Bluetooth speaker

[CFI]

My car still has the original Craig radio. I’d rather not modify it by adding Bluetooth or a hidden Aux Jack but at the same time I’d like to be able to listen to music from my iPhone. The cassette deck does not work so using one of those cassette adapters is out of the question. I’m leaning towards just placing a decent Bluetooth speaker on the rear shelf. Maybe something like this: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_714ONEEB/Klipsch-The-One-Black-Ash.html

Thoughts? Is anyone else using a portable speaker as a quick, non permanent fix?

[BladeBronson]

My solution is similar. I added this amp between the ASI radio and the speakers:
http://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/marine/kac-m1824bt/

The amp has bluetooth, so my phone automatically connects to it and plays music through the speakers. I _could_ toggle the input to the ASI radio to listen to AM/FM/Cassette, but I never do.

[DavidProehl]

If you still would like to use your Craig, you could add an FM modulator like this one (https://www.walmart.com/ip/iSimple-IS31-Universal-AUX-Audio-Input-for-All-FM-Radios/24214174?wmlspartner=wmtlabs&adid=22222222222017483327&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=o&wl2=c&wl3=10359501117&wl4=pla-4578160279996146&wl5=&wl6=&wl7=&%20wl10=Walmart&wl12=24214174_10000019107&wl14=isimple%20fm%20modulator&veh=sem&msclkid=e3ce9bfc229512f96e3ac038d3adbf79) that plugs directly into the Craig's antenna input, and then attach a Bluetooth car adapter (https://www.amazon.com/iClever-Bluetooth-Receiver-Plus-Hands-Free/dp/B011NR0BY8)to it that you can mount under the steering column shroud, completely invisible. Run the power for both to a dummy switch to turn on and off, and you are all set! That is what I did, along with replacing the original speakers and adding a sub. Now I have working Bluetooth on the Craig with great sound, all without modifying existing hardware or wiring (used a harness extension so I didn't have to tap into original wires).

[Gregadeth]

My solution is similar. I added this amp between the ASI radio and the speakers:
http://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/marine/kac-m1824bt/

The amp has bluetooth, so my phone automatically connects to it and plays music through the speakers. I _could_ toggle the input to the ASI radio to listen to AM/FM/Cassette, but I never do.With this setup, can you still control speaker volume using the knob on the original head unit?

[BladeBronson]

With this setup, can you still control speaker volume using the knob on the original head unit?

Unfortunately, no. The amp either uses the head unit (and its volume knob) as the audio source, or my phone (and its volume buttons). Because I never switch over to use the head unit as input, it just sits there doing nothing (not even powered on) in the center console. I love the stock look though and it's not too annoying to adjust the volume by clicking my phone's buttons through my jeans.

[eight8toy]

My solution is similar. I added this amp between the ASI radio and the speakers:
http://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/marine/kac-m1824bt/

The amp has bluetooth, so my phone automatically connects to it and plays music through the speakers. I _could_ toggle the input to the ASI radio to listen to AM/FM/Cassette, but I never do.

How's the install? Does it fit in the small space behind the driver's seat? I want to keep my original ASI as well but would like to have a bit better bluetooth rather than my tapedeck version I'm using now.

[DMC-81]

If you are looking for a stock look, you can perhaps check out this Bluetooth cassette adapter, which wirelessly streams music from your device through your stock speakers :
https://www.ionaudio.com/cassette-adapter-bluetooth-cassettebtxca

It is inexpensive but needs your cassette player and speakers to be in good working condition.

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=44239&d=1467850885

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=44243&d=1467851744

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=44244&d=1467851838

[BladeBronson]

How's the install? Does it fit in the small space behind the driver's seat? I want to keep my original ASI as well but would like to have a bit better bluetooth rather than my tapedeck version I'm using now.

The amp is small and the install was pretty easy. I used the same location as shown in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km3986nsCds

All the speaker wires are right there in the same area, so it was pretty convenient. I ran a fused power line from the battery beneath the passenger side carpet.

