What'S The Weakest Link?

[andyb5]

Yes, I realize that it is not required, but there's a processor for sale and the seller told me the processor will add to the sound even without the center speaker. Is he right about that?

Umm, not really sure. Its possible, but I'm not really sure what effects it would have when used with a 4 channel system PM BEJinFBK, he knows quite a lot about the stock systems. Hopefully he can help you out.

For what its worth, the 901 has a very capable EQ built in, with separate 5-band adjustments for front and rear speakers, whereas the majority of HU's (even most aftermarket) only have 1 set of adjustments that apply to the front and rear speakers.

[mkc70]

Yes, I realize that it is not required, but there's a processor for sale and the seller told me the processor will add to the sound even without the center speaker. Is he right about that?

Yes. Even without the center speaker it will give you the standard Dolby or 3 channel processing. Listening in these modes compared to the normal stereo L+R is personal preference and can be chosen individually for each of your source music. So if the price is acceptable to you then add the processor.

[washdup]

Thank you mkc. I believe the HU I had in my '04 V70R had that option. IIRC, I typically used the standard setting, not DD. Very good to know, though, what it would add if I chose to get the processor.

[mkc70]

Thank you mkc. I believe the HU I had in my '04 V70R had that option. IIRC, I typically used the standard setting, not DD. Very good to know, though, what it would add if I chose to get the processor.

Adds more sound processing, again personal preference. Really should try and listen to somebody's setup in RL before you spend the money. If your budget is tight, just buy a 901 with a broken cd portion. They tend to go for $30, as opposed to a fully functional unit for +$100. The 3 disc changer is crap anyways.

[washdup]

I would love to find one with a broken CD player for $30, or anything close to that. None out there right now. Working units are going for $200.

[BEJinFBK]

To answer the Dolby, ummm, er... Kind of.

In 3 channel mode, you won't notice squat with out a center.

In Surround, STILL no help with the front stage, but you get some

"surround effect" from the rears. It's the center that really makes it.

But if that Dolby box it cheap? I'd say, snatch that puppy up!

You may wind up with a center later..

The tweeter thing is kinda wierd...The radio WITHOUT an amp

has two seperate outputs from the radio for each front channel.

But if the factory installed an amp, they ARE wired in parallel.

Here are the pics:

To answer the Dolby, ummm, er... Kind of.

In 3 channel mode, you won't notice squat with out a center.

In Surround, STILL no help with the front stage, but you get some

"surround effect" from the rears. It's the center that really makes it.

But if that Dolby box it cheap? I'd say, snatch that puppy up!

You may wind up with a center later..

The tweeter thing is kinda wierd...The radio WITHOUT an amp

has two seperate outputs from the radio for each front channel.

But if the factory installed an amp, they ARE wired in parallel.

Here are the pics:

And here's the OTHER PDF that this FRACKED UP SOFTWARE wouldn't let me attach!

This forum has been nothing but frelled since the "UPGRADE"...

OK...Let's try it THIS way...Jeebus on a cracker....

OK...

99 V70 Radio W-O amp diagram.pdf

[Guest NOT a guest!]

Adds more sound processing, again personal preference. Really should try and listen to somebody's setup in RL before you spend the money. If your budget is tight, just buy a 901 with a broken cd portion. They tend to go for $30, as opposed to a fully functional unit for +$100. The 3 disc changer is crap anyways.

[BEJinFBK]

OK...Frickin' FINALLY!

Now you can see how the two systems are connected.

Don't sweat the model years, they're the same '98-'00.

THIS SOFTWARE STILL SUUUUUUUCKS!

Bring back the old outdated system that always worked!

00 Radio with amp and Dolby.pdf

[washdup]

Thanks for trying, BEJ, but a quick look tells me those diagrams are over my head. Maybe if I sat down with it and studied it. Would it show which wire(s) is the likely culprit in causing a dead F/L tweeter?

Update on SC-901 search: I found one. There's lots of them out there. If anyone is looking, check out volvopartsearch.com. They have several with working CD-changers for $200 + $15 shipping. I could not find one with a broken CD-changer (for cheap), but I did pay quite a bit less than $215. $150 shipped. Looks good cosmetically and seller says it is fully functional, all lights working.

[Mecay]

I have an extra c70 (4x100) amp, dobly unit and the cable that run from the back of the HU to the amp.(i even have these black little boxes that comes in the front doors)

[MyCarIsRed]

The tweeter thing is kinda wierd...The radio WITHOUT an amp

has two seperate outputs from the radio for each front channel.

But if the factory installed an amp, they ARE wired in parallel.

Combining the front tweeter outputs? really? That is very odd indeed, I'm not seeing that on the sheet tho. Can you post up the component list?

[BEJinFBK]

Combining the front tweeter outputs? really? That is very odd indeed, I'm not seeing that on the sheet tho. Can you post up the component list?

Be sure you compare both PDF's.

Unfortunately, they aren't in the same post.

Don't get me started...

[washdup]

The SC-901 arrived today and you guys were right. . . . The head unit was the weak link. My expectations level was pretty high, and the SC-901 has met them. I'm no audiophile, but it's much better than the stock HU. Sounds quite good with the stock speakers and just the 40 x 4 amp.

As feared, the R/F tweeter is still dead, so for sure the problem is the amp. What's the likelihood of being able to isolate and fix the problem?

Another thing--the HU has a jack for "sub". Curious what's that all about? I thought all the Volvo amps for that era were 4 channel.

Thanks again for steering me to the SC-901.

[BEJinFBK]

The SC-901 arrived today and you guys were right. . . . The head unit was the weak link. My expectations level was pretty high, and the SC-901 has met them. I'm no audiophile, but it's much better than the stock HU. Sounds quite good with the stock speakers and just the 40 x 4 amp.

As feared, the R/F tweeter is still dead, so for sure the problem is the amp. What's the likelihood of being able to isolate and fix the problem?

Another thing--the HU has a jack for "sub". Curious what's that all about? I thought all the Volvo amps for that era were 4 channel.

Thanks again for steering me to the SC-901.

I got a funny feeling that you've got a bad tweeter...

Sub is for a second antenna. The 901 radio has a feature called Diversity Tuning.

It looks at the signals from both antennas really fast and chooses the strongest.

And with only the main antenna, (you guessed it...) It's the strongest. No Prob. ;)

[washdup]

Thanks for the info about the "sub" jack.

As for the tweeter, I have tested and confirmed that same tweeter worked with the SC-816 and no external amp. Also, I've swapped the L and R tweeters and confirmed they both work. Has to be the amp. I don't think it's worth the effort to remove it and try to fix it.