etc. MP3s do not provide quality sound - Probably close to that of an FM Radio I'd say.

Have to say I am a little confused. I have been researching the internet in preparation for buying an MP3 player and just about all of them quote 20-20k range, which probably exceeds most people's hearing range and exceeds the capability of most speaker sets.

I thought the bitrate determines the sound quality and the higher the bitrate-the high the memory usage, therefore get a large capacity player. Can anyone confirm this?
Thanks,
Mark.

[HSVKEV260R8]

Have to say I am a little confused. I have been researching the internet in preparation for buying an MP3 player and just about all of them quote 20-20k range, which probably exceeds most people's hearing range and exceeds the capability of most speaker sets.

I thought the bitrate determines the sound quality and the higher the bitrate-the high the memory usage, therefore get a large capacity player. Can anyone confirm this?
Thanks,
Mark.

That is correct. The higher bit rate makes for a smoother sound and also takes up more memory ie 128bit is on average 4meg for 4 mins where as 256 is double obviously.

[Phreddy]

I reckon the "range" they're talking about is the actual frequency response of the D-A converter and analog section.

As Kev pointed out the coversion bitrate is what determines the upper frequency limit of the playback - higher bitrates mean nice tops, but more space.

BTW Kev - I'll get back to you on your PM.

Mark - once the silly season settles down, we'll hook up again and I'll swap out your input switching board for the new revision. That'll overcome the phone muting problem.

Cheerz!

[CNULTR]

jus wondering if the standard deck on a VY11 has got RCA leads at the back,a mate off mine said they do im not sure n was jus wondering??

[Phreddy]

Sorry Bud, you mate is rather mis-informed.

The factory Blaupunkt does NOT have RCA outs - well, until I get my grubby little hands on them anyway!

[CNULTR]

Thanks mate for letting me know
if i was to connect 6X9s in the back shelfs in a Vy how would i do that??

[Phreddy]

No worries!

Would you be running the 6x9s from the head unit amps, or an external amp?

The speakers will just drop straight into the parcel shelf once you pop the punch-outs from the panel. (you'll also have to remove the interior trim on the parcel shelf too) Grilles which go into the parcel shelf trim are available from Holden, but look elsewhere too - I got mine from eBay for less than half of what Holden were charging. I had to cut the holes in the trim to fit the grilles, but that wasn't too difficult.

As far as wiring, I believe there are wires run to there but I've not identified them. (my shelf speakers run amp'ed) If you are running the 6x9s off the head unit though, you'll need to disconnect the back door speakers, otherwise there will be too much load on the internal amps and they might fail.

Cheerz!