I know this has been done--I'd love to see your examples.
For awhile I've been planning to install a CarPlay-capable, camera-enabled double-DIN head unit. Hook that up to a compact 4-channel amp, upgrade speakers, and add a powered sub & you've got a system to compete with the wind and road noise that comes with driving an open-air, body-on-frame, solid-axle vehicle.
Lately, though, I've been thinking about a headless system: a Bluetooth-enabled amp hidden away somewhere that the phone will connect to means there's no head unit to steal. I'm not overly concerned about theft where I'm at, but it's one less thing to worry about. And with the development of electronic rearview mirrors, I can get a backup camera built right in. Headless audio fits in well with a more or less minimalist vehicle like a TJ.
I'd like to see any examples of headless audio units. Particularly any that incorporate hard controls for volume, source, etc., like what you might find in a built-up SxS. Almost any amp with RCA inputs can be made BT-compatible. I don't really need FM radio, but I don't have to count that out just because I don't have a head unit either. I do want to be able to make phone calls through the system, so a wired microphone is probably unavoidable.
Show me what you've got and sell me on the idea. Or, talk me out of it if you think it's a terrible idea.
For awhile I've been planning to install a CarPlay-capable, camera-enabled double-DIN head unit. Hook that up to a compact 4-channel amp, upgrade speakers, and add a powered sub & you've got a system to compete with the wind and road noise that comes with driving an open-air, body-on-frame, solid-axle vehicle.
Lately, though, I've been thinking about a headless system: a Bluetooth-enabled amp hidden away somewhere that the phone will connect to means there's no head unit to steal. I'm not overly concerned about theft where I'm at, but it's one less thing to worry about. And with the development of electronic rearview mirrors, I can get a backup camera built right in. Headless audio fits in well with a more or less minimalist vehicle like a TJ.
I'd like to see any examples of headless audio units. Particularly any that incorporate hard controls for volume, source, etc., like what you might find in a built-up SxS. Almost any amp with RCA inputs can be made BT-compatible. I don't really need FM radio, but I don't have to count that out just because I don't have a head unit either. I do want to be able to make phone calls through the system, so a wired microphone is probably unavoidable.
Show me what you've got and sell me on the idea. Or, talk me out of it if you think it's a terrible idea.