AUX input Premium audio
Discussion
To start with im OVER THE MOON with my vantage and all its comforts. Only thing is missing is an aux input for the stereo. Is there a decent way of retro fitting one?
Ive done some research and 1 im in no way prepared to pay 1K for the benifit of an ipod connection.
2, Dont really need control through the stereo.
Not wanting to spend the earth on this its only to stop me burning off cd's
Ive done some research and 1 im in no way prepared to pay 1K for the benifit of an ipod connection.
2, Dont really need control through the stereo.
Not wanting to spend the earth on this its only to stop me burning off cd's
Animal thats the kit im looking at!
Found for 299 supplied or 550 fitted? Not sure if worth 250 to have someone fit it? My only concern is getting panels off otherwise im preaty computent to do these sort of things?
Im not that fussed over ipod im more into aux so im not using playlists and using hodgeboded controls etc?
Found for 299 supplied or 550 fitted? Not sure if worth 250 to have someone fit it? My only concern is getting panels off otherwise im preaty computent to do these sort of things?
Im not that fussed over ipod im more into aux so im not using playlists and using hodgeboded controls etc?
kerbys said:
Animal thats the kit im looking at!
Found for 299 supplied or 550 fitted? Not sure if worth 250 to have someone fit it? My only concern is getting panels off otherwise im preaty computent to do these sort of things?
Im not that fussed over ipod im more into aux so im not using playlists and using hodgeboded controls etc?
Mine is fitted behind the carpet on the passenger side of the transmision tunnel.Found for 299 supplied or 550 fitted? Not sure if worth 250 to have someone fit it? My only concern is getting panels off otherwise im preaty computent to do these sort of things?
Im not that fussed over ipod im more into aux so im not using playlists and using hodgeboded controls etc?
The fibre optic cables run down there it looks a simple fit to me.
Do a search and you will find my post if you can't find it i will for you.
Regards
Paul
Kerbys,
Hi - it sounds like we did similar research - I baulked at the cost of having the Dension installed, so bought a Griffen iTrip, which initially I thought was OK, but it isn't - its difficult to find a frequency without interference, and if you're moving (which is not uncommon in a car, TBH...) you have to retune. This got on my nerves so much I no longer use it and I'm looking back at the wired-in option.
Having seem the YouTube video (linked in the thread V8 Animal pointed you at) of a chap taking apart a DB9 dash, it doesn't look that bad, so if you decide to go this route, and fancy some moral support when you come to do it, let me know. I'll selflessly assist whilst getting a good look at the process on someone else's car
Phil.
Hi - it sounds like we did similar research - I baulked at the cost of having the Dension installed, so bought a Griffen iTrip, which initially I thought was OK, but it isn't - its difficult to find a frequency without interference, and if you're moving (which is not uncommon in a car, TBH...) you have to retune. This got on my nerves so much I no longer use it and I'm looking back at the wired-in option.
Having seem the YouTube video (linked in the thread V8 Animal pointed you at) of a chap taking apart a DB9 dash, it doesn't look that bad, so if you decide to go this route, and fancy some moral support when you come to do it, let me know. I'll selflessly assist whilst getting a good look at the process on someone else's car
Phil.
V8 Animal said:
Thanks - do you know if it works correctly for iPod connection in our cars - it's not clear from the site:
KarlFranz said:
Thanks - very informative. Are you still pleased with your setup?Phil.
PhilSm said:
Thanks - very informative. Are you still pleased with your setup?
Phil.
Trying to control the iPod or navigate a USB drive via the stereo controls is frustratingly slow, but as an auxiliary input it would work fine because you can select the music directly via the iPod interface. The quality of the audio is fantastic. RF modulators sound horrible, Bluetooth is much better, and direct connection is better still. Phil.
PhilSm said:
mikey k said:
Parrot Mk9200 is cheaper and better
Mikey,Can I ask why (genuinely interested)? Have you seen one fitted? where do they put the screen?
Phil.
My Volvo uses the same Dension and interface cables.
I didn't like the clunky interface and managed to install the MKi9200 in the Volvo in just under 2 hours!
The sound quality is superb and it is a good handsfree kit to boot!
~£120 fitted IIRC
I've done a bit more research which seems to support the fact that the Parrot kit is not the ideal solution for our cars, as they use fibre optic connections between the control units, CD changer and amps. I think the Parrot kit either integrates into systems with ISO style cable connections, or splices into the speakers and uses its own internal amplifier for iPod playback, using SOT (a new acronym on me, but stands for Sound On Top)
I think an additional module is needed to integrate into the fibre optic (MOST) system, so I'll have a look around for that.
I found this thread here that, although for an earlier model, gives more details, particularly the post from Paralight, copied below:
http://www.track-days.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Phil.
I think an additional module is needed to integrate into the fibre optic (MOST) system, so I'll have a look around for that.
I found this thread here that, although for an earlier model, gives more details, particularly the post from Paralight, copied below:
http://www.track-days.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Paralight said:
Hello All,
I have read with great interest the recent posts concerning the installation of the Parrot MKi range. Having had a little experience of both the cars and the kit, I would like to add a couple of thoughts.
In brief, the way the Vantage (pre 08) Audio system works is, roughly, as follows; The centre stack (radio and heater controls) houses the ICM (infotainment control module), this gives the clock data commands to the rest of the MOST (fibre optic) bus, linking first to the CD changer just below, then the fibre cables run down the centre console around by the battery and into the o/s rear wheel arch where the radio tuner and the SAT NAV gps module is situated. From there it travels to the amplifier (260W) or amplifiers (720W Premium) then back around on itself, making a closed loop.
