swedishiron Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 I caved in and decided to ship my SC-901 off to Alpine for refurbishment; I will let you know how things go. My understanding is turn around should be quick - we will see. I read online that Alpine will update the firmware to allow the head unit to read CD-Rs (not mp3s of course) - hopefully this is true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(n)A-GAME Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 keep us posted! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chilled man Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 why ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AaronD81 Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 why ? Seconded, my SC-816 never had a problem reading CD-Rs, is this a 901 specific problem? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkc70 Posted September 11, 2009 Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 Seconded, my SC-816 never had a problem reading CD-Rs, is this a 901 specific problem? The 900/901 Z mechanism seems to fail a decent amount. Thought the price for refurbishment of the CD mechanism was over $130. If you really want to listen to CD's again just get a used 6 disc changer. They sell for practically nothing used, mine cost $50 shipped w/ the adapter. Good luck on the repairs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chilled man Posted September 11, 2009 Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 Seconded, my SC-816 never had a problem reading CD-Rs, is this a 901 specific problem? that all volvo radios are junk yes Why waste the $150 or so on the stock unit and just go aftermarket for less and get whateverusbipodthingy control also :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jippi 855 GLT Posted September 11, 2009 Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 why?? its probably cheaper to get a aftermarket hu.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEJinFBK Posted September 11, 2009 Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 I've said it before, I'll say it again. I LIKE the 901. I've installed alotta aftermarket decks, usually because the stock stuff was just plain rubbish. But Volvo spent the money on these decks. Pros: Easy to use, well thought out controls with Nice, Clean Alpine sound. Since it's a very basic audio system, upgrades are still pretty simple. Larger amps, EQ's, sub adds are all compatible with A/M line signals. No fiber optics, no networking, just line level audio. No biggie. And I really enjoy the Dolby Surround. I listen to almost all of my music with it. Another nice feature is the factory integrated look. That radio belongs there. And C'mon... NOBODY steals stock Volvo decks! Cons: The stock 4 x 50w system really could use a sub some days... That said, the last few years have brought us some killer double DIN touch screen LCD's with nav, bluetooth and all the other sick goodies. ( In my case, I just don't need those features. Fairbanks is pretty small.) So it really is a personal taste thing. Just use a wiring adapter if you go A/M. When you sell, drop that stocker back in and take your toys with ya! Chilled? How can I believe YOU? You don't even like AWD! (Remember, you still have an open invite to IceTrack Fairbanks. Anytime, dude! Maybe I'll even have a sub by then... ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedishiron Posted September 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 I love the surround sound and I have never had an aftermarket system sound this good; My head units (Sc-901) changer unit is not working. I think have the surround sound is part of what makes these cars unique. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medicman55 Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 I really dislike the look of aftermarket HUs. They always have too many things going on with them, and the ambient light is never correct. I understand why he is keeping the stock HU. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beadgc23 Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 I picked up a 2004 SC-901 (with firmware numbers higher than those I've seen posted) in mint condition for $125 and I'm very happy with it. Everything works, and I can make passengers giggle with the 3 disk changer mechanism. What's good: Sound quality is A1 - super quiet, super clean, no digital noise whatsoever (hate this) I've used recent head units that sounded way worse. Blows the SC-816 clean away, too. Separate 5 band EQ for both front and rear outputs (very good for it's age) Defeatable (finally!) preset EQ curves for a variety of cars Subtle RDS display and a decent radio tuner that can use the dual powered antenna Dolby ProLogic unit makes the rear speakers useable again - I don't have the center channel speaker and I'm not sure that it would be close to the standard of my Boston components but if I ever found a tan center channel dash (3990...anyone?) I'd be on it in a second. The extra ambience below 50% is very effective, and can be EQ'd so it doesn't kill the front stage. Works seamlessly with the USA•SPEC ipod interface - all the 6CD transport controls work apart from pause, which can be simulated with the power switch (pauses the iphone in my case) This kills the only kinda-negative for me, no MP3 CD playback. 32GB iPhone music/video storage is enough at the moment! Interface also has an extra line input for computer/DVD player etc. The iPhone even does reasonable GPS without chatting at me. Integrates perfectly with the car. With the iPhone cable stowed, it looks 100% stock, because it is . What's bad: 2 years ago, not playing burned CD's would have been a pain. Today, not an issue. OK - thought of something. I would kill (severely inconvenience, perhaps) for a separate non-fading sub output with level control. Yes, I can tweak the amp, but it gets old. I've been pondering this recently and the only thing to beat it would be a full carPc installation, but I'd be looking at way over $700 for even a basic setup, all told. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEJinFBK Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 OK - thought of something. I would kill (severely inconvenience, perhaps) for a separate non-fading sub output with level control. Have you considered pulling your sub preamp level signal off of the front channels and using a sub amp with a remote level control ? Not exactly what you're asking for, but it would do the job without a huge amount of hassle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beadgc23 Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 Have you considered pulling your sub preamp level signal off of the front channels and using a sub amp with a remote level control ? Not exactly what you're asking for, but it would do the job without a huge amount of hassle. I'm on the same page - I bought an MBQuart 5 channel amp (now hiding under the hatch nearest the rear seat) which turned out to have a remote bass boost control, not a level control. But it sounds so good, I haven't changed it out. I'm thinking a line driver split from the front channel outs, located near the head unit, would do the trick. The amp has loads of headroom & the SC-901 has fairly low-level line outputs so this should work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEJinFBK Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 A couple of DIN connectors, a sacrificial RCA cable, some solder and you're off to the races. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedishiron Posted September 18, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2009 OK I procrastinated; I just dropped the unit off at FEDEX today - they said it will take 2 days to get to NJ (Alpine repair center) so we will see what happens from here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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