[eight8toy]

Sweet, I was just in that area changing out my evaporator so know that area well lol. Will have to look into picking one of these up soon.

I have that ION bluetooth cassette tape now. It's great but I don't like having to remember to charge it up before driving the car even though the battery lasts a pretty decent amount of time.

Edit: Did you have to splice the speaker wires coming from the factory radio into RCA inputs for the AMP?

[BladeBronson]

Did you have to splice the speaker wires coming from the factory radio into RCA inputs for the AMP?

I can't remember exactly how hacky my speaker wiring is. The PO had added a lot of aftermarket audio accessories that I removed. Whether my wires are spliced or if the PO used a harness plug, the signal chain is definitely head unit -> amp -> speakers... if that's what you're asking.

[Gregadeth]

My car still has the original Craig radio. I’d rather not modify it by adding Bluetooth or a hidden Aux Jack but at the same time I’d like to be able to listen to music from my iPhone. The cassette deck does not work so using one of those cassette adapters is out of the question. I’m leaning towards just placing a decent Bluetooth speaker on the rear shelf. Maybe something like this: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_714ONEEB/Klipsch-The-One-Black-Ash.html

Thoughts? Is anyone else using a portable speaker as a quick, non permanent fix?If you just want Bluetooth functionality without modifying the original deck, another easy option is to buy an aftermarket headunit and keep it in the glove box or the cubby behind the driver's seat. All you'll have to do is disconnect the wiring from the back of your Craig and connect it to the new head unit instead (with the adapter).

[CFI]

For anyone else that might be contemplating replacing the stock radio/adding an inline Bluetooth receiver, etc, I thought I’d update this thread.

I ended up buying a Sony XB31 portable Bluetooth speaker and placing it on the rear shelf between the two seats. The carpeting, front lip of the shelf, and cargo net does a great job at keeping it in place. The speaker sounds great, has a 24 hour battery, auto off, and the Sony app allows you to play with the equalizer settings via your phone. You can purchase and pair another speaker for true stereo sound but I think it sounds fine by itself. An added plus is the fact that the buttons are all located on top of the unit making it easy to turn on while sitting in the car (the JBL brand units I was looking at have buttons on the back). The Sony has flashing lights that “dance” with the music but those are easily turned off.

58964

[bytes311]

For anyone else that might be contemplating replacing the stock radio/adding an inline Bluetooth receiver, etc, I thought I’d update this thread.

I ended up buying a Sony XB31 portable Bluetooth speaker and placing it on the rear shelf between the two seats. The carpeting, front lip of the shelf, and cargo net does a great job at keeping it in place. The speaker sounds great, has a 24 hour battery, auto off, and the Sony app allows you to play with the equalizer settings via your phone. You can purchase and pair another speaker for true stereo sound but I think it sounds fine by itself. An added plus is the fact that the buttons are all located on top of the unit making it easy to turn on while sitting in the car (the JBL brand units I was looking at have buttons on the back). The Sony has flashing lights that “dance” with the music but those are easily turned off.

58964

I've been wanting to upgrade my own radio because the original owner installed an aftermarket Sony radio, but I never once considered a portable Bluetooth speaker.

Now that I'm looking into it, I'm wanting a more permanent solution without touching the radio to stream my music. Here is a 6" Bluetooth ceiling speaker. https://www.amazon.com/Ceiling-Speaker-Pair-Amplifier-Bluetooth/dp/B00RHI7LN2

I wonder how this product (or similar with smaller speakers) would look and sound mounted to the rear parcel shelf?

[CFI]

I've been wanting to upgrade my own radio because the original owner installed an aftermarket Sony radio, but I never once considered a portable Bluetooth speaker.

Now that I'm looking into it, I'm wanting a more permanent solution without touching the radio to stream my music. Here is a 6" Bluetooth ceiling speaker. https://www.amazon.com/Ceiling-Speaker-Pair-Amplifier-Bluetooth/dp/B00RHI7LN2

I wonder how this product (or similar with smaller speakers) would look and sound mounted to the rear parcel shelf?

Interesting. That seems like a good option as well.