The AU audio thread - ideas, products and advice.

[b2tf]

Started this thread after a bit of discussion in another thread about what audio options exist (and work) for AU falcons.

Whilst I can only put forward suggestions and ideas from my own experience and thoughts, I invite everybody who has an AU and has put a stereo in one to contribute.

Mine will concentrate on utes as both AU's I've had (previous and current) are utes, but some of the products/ideas will no doubt flow over to be able to be used on sedans.

Headunit

Few simple thoughts - for me it has to be easy to use, good looking, functional and affordable. Probably asking for a bit too much but based on those goals I am looking at an Alpine unit.

Links to all major brands and what headunits they make:

Alpine:

http://alpine.com.au/showProduct.php?pid=5

Pioneer:

http://www.pioneer.com.au/en/Product...20Players.aspx

Clarion:

http://clarion.com/au/en/products/20...nit/index.html

More brands exist but those are probably the main ones most people will look at.

A few points to remember with headunits:

Your stock headunit is prone to breaking, jamming CD's and has no RCA outputs. Keep this in mind if you intend on retaining it, BUT dont write it off. It looks good, it's meant to be there, the dash is moulded around it, and an in dash 6 stack is pretty convenient.

If you change the headunit to an aftermarket one, your steering wheel controls won't work without the use of one of these:

http://www.thecat.net.au/cat10.htm

One of these is about $300 and it allows you to use the factory controls.

If you change to a single DIN unit, you will need one of these:

http://www.aerpro.com.au/p.php?pcode=FP9040

Available in black, grey, and Aerpro also do one that goes right around the headunit:

http://www.aerpro.com.au/p.php?pcode=FP9140

DNA Audio also do similar products and all of these are available at any Autobarn store (I work at one) or any good car audio store.


Speakers:

Stock AU size is 5x7, depending on the level of audio system your car/ute has you may have tweeters in the A pillars, sub in the parcel shelf etc. Stock sub in the rear of sedans is 8" - and it ain't very good.

Few options you have:

Alpine:

http://alpine.com.au/showProduct.php?pid=10

Pioneer:

http://www.pioneer.com.au/Products/C.../Speakers.aspx

Clarion:

http://clarion.com/au/en/products/20...ers/index.html

Kenwood's site won't let me link direct to the page but kenwood.com.au

Rockford Fosgate:

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/produ...s.asp?cat_id=3

Infinity:

http://www.c-t.com.au/infinity/car-products


Other brands available but I haven't linked to include:

Hertz
Option Audio
Eclipse Audio

Probably more that I don't know about!

A few points to remember with speakers:

Your stock size is 5x7 but you can get adaptors to change that to anything from 6x9 through to 6 or 6.5". BUT remember that if you do end up using adaptors, you need to be sure that you have enough clearance to allow your windows to go up and down and fit past the mounting depth of the speaker (which could change depending on how thick your adaptor is).

Some adaptors available:

http://aerpro.com.au/list.php?cat_no...rs&cat_sno=242

http://dnaaudio.com.au/index.php?s=s...=0&search=FORD

The stock headunit can run most speakers providing you dont change the wattage etc, and for the most part this setup (stock headunit and aftermarket speakers) will probably give you a noticable improvement in sound quality and depth. If you really want to go far with it or increase volume, thats when you would look at an amplifier.

Tweeters are the small bits in the middle of the speaker that handle the higher frequencies and you can get speakers that have them built in all as one unit (1 way splits), or you can get them that have the tweeter as a seperate unit (known as 2 or 3 way splits). This is handy if you have tweeters in the A pillar because it means you can mount your speakers in the door, and have your tweeters in the factory position - and retain the factory wiring.

More to come.

[Donny]

Top post this one.. I will be watching this real closely.

[Venomous1]

I have a Ute.

Went 6.5" Pioneer splits with the tweeters in factory pillars.
MDF for spacers sprayed black fits perfect.

Single din Pioneer radio with the Aeropro pocket in the back location 2-way 6".
And to top of a Amp and a 12" Sub in between the seats I have some pics I'll chuck up soon.

Btw this is what I would call REAL premium sound.

[JC]

Nice one Austin. I can highly recommend the Aerpro FP9140 facia kit - makes any headunit look factory.

[Donny]

Some pics of the 2 Aerpro kits fitted would sure be handy..

[bartsau]

Areopro pocket with my old setup.





Now I have a stock 6 stacker in dash out of a fairlane with premium audio fitted.

[Donny]

Originally Posted by bartsau

Areopro pocket with my old setup.





Now I have a stock 6 stacker in dash out of a fairlane with premium audio fitted.

Now that is the kind of look Id be happy with.. I had seen an install on another car I looked at which only had the bottom bit of the pocket, not the top bit, and it didnt look anywhere near as nicely fitted..

