I don't understand why all the car audio manufacturers insist that we all use 3.5mm input jacks now, but I'd like to remove the connectors from this input jack (from a Blaupunkt) and patch a pair of RCA's in directly for the Empeg.

Anyone ever used this type of connector before, and knows how it comes apart? Has anyone else doctored an RCA cable solution for their Blau/Alpine/whatever?

If you're thinking of replacing the 3.5mm connector - don't bother trying to do it nicely, just cut it off. The plastic surrounding the actual metal connector is cast around the metal. Real patient work with a small sharp knife might save you 1.5" of wire but cost you a fair bit of time and frustration...

I'd get some appropriate wire to run between the new to be RCA connectors and the end of the existing wire (it doesn't separate into part suitable for splitting and running to the RCA connectors. Cover each individual connection (Left, Right, and the 1->2 grounds) with small shrink tube, then cover the entire connection area with another piece of (somewhat larger) shrink tubing.

/Michael

Bump for the weekday users.

Like he said, just cut it off and connect one wire to each RCA - with grounding of course. The cable might not allow for this, but just buy some new stuff. A little dab of solder and some insulating tape is all thats needed.

Or just get a y-splitter type cable and tape the sucker on so you don't have to cut the wire.

y-splitter type cable

Duh, of course!

3.5mm female stereo to RCA plugs - most well stocked audio shops should have it...
Still have one around from a portabel CD (long dead) I bough ~15 years ago... Comes in very handy from time to time.

/Michael

yup. easy, and no wire cutting in case you want to remove it all later.

You would think so, wouldn't you, yet this part is amazingly hard to find.

For the custom solution, I have found (after an amazing amount of searching) this can be done:

1. Call Becker autosound (http://www.beckerautosound.com/parts.html)

2. Ask for part number 1319.116-276 (it's about $9).

3. They ship you all the pieces you need to make your own RCA inputs for any Euro headunit that uses ISO plugs. I got the kit today and snapped in the RCA inputs I needed in about 30 seconds, and it feeds into the Blau head unit perfectly.