Hi all,
I am thinking to replace my radio unit HU-803 in a 02 v70. I believe this got a factory fitted amplifier?
Ideally I would like to use the Volvo amplifier which I would connect to a chinese double din multimedia unit.
Does any one knows if this can be done and what I would need? I see some amplifier adaptor which they call amplifier bypass with a 6 pin din to a 4x phono rca. As I understand I wouldn't want to by pass the amplifier but using it with my aftermarket unit.
I am a bit lost in what sort of adaptors and I would need. The entire kits and parts I find online seems unreasonably expensive and as there are so many parts needed including fascia, frame , brackets, wiring adaptors which makes me in doubt the cost benefit of this project and as I am not clear would fit my car any input on this would be much appreciated.
2002 v70 installation of aftermarket radio
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Rattnalle
- Posts: 1674
- Joined: 1 September 2017
- Year and Model: 2004 V70 2.5T
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Yes it can be done, using the adapter you're describing on the line out of the unit you're installing.
However I tried that myself using an Alpine head unit that had recieves good reviews for it's true sound reproduction and the result was quite poor. I ended up installing an aftermarket amp beneath the floor in the boot.
What's the reason for the switch? If everything is working properly I'd go for a GROM or similar interface to add Bluetooth or aux rather than replacing the head unit.
However I tried that myself using an Alpine head unit that had recieves good reviews for it's true sound reproduction and the result was quite poor. I ended up installing an aftermarket amp beneath the floor in the boot.
What's the reason for the switch? If everything is working properly I'd go for a GROM or similar interface to add Bluetooth or aux rather than replacing the head unit.
That was my first concern and that is clear now. However if after all this the sound quality is poor there is no point to replace the head unit.
Once I replace the the original radio in an old 760 with a Sony and the sound was horrible in comparison to the original. now you make me think if it is worth.
Originally I had few questions about adaptors I would need the aerial Volvo to ISO adaptor, the 2 Volvo unit to ISO adaptor to power the unit., the amplifier by pass adaptor. The radio steering controls probably would be lost?
Would I need any type of dealer Vida to program anything to the car?
Once I replace the the original radio in an old 760 with a Sony and the sound was horrible in comparison to the original. now you make me think if it is worth.
Originally I had few questions about adaptors I would need the aerial Volvo to ISO adaptor, the 2 Volvo unit to ISO adaptor to power the unit., the amplifier by pass adaptor. The radio steering controls probably would be lost?
Would I need any type of dealer Vida to program anything to the car?
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Rattnalle
- Posts: 1674
- Joined: 1 September 2017
- Year and Model: 2004 V70 2.5T
- Location: Sweden
- Has thanked: 20 times
- Been thanked: 133 times
You'll need the ISO and antenna adapters, yes.
Steering wheel controls are lost though. No reprogramming needed, the car will just throw an invisible error code that the radio is missing but that in itself isn't a problem.
As I said there are interfaces that will let you connect your phone to the original radio using the CD changer DIN connector.
Steering wheel controls are lost though. No reprogramming needed, the car will just throw an invisible error code that the radio is missing but that in itself isn't a problem.
As I said there are interfaces that will let you connect your phone to the original radio using the CD changer DIN connector.
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EngineeringBloke
- Posts: 318
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- Year and Model: 2006 2.5T S60
- Location: Boston
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The Volvo head unit has low level outputs (for an amplifier) via a 6 pin DIN socket, and speaker level outputs via a (green?) rectangular socket.
1. If there is no external amplifier, then the plug for the speakers is plugged into the head unit.
2. If there is an external amplifier (under the passenger seat), then a DIN to DIN cable connects from the head unit to the amplifier input, and the amplifier outputs are connected to a cable with inline socket near the head unit which is connected to the speaker plug. This is a 4-channel amplifier for front left, front right, rear left and rear right speakers.
3. You can add an after-market head unit, or an after-market amplifier or both. Also you can replace the speakers in the front doors which are usually fairly worn after a decade or more.
It is useful to get a kit for such a replacement head-unit, but you can also find the parts. You will need:
- A mounting frame that will hold a DIN or double DIN radio, and is shaped to replace the current head unit in the front console. Note these vary in how well they match the color of the other parts of the console, and are year and model specific.
- A set of two leads with Volvo rectangular plugs. One is for the speaker wires, the other has power, ground, and other car controls. You connect the wires on these plugs to wires that come with your new radio using crimp connectors, or soldering. This allows you to connect the new radio to the existing plugs, and to remove and replace the original unit, if needed.
- The ISO antenna (aerial connection).
- There is also an antenna amplifier power lead on some models. I think the new radio will provide antenna power and it will go to one of the wires in the non-speaker Volvo plug.
- There are some after-market adapters that allow the use of the steering wheel controls, but please check to see if your model is supported.
The head unit usually has an amplifier and so has speaker outputs so can be used without an external amplifier like the Volvo head unit. But you typically get better speaker control and sound with an amplifier.
To use the existing Volvo external amplifier, you will need an after-market head unit (phono plugs) to Volvo amplifier (DIN) - the new head unit will typically come with phono sockets for low level audio output. Note the terminology, as there is a totally different lead for Volvo head unit to aftermarket amplifier. Some of these lead are sold on Ebay and quite reasonable.