[greenguzzler]

I have a kenwood DDX8034BT touchscreen in the dash with everything else stock at the moment as i am still deciding how far to go with the audio system.
This is the one http://www.lifestylestore.com.au/pro...rs/DDX-8034BT/

[mik]

a good thread ,thx b2tf, i can`t add much but i put a fairly basic single din unit in last year, its not super flash (but good enough for a tone deaf old fart), but it has one feature that i reckon is the bees knees ........USB capability, i load music onto a usb stick via the PC and WALLA!!! no more bloody cd`s.
the only bad thing about my unit with the usb is its on the front of the unit , so you have to be a little carefull not to damage the unit or if reaching around without looking, my young brother pointed this out when i first got it (smart ***), he said and i concur a better way of having the usb port would be on the back of the unit with an extension cable fitted/cable tied any were you want it, if the plug wears out or some how gets damaged its just another cable.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by mik

a good thread ,thx b2tf, i can`t add much but i put a fairly basic single din unit in last year, its not super flash (but good enough for a tone deaf old fart), but it has one feature that i reckon is the bees knees ........USB capability, i load music onto a usb stick via the PC and WALLA!!! no more bloody cd`s.
the only bad thing about my unit with the usb is its on the front of the unit , so you have to be a little carefull not to damage the unit or if reaching around without looking, my young brother pointed this out when i first got it (smart ***), he said and i concur a better way of having the usb port would be on the back of the unit with an extension cable fitted/cable tied any were you want it, if the plug wears out or some how gets damaged its just another cable.

Can I just say that this (bold bit) is a brilliant thing to have. My old AU, I had an Alpine unit that had rear USB, all I did was bought an extension USB cord from Officeworks, drilled a hole in the fitting fascia and popped it through so the USB was sitting in the ashtray - totally stock looking, no cords hanging out anywhere and 500+ songs on tap with not a CD in sight. Brilliant idea that I will be doing again.

[greenguzzler]

Yep i agree i have my ipod cable and usb cable in the glove box but i may move them into the centre console and have it look OEM. Has anyone bought a CAT 10 for the steering wheel buttons to work. Some info on them would be great.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by greenguzzler

Yep i agree i have my ipod cable and usb cable in the glove box but i may move them into the centre console and have it look OEM. Has anyone bought a CAT 10 for the steering wheel buttons to work. Some info on them would be great.

www.thecat.net.au

[AUIIPURSUIT]

myself i purchased (for my previous vehicle)

a rather factory looking source unit, that has all the good features and power you want. Personally, i dont like the look of single din + pocket, and for that reason i went with a double din unit.

This looked perfect in my old vehicle, but with the contour of the dash fascia on the au, its going to need some custom work... i removed the front of my old 6 stacker and attempted a hack up job to get an idea if its possible... it is. I think im going to buy the aerpro single din fascia unit and modify it by removing the pocket with a dremel, and sanding the cuts down....

it will be a difficult little process that will require alot of forethought and accuracy, but i think i can pull it off.. and i have the factory CD face to use as a guide now...


this is the unit i have.
CLARION DUZ386MP

CD/MP3/AUX/REAR USB/IPOD etc etc... and it has a very stealth look to it.

i also bought a s/h cat10 unit off ebay, which i believe is dead. i havent had time to fault find it yet, but im almost certain its wired correctly.

As the ute has quite a small sound stage, ill probably just purchse some splits in the future, but the boosted power of the headunit to the stock speakers is just for now.


ill post an update about the fascia in the new year.

[Mr Hardware]

the cat10 is a great invention but it is hideously overpriced - it should only be about $40 or so. I seem to remember that there was perhaps some alpine head unit that was able to interface natively with the steering wheel audio controls?

[Donny]

Funny, I always considered Alpine gear hideously overpriced for what it is too..

[Day-mow]

i've found alpine gear amazing. if you have an after market deck andthen put an alpine deck in i think you'll notice quite a difference.
in the way of going stock head deck and after market speakers. personally i'd suggest going the other way. a good after market head deck really makes the speakers come alive.

[FTE72]

DAC
Try this, alot cheaper than the cat.

[ronwest]

Originally Posted by FTE72

DAC
Try this, alot cheaper than the cat.

When I was looking for sw controls I had a look at a Commodore with the PAC unit installed. I found the delay from button press to action to be very frustrating. It may have been just that installation or they may have improved in the last couple of years but I didn't buy one based on that experience.

There was another option from "No Limits" at around $120 (in late 07). I just had a quick look on their website http://www.nolimitelectronics.com.au but couldn't find any info there. IIRC I emailed them at the time for info and they got back with price etc.

In the event I bought a CAT09 which pegged out after 11 months and was cheerfully exchanged by JB Hifi for a CAT10.
So far, so good

[FTE72]

Originally Posted by ronwest

When I was looking for sw controls I had a look at a Commodore with the PAC unit installed. I found the delay from button press to action to be very frustrating. It may have been just that installation or they may have improved in the last couple of years but I didn't buy one based on that experience.

There was another option from "No Limits" at around $120 (in late 07). I just had a quick look on their website http://www.nolimitelectronics.com.au but couldn't find any info there. IIRC I emailed them at the time for info and they got back with price etc.

