96 850 radio swap.

Post by **RobTheModd** » 07 Nov 2009, 14:20

Is it worth putting in an original radio with tape deck. The guy before me took it out and installed a newer radio. I want to know if it's worth installing or replacing that with an original. Tape deck not cd. Anyone know the wattage? Sc-710 is what it says on face.

Post by **meine39** » 07 Nov 2009, 15:33

Worth it from what perspective? Sound quality? All original appearance? Presumably the aftermarket unit has a CD player - most wouldn't see it as "worth it" to regress back to a tape player.

Sound quality of the original in our '95 is very good - admirable for an OEM unit - I don't recall the wattage. You may need a 4-digit security code to unlock the original if you put it back in - I don't know if Volvo was still using that ill-advised "feature" on the 96's or not.

We did replace our '95 with an aftermarket unit that added CD playback and iPod integration, although there is apparently a pretty easy retrofit to add an "auxiliary in" to the original head unit for iPod/MP3 input.

I think there may be some interchangeability with later modely years so that you could add a Volvo OEM head unit that has CD playback.

Post by **RobTheModd** » 07 Nov 2009, 16:27

Have the code.
Really I wanted to know if the wattge was higher than the 250 that is in there. As far as quality and cd goes. I don't like to listen tithe same music to much. And I'll just do the iPod integration. Or even get one of the iPod to tape things you plug into the tape deck. Lol.

Is it better if I do not care about the cd function. To use the original vs te one in now.

The 96 came with an option of cd or tape. Butthis one does have a cd button. So I'm thinking.. I forgot a piece at the yard. Lol. Or maybe I didn't.

Post by **meine39** » 07 Nov 2009, 18:37

If it were me I'd try both the aftermarket and OEM units and see which one sounds better playing the same music - removing and reinstalling the radio in this car is pretty simple. Hopefully whoever installed the aftermarket unit used a Volvo-specific harness and didn't hack off the in-car wiring and splice a connector in.

The CD button on the factory radio is for an optional trunk-mounted CD changer.

Believe it or not, the cassette adapters work pretty well - it's a wired connection and beats those pricy FM transmitter adapters for sound quality.

Jealous of that P1800 btw

Post by **RobTheModd** » 07 Nov 2009, 19:29

meine39 wrote: The CD button on the factory radio is for an optional trunk-mounted CD changer.

Believe it or not, the cassette adapters work pretty well - it's a wired connection and beats those pricy FM transmitter adapters for sound quality.

Jealous of that P1800 btw

trust ne I know about the sound quality of a wireless Bleh hate them. I would much rather prefer a inline to the casette. Or even the iPod mod. And don't be. Only cost me a pretty penny. Plus it's more for show. Car shows. Don't drive it much.

Post by **RobTheModd** » 10 Nov 2009, 07:02

lil update...
My sony explod... Mine as well explod when it comes to the SC-710. Apparently I have an amp as well in my car *found out when I took aftermarket radio out. *perhaps if the sony could hook up to that it would sound better*

but the difference is stagering. The sound is much crisper.
Perhaps because this radio was ment to work with the 8 speakers in the volvo correctly?

Personally once I get the ipod modification hooked up I think im going to put the other radio up in the attic incase I ever sell the car and the new owner wants a more up to date system.

was worth it!

luben · Post by **luben** » 30 Jun 2013, 22:02

i had an aftermarket radio/cd/ipod Kenwood. wanted to use it in my other car. the car i'm attempting this in is a 1994 850, non turbo, thanks in advance:

1) I tried reinstalling my OEM 811? radio, and it wont work. I have the code and everything...but nothing.

it seems to have no power coming to it, as if it were dead. it worked about a year ago, before the Kenwood was put in. the fuses are good, so don't even know where to begin...

2) I have a 3cd or 5, not sure, player under the seat, but I had no connection cables, it wasn't part of harness...

any suggestions???

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 01 Jul 2013, 12:05

How bad did the radio wiring harness get hacked up to install the aftermarket radio? That is where I would look first.

...Lee

luben · Post by **luben** » 02 Jul 2013, 23:35

actually Ozark, I took the radio out again and found the cd changer cable tied with a tie wrap.

the wires weren't torn up at all. the aftermarket had a plug and play wire harness that attached to the Volvo original wiring and to the back of the Kenwood. all I did was disconnect and reconnect...

again, I check and double checked wires, they all seem intact, all were placed in original places, tight, radio slipped back in and I have nothing....all fuses double checked under the hood on the left side/drivers side, and all were good...

help please...thanks for reply...

Post by **rspi** » 03 Jul 2013, 20:21

I'm pretty sure that is a "cassette only" deck. My guess it is out. Get one that has a cassette and cd.