You will then use the existing Volvo amplifier to speakers lead - no need to change that. Example:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-Stereo-R ... 0763802434
If you decide to use a non-Volvo amplifier, you can replace the existing amplifier, but you will need to tap into the power leads there, and find an adaptor to connect the wires which you will attach to the new amplifier, to the Volvo speaker plug at the amp. Alternatively, you can use another location, like the trunk, and run new power wires from the battery to the amp. You will need to run audio (phono) wires from the head unit to the amp, plus an amp turn on wire, and run the speaker output wires back.
Volvo and aftermarket radios provide front and rear speakers, so 2 pairs (4) of phono cables and 4 pairs of speaker wires.
There are useful resources here on Matthews Volvo:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/categ ... o-speakers
and:
Volvo oem amp install in a 1998 v70
S60 v70 audio upgrade
Note. You will need to disconnect the battery while you work on the radio console, and to be sure to turn the ignition switch to position 2 prior to reconnecting the battery, or you will need VIDA or the dealer to reset the airbag light.
And I enjoy seeing the amazing craftsmanship at DIYMA (mobile audio forum). There is a 2015 Volvo build log there now:
https://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/bu ... hd-ae.html
Note he cut the wires on the green plug and I would not recommend that - instead get the corresponding green socket and wire into that.
Good luck, and let us know if you have more questions.
1. If there is no external amplifier, then the plug for the speakers is plugged into the head unit.
2. If there is an external amplifier (under the passenger seat), then a DIN to DIN cable connects from the head unit to the amplifier input, and the amplifier outputs are connected to a cable with inline socket near the head unit which is connected to the speaker plug. This is a 4-channel amplifier for front left, front right, rear left and rear right speakers.
3. You can add an after-market head unit, or an after-market amplifier or both. Also you can replace the speakers in the front doors which are usually fairly worn after a decade or more.
It is useful to get a kit for such a replacement head-unit, but you can also find the parts. You will need:
- A mounting frame that will hold a DIN or double DIN radio, and is shaped to replace the current head unit in the front console. Note these vary in how well they match the color of the other parts of the console, and are year and model specific.
- A set of two leads with Volvo rectangular plugs. One is for the speaker wires, the other has power, ground, and other car controls. You connect the wires on these plugs to wires that come with your new radio using crimp connectors, or soldering. This allows you to connect the new radio to the existing plugs, and to remove and replace the original unit, if needed.
- The ISO antenna (aerial connection).
- There is also an antenna amplifier power lead on some models. I think the new radio will provide antenna power and it will go to one of the wires in the non-speaker Volvo plug.
- There are some after-market adapters that allow the use of the steering wheel controls, but please check to see if your model is supported.
The head unit usually has an amplifier and so has speaker outputs so can be used without an external amplifier like the Volvo head unit. But you typically get better speaker control and sound with an amplifier.
To use the existing Volvo external amplifier, you will need an after-market head unit (phono plugs) to Volvo amplifier (DIN) - the new head unit will typically come with phono sockets for low level audio output. Note the terminology, as there is a totally different lead for Volvo head unit to aftermarket amplifier. Some of these lead are sold on Ebay and quite reasonable.
You will then use the existing Volvo amplifier to speakers lead - no need to change that. Example:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-Stereo-R ... 0763802434
If you decide to use a non-Volvo amplifier, you can replace the existing amplifier, but you will need to tap into the power leads there, and find an adaptor to connect the wires which you will attach to the new amplifier, to the Volvo speaker plug at the amp. Alternatively, you can use another location, like the trunk, and run new power wires from the battery to the amp. You will need to run audio (phono) wires from the head unit to the amp, plus an amp turn on wire, and run the speaker output wires back.
Volvo and aftermarket radios provide front and rear speakers, so 2 pairs (4) of phono cables and 4 pairs of speaker wires.
There are useful resources here on Matthews Volvo:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/categ ... o-speakers
and:
Volvo oem amp install in a 1998 v70
S60 v70 audio upgrade
Note. You will need to disconnect the battery while you work on the radio console, and to be sure to turn the ignition switch to position 2 prior to reconnecting the battery, or you will need VIDA or the dealer to reset the airbag light.
And I enjoy seeing the amazing craftsmanship at DIYMA (mobile audio forum). There is a 2015 Volvo build log there now:
https://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/bu ... hd-ae.html
Note he cut the wires on the green plug and I would not recommend that - instead get the corresponding green socket and wire into that.
Good luck, and let us know if you have more questions.
Many thanks for your comprehensive reply. Apologies for only now being able to reply. I am thinking to try the replacement of the original volvo head unit but definetly not replacing volvo amplifier.
I got few more questions:
1-how is the sound quality of after market radio connected to Volvo original amplifier? ( this is the most important question) Anyone satisfied with the sound of aftermarket radio connected to the volvo original amplifier?
2-you mentioned I would need an aftermarket radio providing 4 audio phono output however my multimedia got 2 phono output only.
3-you mentioned an antenna power lead. I thought I would need only Volvo to ISO adaptor. How can I know before open the radio if my car use one of these. I would like to have all parts need before open the dashboard.
Many thanks
I got few more questions:
1-how is the sound quality of after market radio connected to Volvo original amplifier? ( this is the most important question) Anyone satisfied with the sound of aftermarket radio connected to the volvo original amplifier?
2-you mentioned I would need an aftermarket radio providing 4 audio phono output however my multimedia got 2 phono output only.
3-you mentioned an antenna power lead. I thought I would need only Volvo to ISO adaptor. How can I know before open the radio if my car use one of these. I would like to have all parts need before open the dashboard.
Many thanks
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