Replacing C-813 with C-900

philosophicaldreamer · Post by **philosophicaldreamer** » 03 Sep 2006, 16:41

Seeking quick advice, since I have never done this: I am thinking about replacing in my wife's S70 SC-813 radio with SC-900 radio/CD changer. Has anyone done this? How difficult is it to do it? Is it merely a matter of unplugging the original radio and plugging the new system? Or do I have to do any additional adjustments? Any help in this regard will be deeply appreciated.

Thank you.
Ta-ta, j.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 03 Sep 2006, 21:16

I answered you over on the brickboard, but I believe that the SC-900 takes an amp besides the head unit. You'll want to confirm this before just jumping in for a swap.

Capt Jack · Post by **Capt Jack** » 04 Sep 2006, 06:16

We did the reverse swap on our S70. The three-disk cartridge multi-changer is a very complex mechanism, it kept jamming and ultimately wrecked a disc. We swapped it out for an SC-805 single-shot CD/tape/radio, sourced second hand from the dealer who had sold us the car.

I think the SC900 can (should?) have an external amp and extra speakers, but there was no evidence of any of this on our car. I'm guessing that a previous owner had perhaps put in the SC900 to replace an original SC805?

I believe that some of the later S40/V40 CD-radios will also fit - these are more readily available on e-bay, but don't look quite as 'at-home' in the dash as do the older 805s.

philosophicaldreamer · Post by **philosophicaldreamer** » 04 Sep 2006, 07:17

Capt Jack wrote:We did the reverse swap on our S70. The three-disk cartridge multi-changer is a very complex mechanism, it kept jamming and ultimately wrecked a disc. We swapped it out for an SC-805 single-shot CD/tape/radio, sourced second hand from the dealer who had sold us the car.

I think the SC900 can (should?) have an external amp and extra speakers, but there was no evidence of any of this on our car. I'm guessing that a previous owner had perhaps put in the SC900 to replace an original SC805?

Thank you for your response. You say that you car used to have SC-900 without an external amplfier. I am wondering how did the system sound like without an amplifier? Do I really need an amplifier or is it possible to listen to the radio or CDs without it? I found a potential source of SC-900 from a volvo that got totaled, and the owner is basically giving away the unit. However, he does not have any longer the amplifier that came with the car. So should I look for an amplifier? Or can I get away with merely swapping the units in my car?

Thanks.
Ta-ta, j.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Sep 2006, 07:48

Not sure about the details but doesn't the SC-900 add dolby prologic? If so then without the amp you wont' have that, I don't believe. I've even read elsewhere that without the amp there is no sound at all...don't know about that. http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=63886

philosophicaldreamer · Post by **philosophicaldreamer** » 04 Sep 2006, 12:09

Thanks again. I guess I am going to have to get me an amplifier to be on a safe side. However, one of my friends is telling me that I should go with a SC-901 instead of SC-900, since they are apparently less prone to having probelms with their changers.

Thanks.
Ta-ta, j.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Sep 2006, 15:47

I've heard the same thing...but if you're going to go to all of that trouble, why not install a USA-Spec iPod adapter? You can load a ton more music up on an iPod and it would be a lot less hassle. I have one in my S70 and love it!

philosophicaldreamer · Post by **philosophicaldreamer** » 04 Sep 2006, 18:40

To be honest I never thought about this

This is an excellent idea. If I decided to have iPod adapter installed, would this mean that I could stick with my original radio? I am not that adept at installing such stuff. Who could install such an adapter for me? Do you have any idea?

Thanks.
Ta-ta, j.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Sep 2006, 20:00

philosophicaldreamer wrote:Who could install such an adapter for me? Do you have any idea?Thanks.
Ta-ta, j.

I did it myself...I'll walk you through it...really nothing to it...and yes you can keep your current (stock) Volvo radio. Btw, there's a whole section on this site on how to do this. You'll need the USA-Spec iPod Adapter, a Volvo cable that is also sold by the same people....Actually I just looked at the iPod section here on Matthews but it wasn't very helpful for what you want. Here, read this: http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=39141

philosophicaldreamer · Post by **philosophicaldreamer** » 04 Sep 2006, 20:34

This is excellent. You have been very kind with your help. I have looked at the link you have attached, and I believe I can do it myself, to my surprise

If I can impose on you one more time with a stupid question. I am not an iPod guy, which means I have no need to for carrying my iPod around. I assume that once I install the harness, I or my wife will keep the iPod in the car on semi-permanent basis. What sort of iPod is the best to get? And where would you place it in the car?

Thanks again for your help.
Ta-ta, j.