11hhrlt

Maybe this goes in A/V but it's more a how-to so I posted it here...

Today was a good day. The sun was shining. I finished raking the yard. Then
I started AND completed an audio project in the HHR.

I've been wondering how to get more sound out of the stock radio/player
without spending a whole lot of time and money and came up with this. You
might be interested:

I went to my local Walmart and found an output converter. This was needed
in order to convert speaker output to a lower voltage "line" output. The one
I used is a Scosche car stereo 2/4 channel output converter, model FA13A.
Cost was $19.00. That's all I spent. Everything else I had on hand.

I removed the radio head and spliced into the rear L & R wires according to
the converter instructions. I fished a 4 wire lead (LR+, LR-, RR+, RR-) from
behind the radio to a place under the console cover between the seats. I
chose that spot for the converter since it's hidden away but still easy to get
to in case I want to make changes or adjustments. It's also easy to fish
wires up from under the console. All the wiring I needed I had on hand and
the converter instructions were clear and simple.

Before I continue, much thanks to Chevy Manager for providing the
speaker wire color key. You can find that here:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...20&postcount=6

Once I had the converter wired up and where I wanted it, I connected up 2
more items: a small 150 watt power inverter to the rear power outlet and
my Altec Lansing 2.1 "computer" speakers. The Altec system is compact,
has its own built in amp and controls and really puts out some nice sound.
In fact, I use it as part of a home theater system.

I plugged the speaker amp to the inverter. Then connected up the speakers
to the L & R outputs on the converter and... I'll be a sun-of-a-gun, it works!
More sound. Double the sound. GREAT sound! No hiss, hum, pops or static.

If you like this idea, this is all you need:

1. Output converter. I really like the Scosche FA13A from Walmart. A very
versatile unit. It has 2 channel or 4 channel output. Multiple inputs with
input and output control for each channel. It's like having a little audio
mixing board right there inside you car. It's compact, too - no bigger than
a pack of cigarettes. $19.00.

2. 4 - 5 foot, 18 gauge speaker wire and 4 wire nuts. A couple bucks.

3. Inverter. A small unit that pops into the car's power outlet. Cost, around
$20.00. I've had mine for several years and it has come in handy when
needed. I think I paid 10 for it.

4. 2.1 speaker system. A nice one - any name brand including Cyber
Acoustics, Altec Lansing and Logitech - can be had for less than $50.00. Or
you can go high end and get a big watt system like a Klipche for a couple
hundred. What I just LOVE about 2.1 systems is they have their own built-in
amp and controls. They are compact and put out high quality sound. What's
even better is I can move the 2.1 out to the back of the car for talegating or
out of the car entirely for listening while in the yard or where ever. Or, with
a few simple disconnects, I can take the 2.1 out of the car and put it back
where it belongs - with the home theater... NOT!

5. Finally, you'll want to make a mount for the speakers so they don't
bounce around while driving. A peice of wood and some screws and you're
done.