HU-613: upgrade to HU-650 or HU-803?

ionianp2 · Post by **ionianp2** » 02 Sep 2020, 05:41

Hi Everyone,

I hope all is well. I had a radio question. Currently have an HU-613 in an 04 S60. Works fine and they very reliable, but I would like to have RDS which means I either:

- Upgrade to the HU-803 which is more costly and involves adding the amp and center speaker; not as reliable as the 613 but I may get better sound
- Experimental: Finding an HU-650 from late 1st gen S80 (which has cassette) and swapping faceplate with my HU-613 (which is contoured for the S60 center console) if it fits; then hope that the steering wheel controls work.

Has anyone tried to put HU-650 from an S80 to a pre '05 S60? OR is it not worth the trouble and just upgrade to the HU-803?

I would like to hear peoples' thoughts.

Best Regards,

ionianp2

Post by **oragex** » 02 Sep 2020, 05:47

The HU-650 and 850 don't work in your car. The entire panel along with the climate control module is different. Even the plastic trim piece that goes around the transmission shifter is different.

ionianp2 · Post by **ionianp2** » 02 Sep 2020, 06:13

Hi Oragex,

I'm aware that the trim is different. If you look at the HU-650 from the S80 it has the cassette player. Please see photo below

: 05-06-07-Volvo-V70-HU-650-Radio-Single.jpg (17.4 KiB) Viewed 3356 times

I'm aware that the faceplate on that is curvy on the top right versus angular on my HU-613, what I was wondering is if I could swap the faceplates and if the internals would play nicely (steering wheel controls etc)?

Post by **oragex** » 02 Sep 2020, 07:20

For the face plate, maybe it works, but it's quite some trouble, the audio face plate is not that easy to detach. The CCM will need the same treatment. As for software compatibility, I guess it will cause problems because the year is too different, such as no steering controls and even no face light on the radio

Post by **vtl** » 02 Sep 2020, 09:55

Any HU for 15+ years old Volvo is dirt cheap these days. Ebay prices are sometimes lower than I'd pay for the recycling of my old units.

ionianp2 · Post by **ionianp2** » 02 Sep 2020, 09:57

I see. Would you folks say that the difference between the 803 and 613 worth the upgrade?

Post by **vtl** » 02 Sep 2020, 10:09

Center speaker worth it, either via 8xx route or aftermarket. I have Kenwood DDX head unit + Focal ICU/ISS speakers/tweeters in doors and Volvo blue label center speaker + DIY amp driving it - very pleased, on par with or better than Harman Kardon in wife's XC60.

Center speaker really makes a difference.

Replacing white label speakers with anything makes a difference too.

Heck, even replacing awful HU-650 with anything makes a difference! =) HU-613 that I've had in 02 V70 was good, though.