Car audio upgrade attempt

[Damhooligan]

I looked for a specific car audio section, but i don't think we have one..

My current car radio has always been under performing, not enough db..

But it did do the trick to some extent so no biggie, but now the cd player is not working anymore. This is not acceptable!!

Tried to revive it with numerous attempts but it seems kaput.

I do have aux input but don't have usb input.

Aux is not convenient for me, and i looked into adding a usb but the cost of that is $150...

That's not worth it.

So was thinking if i buy a new one (can buy a good brand 2din for $150) it would have more dB's and usb input.

Sounds like a winner, almost..

I got a Ford mondeo, and its got an oval shaped dashboard where the radio sits.

So a normal radio won't fit.

I can buy a non brand radio made for the mondeo, but got no trust in those brands and the prices are $500.

So i might consider buying a fascia kit for $50.

And hope that works with a standard 2 din radio..

I just want to play my own music in my own radio, why does it have to be so hard?

Edited December 14, 2015 by Damhooligan

[Guest]

Yes modern dashboards suck, with their built in stereos.

Gone are the days when all car stereos were (more or less) the same size.

[betty boop]

have you done any research on the mondeo's on whether a standard din unit will actually work ? might need an integration kit if your mondeo's current radio is integrated in with the car's bus systems as often modern car systems are. worth a check

 

depends on the year of your mondeo, but dynamic sounds in the uk sell both the facia kit and adapter/integration kit for both upto 2007 and 2007+ models

 

https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/ford-double-din-stereo-fitting-kits.html&filter=67

 

would be worth checking which brand head unit planning on to make sure get the appropriate adapter kit. and there might be cheaper options however wiht my bambino their kit worked a treat and slid in no issue,

 

went from this,

 

 

to this,

 

 

with carplay

 

and satnav

 

with all steering wheel controls working. rear camera just pops up when whack in reverse. display on the radio drops from night to day as headlights come up and such ...its very cool how an after market unit can integrate into a modern car

[shaky]

Can you simply replace the faulty unit with another working one maybe from wreckers and, if it has a line out, use extra funds for a decent amp for the solution to your 'more db' problem?

[Guest]

Tried to edit my post above but didn't work..

What I meant was cars used to come with the same style and size stere and they weren't as intermagrated as they are now...and you could actually get to changing them with some ease.

I look at mine and all I see is plastic which I will no doubt break if I try to get in to it....

At least it doesn't have steering wheel controls etc, should I get around to pulling it apart one day...

Edited December 14, 2015 by Dirty_vinylpusher

[betty boop]

Can you simply replace the faulty unit with another working one maybe from wreckers and, if it has a line out, use extra funds for a decent amp for the solution to your 'more db' problem?

 

adding amps to stock units isn't always an easy thing....depends on what outputs the head unit has....if only has speaker outs...then can buy one of these ...will add a bit more oomph to bottom end...

 

http://www.focalaustralia.com.au/shop/ibus-20-compact-sub/

 

though replacing faulty head unit from wreckers is a possibility.

 

often with stock systems ...while stock units replacement can get gains...its mainly in the replacement of the cardboard speakers they fit as standard that most of the gains come. most stock systems won't be able to handle after market speaker systems...slippery slope  

[shaky]

@@betty boop , Al, line level adapters? Never used the things but a possibility. Always ran aftermarket HU with pre outs. The speaker replacement is a great tip. But one thing of note. Check sensitivity of any new ones as stock speakers commonly are reasonably high to make use of the puny amps in head units.

[betty boop]

@@betty boop , Al, line level adapters? Never used the things but a possibility. Always ran aftermarket HU with pre outs. The speaker replacement is a great tip. But one thing of note. Check sensitivity of any new ones as stock speakers commonly are reasonably high to make use of the puny amps in head units.

 

yes possibility, but some of those line level adapters are horrible. I was forced to use them once, with first car I had with integrated system and no way of replacing head unit...bowed out of car audio for about 10 years after that ...that much was the put off  

 

one of the focal units I pointed too...does a reasonable job with giving speaker level outs as well as integrate a sub..probably the best stock option ...though would need new splits adding...though even a base model focal will do better than the factory speakers.....slippery slope  

 

http://www.focalaustralia.com.au/shop/ibus-2-1-compact-sub/

 

with speaker replacement ...I wouldn't do with stock head unit. as you say the stock units are really only good for running those cheap stock speakers nothing beefier. 

 

I went the head unit, mid range focals, amp and sub upgrade for my bambino...but do pretty decent k's and spend a bit of time in the car, plus we plan on keep it quite a few years so feel worth doing. the factory system was plain rubbish...if see some pics in my link you'll see some pics of even the supposed "bose" upgrade and what rubbish that is...

http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php/topic/81883-suburban-runabout/?p=1378978

[Kazz]

@@Damhooligan check out some of the Australian Ford forums you'll get plenty of ideas by what others have done on there.

