Ghetto Blaster + Mp3 player

[admin_exported]

Hey there.

I recently got ahold of an 80s Ghetto Blaster (Hitachi TRK-7011E). I figured I could make it work with my MP3 player / laptop (3.5mm jack) so that I could have a decent pair of portable speakers. While the quality is impressive, the volume control does not work.

Currently, I have my MP3 player (iTouch) connected through a 3.5mm to DIN 5-pin cable. Sound is undoubtable coming out, though the volume controls on the Boombox don't work. I'm guessing the DIN cable is feeding directly to the speakers, bypassing the internal Amp, and as such I have a few questions.

1. Can I buy an external amplifier to go between my MP3 player + the DIN cable, so that I can create the volume increase outside of the Boombox?

2. Is there any way to get the amp to work? It's fine for everything else; both radio and tape.

I'm guessing there is some way of doing this. I've looked at Headphone Amps but I'm thinking they will be too low powered to produce the volume I'm looking for?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Anonymous]

Is this what I might be needing?

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-958

I'm not sure if it has a 3.5mm output, does it?

 

[up the music]

Curious. You'd expect the volume pot on the boom box to work. DIN cables can do odd things if the wrong pin wiring is used but I'm non plussed. I assume this DIN socket is designated as an 'aux in' or similar. I can't help feeling that feeding it with a speaker level signal isn't the answer.

Maybe the day shift people might suss this DIN wiring business out.

Those T amps do seem to be well liked for the price (£60 on Amazon last time I looked) but realistically £10 should car boot you an alternative ghetto blaster.

If you can strap together one of those T amps with your MP3 player and a tiny pair of efficient speakers that would make for an interesting battery operated portable.