The existing bluetooth kit (if fitted) is a standalone, Motorola IHF1000, unit which is fitted behind the headlamp switch, accessed from above the accelerator pedal. The connector plug is fitted on all cars regardless of having Bluetooth or not. There is then a loop harness in the passenger footwell that connects to the front speakers to allow connection of a relay block to switch between hands free and audio. On cars which have bluetooth fitted, there is a green aluminium box that does this job.
Points to note if fitting the MKi units. The KRAM 86130 is for the Honda range of cars, this will not fit onto the amplifier (Volvo/Alpine derived). The 86195 lead is the correct plug, however due to the nature of the design of the lead, this will only run 4 speakers, thereby leaving the sub behind the passenger seat connected at all times, i.e. play Ipod through MKi and you will get radio or CD at the same time. One other thing to consider. When the MKi is in use playing Ipod, it utilises its own amplifier, Class D 20W, this would be 5 Watts per channel...
As it happens, I had a call from a V8V owner today. I did ask it he was reading this thread, he wasn't. He had a MKi 9200 installed to his car, the installer had tried for a day and a half to get the kit working adequetly, in the end giving up and offering the parts at cost rather than removing them. I have suggested keeping the Parrot kit as a hands free device and the fitting the Gateway Ipod kit as an Ipod connection.
In conclusion, I will happily advise and help anyone wishing to add kit to their car. However when it is the wrong device for the job, I will try and persuade them against it. They are beautiful cars and I feel very lucky to be able to travel the UK and meet the owners, dealers and then work on these fine cars.
I hope the technicality of this post makes sense. I am always open to enquiries on my mobile (on the website) to answer any questions, or via email. I am on Holiday until Friday 18th though. Many Thanks for taking the time to read this, I hope it helps.
Kind Regards,
James @ Paralight
Another point here that has raised my interest is the location of the radio unit in the o/s rear wheel arch - I wonder if you can splice into the fibre optics here, or even better in the battery area behind the seats. That would save a lot of disassembly if you just wanted iPod integration, as you'd have power easily available and a fair amount of space for the control unit.I have read with great interest the recent posts concerning the installation of the Parrot MKi range. Having had a little experience of both the cars and the kit, I would like to add a couple of thoughts.
In brief, the way the Vantage (pre 08) Audio system works is, roughly, as follows; The centre stack (radio and heater controls) houses the ICM (infotainment control module), this gives the clock data commands to the rest of the MOST (fibre optic) bus, linking first to the CD changer just below, then the fibre cables run down the centre console around by the battery and into the o/s rear wheel arch where the radio tuner and the SAT NAV gps module is situated. From there it travels to the amplifier (260W) or amplifiers (720W Premium) then back around on itself, making a closed loop.
The existing bluetooth kit (if fitted) is a standalone, Motorola IHF1000, unit which is fitted behind the headlamp switch, accessed from above the accelerator pedal. The connector plug is fitted on all cars regardless of having Bluetooth or not. There is then a loop harness in the passenger footwell that connects to the front speakers to allow connection of a relay block to switch between hands free and audio. On cars which have bluetooth fitted, there is a green aluminium box that does this job.
Points to note if fitting the MKi units. The KRAM 86130 is for the Honda range of cars, this will not fit onto the amplifier (Volvo/Alpine derived). The 86195 lead is the correct plug, however due to the nature of the design of the lead, this will only run 4 speakers, thereby leaving the sub behind the passenger seat connected at all times, i.e. play Ipod through MKi and you will get radio or CD at the same time. One other thing to consider. When the MKi is in use playing Ipod, it utilises its own amplifier, Class D 20W, this would be 5 Watts per channel...
As it happens, I had a call from a V8V owner today. I did ask it he was reading this thread, he wasn't. He had a MKi 9200 installed to his car, the installer had tried for a day and a half to get the kit working adequetly, in the end giving up and offering the parts at cost rather than removing them. I have suggested keeping the Parrot kit as a hands free device and the fitting the Gateway Ipod kit as an Ipod connection.
In conclusion, I will happily advise and help anyone wishing to add kit to their car. However when it is the wrong device for the job, I will try and persuade them against it. They are beautiful cars and I feel very lucky to be able to travel the UK and meet the owners, dealers and then work on these fine cars.
I hope the technicality of this post makes sense. I am always open to enquiries on my mobile (on the website) to answer any questions, or via email. I am on Holiday until Friday 18th though. Many Thanks for taking the time to read this, I hope it helps.
Kind Regards,
James @ Paralight
Phil.
The IPod kit needs to be mounted to the fibre cables behind the cd changer. This is because the Dension kit operates as a cd emulator so needs to be connected next in line to the changer.
I did look at the you tube video of the DB9 disassembly, and winced!! When removing the top cover, the DB9 and V8V sat nav lid is retained differently. Also, please don't use the lever tools shown in the video, they will mark the leather either side of the top cover.
All the best for a great Christmas to all PH'ers.
James@paralight
I did look at the you tube video of the DB9 disassembly, and winced!! When removing the top cover, the DB9 and V8V sat nav lid is retained differently. Also, please don't use the lever tools shown in the video, they will mark the leather either side of the top cover.
All the best for a great Christmas to all PH'ers.
James@paralight
James,
Thanks for taking the time to reply. What's the trick on the Vantage for the top cover? Can you unclip it by lifting from the bottom edge, after the section below has been removed?
Also, do you know if my comments correct about the later Parrot kit recommended earlier in the thread?
Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas,
Phil.
Thanks for taking the time to reply. What's the trick on the Vantage for the top cover? Can you unclip it by lifting from the bottom edge, after the section below has been removed?
Also, do you know if my comments correct about the later Parrot kit recommended earlier in the thread?
Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas,
Phil.
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