 

I've got a 2013 Fiesta so the HU is fully integrated with the car computer so replacing it is not an option,I'm looking at getting an LOC like this:http://www.audiocontrol.com/car-audio/factory-system-upgrade/lc2i/  for an added sub but they come in models with more channels also.

[shaky]

yes possibility, but some of those line level adapters are horrible. I was forced to use them once, with first car I had with integrated system and no way of replacing head unit...bowed out of car audio for about 10 years after that ...that much was the put off  

 

one of the focal units I pointed too...does a reasonable job with giving speaker level outs as well as integrate a sub..probably the best stock option ...though would need new splits adding...though even a base model focal will do better than the factory speakers.....slippery slope  

 

http://www.focalaustralia.com.au/shop/ibus-2-1-compact-sub/

 

with speaker replacement ...I wouldn't do with stock head unit. as you say the stock units are really only good for running those cheap stock speakers nothing beefier.........

Sorry but I laughed at your pain with that first paragraph! Of all things to put you off. The focal unit would do the trick. But yes you are right, it is a very slippery slope.... One upgrade here leads to one upgrade there and yet another later on. Then you find yourself spending obscene amounts of money on 0ga power cable and doing 'the big 3'! When does it end?!

I have always found in a car its good to have decent audio (for me more SQ than anything) so it soothes the savage beast I become because of other lesser talented drivers on the road (think morons wandering all over the road etc)

[Damhooligan]

have you done any research on the mondeo's on whether a standard din unit will actually work ? might need an integration kit if your mondeo's current radio is integrated in with the car's bus systems as often modern car systems are. worth a check

First of all, lovely pictures.

Looking good.

Not sure if I need an integration kit.

I understand i need a fascia,i xan organise that..

But let a professional install the cabling side of it.

Im not touching that .

Got a `07 mondeo MA

Edited December 15, 2015 by Damhooligan

[Damhooligan]

Can you simply replace the faulty unit with another working one maybe from wreckers and, if it has a line out, use extra funds for a decent amp for the solution to your 'more db' problem?

It seems pointless to replace it with the same and try to fix that one.

And i don't think it has a line out, i didn't see one when i pulled it out.

As it also lacks usb playback and Bluetooth.

Might be cheaper to get a new after market one.

And then i get all the extras.

[Damhooligan]

@@Damhooligan check out some of the Australian Ford forums you'll get plenty of ideas by what others have done on there.

 

I've got a 2013 Fiesta so the HU is fully integrated with the car computer so replacing it is not an option,I'm looking at getting an LOC like this:http://www.audiocontrol.com/car-audio/factory-system-upgrade/lc2i/  for an added sub but they come in models with more channels also.

Good idea.

More forums.. (insert cheeky smiley here .. )

I managed to pull the radio out, and it seems possible to put another in there.

Maybe one of those forums wil give me more information.

[betty boop]

First of all, lovely pictures.

Looking good.

Not sure if I need an integration kit.

Thanks for the tip.

Will have to figure that out.

Got a `07 mondeo MA.

No worries link I provided has necessary kit if needed

As per my installer be aware there are many kits. The one came with mine installer told me always works. Not all do

[Damhooligan]

No worries link I provided has necessary kit if needed

As per my installer be aware there are many kits. The one came with mine installer told me always works. Not all do

I found a fascia wkut which according to them is suited for my model .

I could then find a radio that suits that converter kit.

And let the professionals install it.

[betty boop]

I found a fascia wkut which according to them is suited for my model .

I could then find a radio that suits that converter kit.

And let the professionals install it.

 

its all i did, order double din adapter for the car, specify brand name radio and car going into to get the appropriate integration kit. and then got car audio installer to do the rest. in my case having done a bit of google its not a straight forward install, preferred to leave to the guys to do...kind of thing they do day in day out, probably did in half a day what would likely take me days ! with grumbling and cursing  

 

id checkin with local car audio installer first up though being a mondeo they might have all thats needed on hand and supply radio etc at discounted rate given an install . I see you are in vic, I used freeway car audio in dandenong,

http://freewaycaraudio.com.au/

 

can highly recommend, have used those guys few times with my systems over last 20 years and they are top notch, do a great job and unbelievably affordable for what they do.

[Damhooligan]

its all i did, order double din adapter for the car, specify brand name radio and car going into to get the appropriate integration kit. and then got car audio installer to do the rest. in my case having done a bit of google its not a straight forward install, preferred to leave to the guys to do...kind of thing they do day in day out, probably did in half a day what would likely take me days ! with grumbling and cursing  

 

id checkin with local car audio installer first up though being a mondeo they might have all thats needed on hand and supply radio etc at discounted rate given an install . I see you are in vic, I used freeway car audio in dandenong,

http://freewaycaraudio.com.au/

 

can highly recommend, have used those guys few times with my systems over last 20 years and they are top notch, do a great job and unbelievably affordable for what they do.

