Earphone Jacks In A Convertible?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 682
Likes: 0
From: Miami Florida
Earphone Jacks In A Convertible?
OK, it seems that no matter what I do, I'm not going to hear my music in my convertible with the roof down when cruising at turnpike speed. Pretty much case closed.
On the other hand, I can hear my iPod just fine at any speed using in-the-ear earphones. No problem at all, no matter how fast I go.
Has anyone here installed earphone jacks using the factory Bose system? What part would I be looking for, and where would I find it?
If that's do-able, can I make the earphones silence the normal speakers when the earphones are plugged in?
In my mind's eye I'm thinking the earphone jacks would be installed on the console somewhere, probably by drilling through the black trim piece.
I'm just asking so I can tell my stereo shop to do it, but I want to know what I'm talking about before I go in looking dumb! :o
On the other hand, I can hear my iPod just fine at any speed using in-the-ear earphones. No problem at all, no matter how fast I go.
Has anyone here installed earphone jacks using the factory Bose system? What part would I be looking for, and where would I find it?
If that's do-able, can I make the earphones silence the normal speakers when the earphones are plugged in?
In my mind's eye I'm thinking the earphone jacks would be installed on the console somewhere, probably by drilling through the black trim piece.
I'm just asking so I can tell my stereo shop to do it, but I want to know what I'm talking about before I go in looking dumb! :o
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
It can be done, but I'm also sure it's illegal in most (if not all) states to drive with earphones on. Why not just listen to the ipod when you have the top down?
A nice upgrade to aftermarket speakers and an amp would solve your problems also
A nice upgrade to aftermarket speakers and an amp would solve your problems also
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 2
From: Humble TX
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
driving with earphones may keep you from hearing emergency sirens
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 682
Likes: 0
From: Miami Florida
Thanks for your help.
It sounds like I'll just have to settle for the iPod, like markcz said. I was hoping I'd be able to hear the programs on Sirius while I was driving along, especially on long trips.
The only realistic speakers that I've heard I could use are the JL Stealthboxes, and I think they're too expensive and of course I'd lose the use of the cubbies behind the seats. I figured earphone jacks would be a lot less expensive, and the sound quality would be excellent. The legal aspect is something I hadn't thought of.
It sounds like I'll just have to settle for the iPod, like markcz said. I was hoping I'd be able to hear the programs on Sirius while I was driving along, especially on long trips.
The only realistic speakers that I've heard I could use are the JL Stealthboxes, and I think they're too expensive and of course I'd lose the use of the cubbies behind the seats. I figured earphone jacks would be a lot less expensive, and the sound quality would be excellent. The legal aspect is something I hadn't thought of.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,367
Likes: 211
From: Edgewood Washington
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
How about speakers in the headrest(s) like the older Miata? Probably not cheap and SQ wouldn't be optimum but you wouldn't be breaking any laws.
And headphones are illegal in my state too.
And headphones are illegal in my state too.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
C-6 earphone jacks
An approach you can consider is to install a earphone jack with the interupter circuit at the rear speaker location on each side of the car. Then modify your earphones to have an independent plug to each side. It is usually bad to try to use a common ground (like is found on most earphones) for both the left and right channel (I think due to the fader circuitry) so you need independent plugs for each side. With this you disable the rear speakers when you plug in. use the console fader to take out the front speakers.
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