What'S The Weakest Link?

[washdup]

I've got the stock SC816 paired up with a T5 amp 4x40W and stock speakers with a USA Spec. I've heard people say that changing the speakers out makes a big improvement using the stock HU, and others say just changing to an aftermarket HU makes a big difference with the stock speakers. Obviously, this is not pure science, but looking for opinions and suggestions as to which is the weaker link on these systems, the head unit or the speakers? I guess a third question is would the sound quality of what I have benefit much from adding a bazooka powered sub? There's one on CL for $100 (200 watt).

Discuss.

P.S. I am partial to the look of the factory HU, or a double din, but they cost more than I want to spend.

[crazykn]

There are many things you can do. For starters you can do the tweeter upgrade I posted (go back to the topic listing and you'll see it).

In my Volvo S70, I went from the SC-816 up to a the SC-901, installed a 4 channel amplifier, added the dolby pro-logic module, even bought a new dash to accomodate a center speaker. Installed the Blitzsafe AUX in adapter to listen to my iPod. I haven't touched the speakers, but it sounds pretty darn good for near-stock system. I guess what helped was the 8" woofers in the sedan's rear deck (which filled some of the bass).

[BEJinFBK]

Between the two? I'd go New HU. The speakers only sound as good as the deck.

(The 816 isn't the best deck Alpine ever made for Volvo...)

I have to agree with Crazykn. I really like my 901!

But you would need an external 4 channel amp.

It doesn't have an internal one.

To make for an easy upgrade, a nice double DIN and

a wiring adapter will get you there. Good Start!

Next up? Sub!

[mkc70]

I've got the stock SC816 paired up with a T5 amp 4x40W and stock speakers with a USA Spec. I've heard people say that changing the speakers out makes a big improvement using the stock HU, and others say just changing to an aftermarket HU makes a big difference with the stock speakers. Obviously, this is not pure science, but looking for opinions and suggestions as to which is the weaker link on these systems, the head unit or the speakers? I guess a third question is would the sound quality of what I have benefit much from adding a bazooka powered sub? There's one on CL for $100 (200 watt).

Discuss.

P.S. I am partial to the look of the factory HU, or a double din, but they cost more than I want to spend.

Seems as if you really just want to add a sub woofer to fill out the low end. Bazooka's would not be my first choice. Neither change HU or speakers will give as dramatic a difference in overall sound.

[washdup]

Between the two? I'd go New HU. The speakers only sound as good as the deck.

(The 816 isn't the best deck Alpine ever made for Volvo...)

I have to agree with Crazykn. I really like my 901!

But you would need an external 4 channel amp.

It doesn't have an internal one.

To make for an easy upgrade, a nice double DIN and

a wiring adapter will get you there. Good Start!

Next up? Sub!

I have heard good things about the 901 as an upgrade. I assume it can be used with any 4-channel amp. If so, would the T5 amp I have work (at least temporarily)? Also, how vital is the dash center channel speaker to get good sound? I honestly don't think I have the chops to tackle that job. If it's a good upgrade as is, I think I will go for a 901 with existing amp (if it is compatible). Then consider adding a better amp and/or adding a sub. The 901 would retain the factory look I like.

[magicaljake]

The headunit is the weakest link IMO

[BEJinFBK]

Pretty much any Volvo amp will work with it, but most of them are pretty low power.

The 4 x 50 isn't too bad. You'll probably want to add a sub in any case.

The 901 puts out a standard preamp level output that'll work with almost any aftermarket amp.

The only difference is that it has a 6 pin DIN connector instead of RCA's. You can get an adapter on eBay.

It gives you all 4 corners and the remote on lead, so things stay pretty simple.

[MyCarIsRed]

The headunit is the weakest link IMO

Yep. 17 year old tech.

Upgrade speakers then HU. Then add a sub, then graduate to external amps or component speakers..