I did just gave them an email, seeing if they can give me a quote for installation costs.

I did go to 2 shops after work today to get an idea of installation costs, and am blown away.

Prices has gone up..

jbhifi 170-190 bucks for an install.

Autobarn was cheaper at 150, but still a fair chunk.

And the fun doesn't end here.. offcourse I need adapters and modules (steering controls).That's another $200.

mayby even more.

SO looking at $350 for an install, and don't even have the radio yet.

[betty boop]

I did just gave them an email, seeing if they can give me a quote for installation costs.

I did go to 2 shops after work today to get an idea of installation costs, and am blown away.

Prices has gone up..

jbhifi 170-190 bucks for an install.

Autobarn was cheaper at 150, but still a fair chunk.

And the fun doesn't end here.. offcourse I need adapters and modules (steering controls).That's another $200.

mayby even more.

SO looking at $350 for an install, and don't even have the radio yet.

 

I wouldn't touch either jb hifi or autobarn...no matter what they charge !

[silver_man]

Here is a link I saved from when I used to own an MA Mondeo XR5... that was a fun car!

http://www.talkford.com/community/forum/134-in-car-entertainment-mk4-mondeo/

 

Also the guys on the Xr5Turbo forum have plenty of info: http://www.fordxr5turbo.com/forum/index.php?board=33.0

 

The Eonon units are quite popular, and from memory retain the steering wheel controls.

Edit: To add, the Eonon units are popular because they are the same shape as the mondeo unit, meaning as close to a straight swap as possible.

 

If you have the stock sony cd stacker as standard, don't worry... I traded my car in with 3 cds still stuck in the stupid thing.

Edited December 15, 2015 by silver_man

[Damhooligan]

The Eonon units are quite popular, and from memory retain the steering wheel controls.

Edit: To add, the Eonon units are popular because they are the same shape as the mondeo unit, meaning as close to a straight swap as possible.

There are a few out there, like eonon.

I can understand the straight swap logic, and that is a good thing.

But little to none info on the sound quality.

I have seen some advertisers listing all it has ;

gps/camera/Bluetooth/wifi and so on, all in perfect detail including screen resolution,

but the one little thing I want to know; wattage output, nowhere to be found.

So a big fear is that it will sound shite, and $500 bucks for shite I'm not looking forward too.

[Damhooligan]

I did had another look at those 'straight swap' models.

I found 2 interesting ones, both listed the wattage output , yay me.

The more expensive one looks better, but not sure why I cant go for the cheaper one.

One is the more expensive one $550.

Local seller , looks good, and has a very good description.

Explaining everything in detail.

And a very decent gps program .

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Ford-Focus-Mondeo-Car-DVD-Player-GPS-Head-Unit-Sat-Nav-Navi-Stereo-Radio-MP3-TU-/111652217470?hash=item19fefda27e:g:dHwAAOSwPhdVNrBk

The other one is clearly cheaper at $330.

But seems it's coming from hong kong not Sydney, just has a 'Sydney warranty' ?

other then that it seems to be similar to the other one.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Sydney-Warranty7-Car-DVD-CD-Radio-BT-for-FORD-FOCUS-C-S-MAX-MONDEO-GALAXY-7608AH-/172008825652?hash=item280c866334:g:mwUAAOSwEgVWTDtp

[Damhooligan]

Ow bang bang..

I just discovered they make them with Android os.

Im a big android fan, pretty sure i will end up with an android unit

[Damhooligan]

Im stil unsure what to pick.

Either go with a touch screen kenwood and local install.

Or go with eonon and self install.

Prices are similar, so this is not a factor.

Benefit of kenwood is that quality will be guaranteed, but no built in gadgets like gps.

Benefit of eonon will be gadgets.

As it runs on android with all the android apps it will have a lot of options. (obd2 is a good one)

And so is gps and build in wifi.

But unsure what the quality will be like.

[Damhooligan]

Decided to go with eonon.

Unit arrived couple of days ago and installation was easy.

Sound is as expected not that impressive but at least it's not worse then the stock sony.

It's actually slightly better then the sony.

Everything seems to be working fine, gps is something i like a lot.

Steering wheel control works fine.

Didn't like the original launcher that much so i tried go launcher and that works a treat.

Also installed poweramp app and that makes it sound heaps better.

Overall quite happy with it.

Might post some pictures later if anyone is interested.

Edited January 6, 2016 by Damhooligan

[betocool]

Please post some pics! Yaaay!!!!