I have no stereo, so I have a small audio amplifier that currently works well when running on a 9V battery, and connected directly to my internal stereo plug. The amp spec states that it can take 9-15V, so I don't want to go over 15V. Is the 12V output on the plug regulated in any way, or do I have to handle that myself to ensure it's below 15V, if I want to run the amp from car power?

I'm doing this for two cars, one is a 98 LX 4cyl, and the other is a 96, not sure of the exact model.

 

What's :

Make
Model
Year
Motor

 

One of the cars is a 1998 Honda Accord LX; I will check on the engine specs and post those here later today.

The other car belongs to a friend, it is a 1996 Honda Accord, I've asked him for the engine specs and will update when I hear back from him.

 

if it is a stock alternator you will never hit 15 volts. if you are getting 14.6 you are doing damn good. however it seems easier to me to just buy a cheap head unit.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...oss-635CA.html

54 bux and it comes with everything needed to install. seems just saving the time and effort would be worth it.

 

Aratyhq - there is a sticker on my engine which includes the number F23A1 - wikipedia lists "2.3L F23A1 I4 150 hp" as one of the engines for 98 Accords, so I think this is what you're asking for. The rest of the sticker says "WPAA-A7 F23A1-1136780". Still waiting to hear about the other car.

neophyte - thanks for the suggestion, and I know you're right about that in general. My brother's stereo was stolen, and he's not likely to be able to guarantee that another OTS stereo won't be stolen too, so this seems like a good alternative. I'm just using my car as a testbed to make sure the thing works, I don't need a stereo at all in mine.

 

you can do what you want. the small amp can be powered directly from the battery and will not see 15V. a portable music player connected to the inputs acts as the source and volume control. you will need a toggle switch for to turn the amp on and off.

headunits with a removable face plate are a good idea - just get into the habit of removing the faceplate.

 

Thanks, keep_hope_alive. I don't know about my brother, but my stereo was stolen while the faceplate was detached and out of sight (but in the car). Seems to me they would have been just as happy to smash the window and look for it even if it hadn't been in the car.