The ONLY reason to go oem is for the look, or if you have a 5chan dynaudio setup. Even then a new HU would be an improvement. The oem HU is a major limitation to the desired level of connectivity most of us are wanting nowadays.

[washdup]

Pretty much any Volvo amp will work with it, but most of them are pretty low power.

The 4 x 50 isn't too bad. You'll probably want to add a sub in any case.

The 901 puts out a standard preamp level output that'll work with almost any aftermarket amp.

The only difference is that it has a 6 pin DIN connector instead of RCA's. You can get an adapter on eBay.

It gives you all 4 corners and the remote on lead, so things stay pretty simple.

Very helpful, BEJ. And speaking of connectivity, does anyone know whether my USA-Spec for the SC 816 will work with the 901?

[BEJinFBK]

Yep. 17 year old tech.

Sure, but the 901 is still waaaay better than the 816. No comparison!

Upgrade speakers then HU. Then add a sub, then graduate to external amps or component speakers..

Good sound starts with the HU. Speakers just give what they're given.

Even with top end speakers, a crap HU will still sound like crap.

Upgrading to a better HU is easily the better bang for the buck.

The ONLY reason to go oem is for the look, or if you have a 5chan dynaudio setup. Even then a new HU would be an improvement.

The oem HU is a major limitation to the desired level of connectivity most of us are wanting nowadays.

"5 ch Dynaudio setup"? You gotta be talking about the 5 channel DOLBY system. Just checkin'.

Very helpful, BEJ. And speaking of connectivity, does anyone know whether my USA-Spec for the SC 816 will work with the 901?

Sure. The USA-Spec just fools the HU's into thinking that they have a 6 disc changer plugged in.

Same changer for all of the SC series, Alpine built decks, so it'll move over with no problem.

[andyb5]

Do the "stock tweeter modification" described in the thread on here, and get a 901 with your USA-spec adapter, or a DDin if you want to cough up the cash. Take a look at the 4x100w amp from the C70's, that will provide a good strong signal to your speakers. Since the stock speakers are actually pretty decent, the next step would be to add a sub, I'd recommend a 10" in a sealed box.

[washdup]

You guys are answering a lot of questions I've had lingering for a long time. Thank you. What would the advantage be of a C70 amp over an aftermarket? Cheaper? Easier connection to the Volvo HU? Where do you mount them with a wagon? Thanks again.

[andyb5]

You guys are answering a lot of questions I've had lingering for a long time. Thank you. What would the advantage be of a C70 amp over an aftermarket? Cheaper? Easier connection to the Volvo HU? Where do you mount them with a wagon? Thanks again.

You're welcome Although I don't know for sure, I'm assuming that the C70 amp is cheaper, especially given its power output. You could mount the amp under the seat, or in the trunk under the 3rd row seat/storage area. Install should be pretty easy too, not entirely sure if the connectors will interface exactly with the 901, but wiring isn't complicated. ErieVovo has a couple on sale for $99 each, they're normally $199 each. Act now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Volvo-OEM-400-Watt-4-Channel-Amplifier-for-All-Volvos_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem518aa1f35cQQitemZ350218220380QQptZCarQ5fAudioQ5fVideo#ht_1763wt_1165

[BEJinFBK]

The C70 4 x 100w is a Volvo labled Alpine V-12 series amp that only came in C's.

It has a 6 pin DIN input that's set up for the "AMP" output found on the back of Volvo OEM HU's.

Power and speaker connections are conventional screw terminals. From the factory, the speaker

terminals have a set of pigtail connectors that plug right into the car's harness. But essentially,

it's a pretty conventional amp. You could easily use a 5 channel and cover the sub too, from one amp.

[andyb5]

Cool, good to know. Thanks BEJ

You could easily use a 5 channel and cover the sub too, from one amp.

Thats what I did, I liked the convenience of only having 1 amp to mount and wire. The only downside is that they are generally larger (exceptions being Alpine PDX5 and JL HD900/5) than other amplifiers.