In the event I bought a CAT09 which pegged out after 11 months and was cheerfully exchanged by JB Hifi for a CAT10.
So far, so good

New update to software has apparently removed the lag. As stated on their site anyway. I will find out first hand on Saturday when I install one in the TE

[ronwest]

Originally Posted by FTE72

New update to software has apparently removed the lag. As stated on their site anyway. I will find out first hand on Saturday when I install one in the TE

That sounds better. Let us know how it goes. Always good to know what options are available.

[FTE72]

double post sorry

[blueoval]

Here is a pic of my HU in the Aerpro fascia. Worth the $25 for it. Makes it look so much neater than the bottom pocket.

[Polyal]

Good thread..I have been thinking about doing something with mine as the ipod and FM transmitter is giving me the poo's.

So single vs double DIN, are they any good double DINS that suit the AU? Its hard with the shape of the fascia..is that why everyone went with a single?

Having the fairmont the only reason I haven't changed is because the factory unit looks good. Supercheap and Autocrap had some decent double DINS for sale in the least cateloge for $280ish I think. While I know the other brands are better, im not really after super quality, just something that does USB and suits the look of the car.

[ronwest]

Originally Posted by Polyal

So single vs double DIN, are they any good double DINS that suit the AU? Its hard with the shape of the fascia..is that why everyone went with a single?

I bought one of the ebay double din dvd/tv/gps/touch screen/all singing/all dancing units and must say the picture (watching dvd) was brilliant. The sound was crap.
There was a reason (I can't rem what) that I couldn't hook it up to my amp and the drop in sound quality through its own preamp was too big a price to pay for something which wouldn't get a lot of use (the visuals, that is).

The other problem was that I really didn't like the way the bottom protruded past the dash. Kumineko made a surround for his that was brilliant but not being that talented plus the sound q made me opt for a reasonable single din unit.
blackers10 bought a Kenwood (I think) double din touch screen at the same time I did and iirc he was very happy with all aspects of it.

[hendoau99]

i put a clarion hu with aux/ipod compatibility in my au, still running stock speakers but the hu has loads of settings and i played around and it's made the 5x7's 10x better than when i had the original tape deck in. i'm buying a kenwood sub and amp next week and wont be changing the speakers. great thread because i don't know much about car audio and owning an au it's going to be very helpful.

[TheSneakiness]

In my AU ute I had two setups...

First one was a JVC DVD with 7.5" screen, standard 5x7"s, 1 4 channel Kenwood amp and 1 12" Kenwood sub. Even with the standard 5x7"s amped the sub would still overpower them.

Second time round I ditched the DVD and went with a Kenwood CD unit (at the time was about $500), replaced the front speakers with 6" component splits (mounted with 10mm spacer) in behind the door trim, and had got hold of some A Pillar covers with the tweeter grill so that's where they went, bought another 2 channel amp and a second 12" Kenwood sub the same as the first one. That setup was a hell of alot better than the first time round.

If I can remember the brand of the 6" component splits I'll post it up.

[Bobman]

Also, some head units keep the electric antenna raised even with a CD in due to the wiring on them.

I have a Clarion HU and just disconnected the antenna wiring so it stays in it's hole.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by Bobman

Also, some head units keep the electric antenna raised even with a CD in due to the wiring on them.

I have a Clarion HU and just disconnected the antenna wiring so it stays in it's hole.

Yes Pioneers do this. Donny did yours do it when you put it in?

[Donny]

Originally Posted by b2tf

Yes Pioneers do this. Donny did yours do it when you put it in?

I didnt have a problem with this on mine..
On the wires out the back, apart from the usuals, there wasnt a seperate feed for electric ariels, only a illumination feed for dropping brightness when you turn on dash lights and a mute feed for a mobile phone hands free.
I tried the radio reception in the garage while wiring speakers up and its ok with the head deck out of the dash, and lousy with it fitted (ariel down), but I dont care about that as I never listen to the radio anyway, I only use CD's..

Bout the only other thing I may have to look at is the Aerpro kit dosent sit in the dash as tight or firm as Id have liked. You can wiggle it around a little, and I will see once I go out for a drive if it makes any noises or rattles etc.. I didnt put that thread bit and rubber boot thing on at the back either, and that may also help the fit and movement issue some.
The screw head mounting the headunit to the mount frame catches on the dash inner frame and was a bit tricky to fit too.. Apart from that, a fairly painless install compared to some Iv done in the past..

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by Donny

Bout the only other thing I may have to look at is the Aerpro kit dosent sit in the dash as tight or firm as Id have liked. You can wiggle it around a little, and I will see once I go out for a drive if it makes any noises or rattles etc.. I didnt put that thread bit and rubber boot thing on at the back either, and that may also help the fit and movement issue some.
The screw head mounting the headunit to the mount frame catches on the dash inner frame and was a bit tricky to fit too.. Apart from that, a fairly painless install compared to some Iv done in the past..

Did you go with the FP9140? Mine is perfect - doesnt move an inch.