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A few weeks ago I posted about the good Audio results on upgrading just the speakers in the Bose OEM system with PCM 3.0, but after a few weeks, several "audio-electronic expectations" are still wrong (and the speakers are under-powered). PCM 3.0 doesn't count with:
No Bluetooth for Audio Streaming
No HD Radio
GPS with pretty old maps
No Cameras (Front and/ or Rear)
No DSP or EQ
No iPhone Integration
OEM Amp and overall sound signals are terrible
And a few more things...
I will try to change that reality regardless all the difficulties and complications because I cannot drive my car any longer with the audio electronics of 2007 (my car is an 01/ 2011 but PCM 3.0 was designed in 2007...i.e: Before the iPhone 1).
This is my last project for this Summer, so please wish me luck and wisdom (not necessarily in that order)...
Audio Upgrades to be implemented
HU Kenwood eXcelon DNX693S: With Volume **** (big plus on my decision), HD Radio, DSP w/ 13 EQ bands, Dual Camera input (w/ Parking guide lines), Audio Hi-Res, Garmin GPS and State of the art BT for audio. Plus 5V preouts (hope that will keep any whine sound totally silent because Amp gain shouldn't be high; and high preouts Vs are less susceptible to picking up stray electrical noise (whine, hum, hiss, etc.)
Rear Camera Kenwood CMOS230.
Front camera and curve Alert: Brandmotion PRO 5000-CA6
Rockford wiring kit RFK4
Mesa Twisted 6 channel rcas
Speakers: All CDT Audio - Same as my previous and original post, but added a 3-Way CDT X-Over for the fronts with a LP-1 center Attenuator for the Center Channel (Thanks Bruce for the suggestion in one of your previous post).
Tweeters on Dashboard: DRT-25
Center Dashboard: ES-02/DVC with LP-1 Tweeter volume control unit (will be hooked into the Midrange 3-Way X-Overs)
Front Doors (Low): ES-6iM
Front Doors upper side: HD-3
3-Way Crossover for all the front: ES-300CC
Rear Panel: HD-4
Subwoofers: ES-5
Gens,
Sorry for the delay in my writeup, but we finally get it done. I don't have pictures for a DIY or a script with the the step-by-step but at least I would like to share with you what I learned so far with this project, plus some pictures of the final result.
Facts
0. We removed all the OEM Audio components from the car: PCM 3.0, Main Bose Amp, Sub Amp, etc.
1. Level of Complexity (for a Car Audio Shop): Medium-High.
2. How long does it take: HU, Amp, Speakers (including Subwoofer and Center), X-overs, Front and Rear Camera, and all the wiring: 2 Days.
3. Where I got the parts? Multiple online sources, always with top warranty. For the speakers I purchased directly from CDT Audio.
4. Installation Tips:
4.0. Do not use the OEM harness for the AMP, because in order to avoid whine sound, has to be powered directly from the battery (w/ HQ 4 gauges cables), and grounded to the chassis.
4.1. RCA Cables: Buy the best that you can.
4.2. Amp location: In my case, under the passenger seat (need some adjustments because the space is quite small).
4.3: Amp. power? For good speakers, including a 3 way X-over in the front, and the sub: With a 5 Channel (4x75 + 350 Sub is more than enough). The Hertz is feeding 10 speakers (the center is finally powered by the HU).
4.4. HU has to be grounded to the chassis too. One more reason why I decided Kenwood is the 5V ouptut.
4.5. Your car will be a mess until the work gets done.
5. Radio Frame: I ordered a "standard" version, and it's fine.
6. The 3 Way X-Overs: Not so easy to find space for them, depending on how big they are.
7. Center Speaker (always a favorite for debates): The only speaker that is directly powered by the HU.
Pros
A good HU can completely change your driving experience
Does worth it? Yes.
Cons
I don't know how difficult and expensive is to go back to OEM PCM 3.0.
Several PCM information that was displayed in the "Tacho", dissapeared (see the last two pictures).
If you need additional details or technical expertise please Talk to Chris at Car Candy (No affiliation) at 2750 Skokie Valley Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035.
Phone: (224) 441-5413
You need to get someone with a durametric or PIWIS and they can code out the pcm screens on the dash. You want to remove the pcm from the gateway and a few other settings. You'll have all kinds of hidden error codes at the moment. This is a 15 min job.
08-08-2016, 01:48 AM
PCM 3.0: I'm done with it. Will try to change it
Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the project.
