Joy of joys.. New stereo

outlaw6bob · Post by **outlaw6bob** » 03 May 2008, 13:03

I just installed an Alpine unit in the S70 I just got. That was by far the easiest stereo install ever. On my eclipse I used to have there were haggard plastic trim and the tabs broke and it was just bunk. By the way the head unit is IDA-x001 digital media receiver and it rules.

ANIGAV Inc. · Post by **ANIGAV Inc.** » 04 May 2008, 08:43

thanks for all the input

Post by **luketrash** » 05 May 2008, 12:21

I beat my record in the 850 last week

I just installed the Alpine CDA-9885 (on sale at Crutchfield.com right now) in my 'new to me' Volvo 245.

The previous owner had a Kenwood tape deck already installed, which helped out greatly. I reused the mounting kit he was using, and cut and redid the wiring harness and I was off to the races.

15 minutes from head scratching to done. I'm loving the radio more than the Alpine I have in my 850 (it cost more, so duh...)

Post by **kelvin6** » 06 May 2008, 00:53

Right now i'm in the process of moving my 850's sound system over to my S70, but nothing is progressing due to something very simple...

The custom wood dash is blocking the radio from being pulled out. lol.

Until I remove it, I won't be able to use my iPod Blitzsafe for the SC-816, my 50x4 (RMS) watt power amp to drive my stock speakers. Believe me, having the amplifier was a night and day difference in sound quality i've ever experienced in my old 850. I purposely set the amplifier at lower gain so that it doesn't destroy the stock speakers or my ears!

I've always been a advocate of keeping the stock headunit on these SC units, because of the discrete-ness of it (no one really wants to steal it) and the fact it has a pre-outs ability so that it can support a OEM or aftermarket amplifier (which I do make and sell adapters for).

The amplifier really showed how weak the stock headunit was at powering speakers directly, and even then the speakers were proven to be underpowered (they can apparently take much more than the stock unit can provide).

ipitytheblue · Post by **ipitytheblue** » 15 Jun 2008, 15:51

First of all, this thread has been a Godsend because I'm just about to do the install on a Crutchfield unit (probably a Pioneer DEH-P5000, though... although I'm looking at the Alpine CDA-9884 as well) and it's answered a lot of questions and concerns I had.

One question though: What do you do with the ext. Volvo amplifier when installing one of these new Head Units? I'm curious because the reason I'm buying one in the first place is my amp blew up while I was driving (fun, believe me..........). I think I remember hearing that you don't need one with a new HU and to just bypass the amp. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get the mechanic to bypass it so I can do the install soon myself but I just wanted to make sure.

Thanks!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 15 Jun 2008, 18:15

Actually it is much easier than you think. The output of the factory amp plugs back into the original factory speaker harness.

If you dig around behind the OEM head unit you will find the plug, on mine it was wrapped with a foam covered tape. Once you slit the tape open you can unplug the amp and you have exactly the connector that will plug into the back of the stereo if it didn't have the amp option. The adapter kits will mate up perfectly.

...Lee

ipitytheblue · Post by **ipitytheblue** » 15 Jun 2008, 19:46

That sounds spectacular. I guess part two of my question should be concerning where the amp gets power from. If the amp is literally a dead box after disconnecting it from the wiring harness to the HU, then I'm set.

So does the amp get its power from the HU or from another source? If I can get it out of the shop without paying the mechanic to dig around under my dash, I'll be thrilled.

Thanks all.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 15 Jun 2008, 19:51

It has its own power lines but the center pin on the DIN connector from the OEM head unit tells it to turn on and off.

While unplugging it from the head unit doesn't completely remove power from the amp it does effectively turn it off.

...Lee

ipitytheblue · Post by **ipitytheblue** » 15 Jun 2008, 21:38

Sounds great. Thanks for the info, Lee.

bigfinn · Post by **bigfinn** » 24 Jun 2008, 22:10

If you are looking for an after-market stereo that looks best in your S70 or 850, take a look at the Pioneer FH-P8000BT. This is a double din receiver that will fit perfectly into the hole left behind by the original Volvo radio. No cubby hole to look at!
It has great power, 50x4 watts. Sounds great! What I really enjoy is bluetooth technology for my cell phonel This stereo comes with a microphone for your phone conversations, and the audio comes through the car's speakers. It also has an i-pod connector that I ran to the glove box. Not to mention a cd player (I had a cassette player in my volvo radio.)
My original speakers sound even better with the new stereo. I would post a picture of how it looks, but not sure how to post pictures on this forum. Go to Pioneer.com and check it out!