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  #1  
Old 01-21-2013, 07:13 PM
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Use a USASpec PA-12bmw dsp to connect aftermarket HU??

I have been researching what it would take to replace my MID with a double din HU, and just had an idea. My 2001 X5 has DSP and no nav. I am currently running a PA-12 for my ipod input. The PA-12 has two inputs - one for the iPod, and a seperate pair of RCA jacks, so that you can input from any source. Is there any reason That I couldn't run RCA's from the low level output of a new HU to the aux input on the PA-12? That way, I could just move the MID and CD to the glovebox, and not have to deal with any DSP workarounds. I would just leave the MID set like I have it now for AUX (my iPod cable is broken), and it would pass the signal from the new HU on to the DSP amp.

I normally wouldn't go out of my way to do it like this, but the car came with the PA-12, so it would be nice to use it as a free interface...

If this works - it would be essentially a plug and play solution for me
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2001 E53 X5 4.4i Sport
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2002 E46M3 Convertible with 28k miles - DD

Last edited by ChevDog1; 01-23-2013 at 05:13 PM.
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  #2  
Old 01-21-2013, 09:01 PM
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The short answer is that if you pull the factory head unit, then you will also need to replace the DSP amp and speakers. The DSP amp will only work with the factory HU. Likewise, the speakers are matched to the internal active crossovers of the DSP amp.

Plus, if you replace the HU, the new HU would likely have iPod and aux inputs, so that would obviate the need for the PA-12 as well.
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Old 01-22-2013, 01:20 AM
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I don't think you are understanding the question. I want to relocate the MID and CD to the glovebox - intact and connected - and install the new head unit in the dash. I would then run the line out from the new head unit to the aux input on the PA-12, using RCA cables. This would essentially turn the new head unit into an aux source, like any mp3/iPod, etc. I would leave the MID set on aux, and it would run the amplifier, passing thru the audio from the new head unit.
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Old 01-22-2013, 07:31 AM
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Oops, I missed that you intended to put the radio module in the glove box as well...

Yes, the DSP amp will function if both the radio and MID are installed somewhere in the car. So, you could switch the radio to CD mode and run the aftermarket HU's RCA output's to the PA-12. I cannot think of a reason that would not work.
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Old 01-23-2013, 04:19 PM
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I am very interested in some of the abbreviations you're using... I think I'm in the exact same boat as you are ChevDog. I too have a 04 X5 without nav but with the DSP button.

I had the factory head unit (if that is what you call it) out two nights ago and there is a silver box with what I think is a digital output that runs to the stuff in the back and then two s-video looking connections on the other side, one of which goes to an iPod 30pin connector in the glove box.

Sorry for jacking your thread and using strange descriptions....

I'm just south of Portland, where in Oregon are you?
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Old 01-23-2013, 04:20 PM
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I live West of Portland, and work in Portland.
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Old 01-23-2013, 04:28 PM
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Can you tell me more about the components of the factory radio? How does this PA-12 work with the system?

I basically need to replace the HU so my wife will drive it. I don't want to replace all the speakers, amps, wires if I don't have to.

I live in West Linn and work in Vancouver.
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Old 01-23-2013, 04:38 PM
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The PA-12 is actually a USASpec PA-12BMW DSP ipod adapter. It is connected to the factory stereo via the CD changer wiring in the trunk. Basically it is plugged in place of the CD changer, and the iPod/iPhone plays through this interface. The "Head unit" that you had out of the dash is actually only a control panel (called a MID).

You should do a lot of searching and reading before trying to add an aftermarket stereo to your car. Having DSP makes the task much more difficult. The two general methods are to either replace the DSP amp with an aftermarket unit, or do some custom wiring to "trick" the dsp amp into working.

My question in the first post is about trying a thrid method - using the PA-12 adapter i already have, and and putting a low level signal into that from an aftermarket radio. In my method, the new Head unit would be acting just like an iPod, and the original MID and CD would be relocated to the glovebox - still attached and functioning.

I hope this helps.
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2002 E46M3 Convertible with 28k miles - DD
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Old 01-23-2013, 04:58 PM
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Believe me, I'm searching for information right now... I've come very familiar with BSW, their link comes up everywhere.

Now with some terminology I'm starting to understand what you're planning.

The harness for the MID and CD unit is not that long, how do you plan on extending it?
If you're going to extend it would relocating it to the rear, where the stock cd changer would be a better location than the glove box?

And what is the input range for the AUX input n the PA-12?
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Old 01-23-2013, 05:06 PM
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I have read that some guys have been able to get the harness to reach. If not, I will have to splice in a small length of wire.

I assume that the input range for the AUX in is roughly 0-2v - similar to any line level connection. I currently have my iPhone connected from the headphone jack to the AUX in on the PA-12, and with the phone volume maxed out, the stereo will not go to full volume. It's only about half of what I can get from FM. It was much louder when I had it hooked to the dock connector and the dedicated ipod cord, but the cord broke, and I'm stuck with this until I either replace the cord, or the head unit.

And yes - I would prefer to put the MID in the trunk, but I'm not really too excited about the wiring that might be involved with that.
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