Alpine CDA-7873: Possibe to create an AUX input jack?

[Ken]

I have an Alpine CDA-7873 head unit, which does not have an aux input
jack in the front. Like many folks, I'm interested in plugging an
external player into my head unit. Is there any way to hardwire an aux
input into my head unit? I thought that there might be some inputs in
the back of the unit that I could work with.

Also, I've seen postings where people have mentioned plugging an
external player straight into their amplifier. I have an Alpine
5-channel amp... are there any connection opportunities for me there?
Thanks for any input.

Ken

[stevendacardude]

As for the hardwiring the DIN, im not an electrical guru. But I do
know a good universal fit for all problems of this magnitude. It's
what I call an fm modulator, you might of heard about em. They are lil
devices that run off of 12v, regular car power output. and the antenna
that would normally plug into your deck would plug into the unit. Then
the unit would plug into your antenna. When powered, it automatically
cuts the signal from your antenna. (Trust me, without ur antenna, you
wont pick up anything... I've tested my radio without it, and no
signal) And then the unit would have a left and right audio inputs.
and you can plug your cd changer/device in it. Now when it comes to cd
changers thats a bit more complicated to work with than using an mp3
player or something..but it has the same basic principles if you know
what your doing.

Here's an example of one:
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=42500&I=020FM200S&search=fm+modulator

But dont just take my advice, see what others think, im sure some other
person might have a completely better way of doing what you need. This
is just the best thing i could come up with.

[Ken]

Thank you for the reply. I've been informed that this model has inputs
for a CD changer, so these inputs can be easily repurposed to handle my
needs. Apparently there is a converter cable that will allow me to
plug my iPod directly into my head unit's preamp inputs.

[stevendacardude]

Alright man, that's awesome that you figured it out. Good Luck.

[Sean Scott]

Post by Ken
Thank you for the reply. I've been informed that this model has inputs
for a CD changer, so these inputs can be easily repurposed to handle my
needs. Apparently there is a converter cable that will allow me to
plug my iPod directly into my head unit's preamp inputs.

I don't think headunits have preamp inputs, are you sure they are not
outputs?

[Ken]

I might have got the input/output mixed up, but this unit does have
preamp connections for something.

[Sean Scott]

Post by Ken
I might have got the input/output mixed up, but this unit does have
preamp connections for something.

almost all decent headunits have preamp outputs to go to your amplifier, my
Pioneer has 3 preamp sets, one for front speakers, one for rear speakers and
one for subwoofers.

[Mike]

Your deck allows the connection of external audio by way of the cd changer
audio inputs. You just need an RCA to Ai-Net cable Alpine part# KCA-121B.
This information is in the manual for the deck.

Post by Ken
I might have got the input/output mixed up, but this unit does have
preamp connections for something.