audio issues

hi, this is my first visit so I apologise for any mistakes.
i have 1997 range rover Autobiography with a harmon kardon stereo that was factory fitted.
i want to replace this with a new stereo dvd head unit and i can't find an adapter to fit. does anyone now if theres one available to buy or is it save to cut into the wiring harness directly?
cheers

karl.price66 said:

hi, this is my first visit so I apologise for any mistakes.
i have 1997 range rover Autobiography with a harmon kardon stereo that was factory fitted.
i want to replace this with a new stereo dvd head unit and i can't find an adapter to fit. does anyone now if theres one available to buy or is it save to cut into the wiring harness directly?
cheers

Click to expand...

Its not just as simple as cutting directly into the wiring loom. The HK head unit outputs an unamplified signal. The signal is then processed by amplifiers in the doors which then output to the speakers. So you cant just cut into the loom or use an adapter (well, I dont know of any adapter).

You will need to do lots of rewiring etc. What is wrong with the original head unit anyway??

-Wills

hi, thanks for your prompt reply.
while i was waiting to see if anyone answered, i found a thread from another member having similar issues with factory fitted radios.
another senior member gave him a link to an audio cable thats available on ebay.
so i've now emailed the seller for advise, i'll let you know what happens.
thanks again.

hiya karl he`s dead right its not a simple one out one in but ive just changed mine , found an adaptor lead that works a treat it cost £29.99 from a company on ebay called "sounds4wheels" the blanking pieces to fill in the gaps are obtainable here Range Rover Car Stereo Fitting Kits - Nexxia hope this helps .
rick.

Hi Karl,
Welcome to the forum. The "Old uns" have already given the answers!!

Irishrover said:

Hi Karl,
Welcome to the forum. The "Old uns" have already given the answers!!

Click to expand...

oi wotcha mean old un`s lol

I apologise Boys, what with Redrange resurrecting that old hit "At the Car Wash"-it reminded me of my youth and times when a gallon of petrol cost 5 bob and I got carried away!!!

Irishrover said:

I apologise Boys, what with Redrange resurrecting that old hit "At the Car Wash"-it reminded me of my youth and times when a gallon of petrol cost 5 bob and I got carried away!!!

Click to expand...

I knew when I hit 21 I was going to be classed as old <mumbles>ihategrowingupandbeingold<mumbles>

-Wills

Hiya karl

In a word dont

I went down this road about 2 months ago orded a JVC DVD player with all the whistles etc
Bought all the connectors to use the steering controls etc

In the end i removed it and put the original Alpine head unit system back in along with the original CD player.

The sound balance from the OEM head unit to the HK sound speaker was much richer and better balanced. Add to that the original head unti is far easier to use when on the move.

In my case i will souce a replacement CD changer for the rear that has MP disc compatability.

When i finally source one i will distribute the model no & price for those interested.

hi Abe,
thanks for those thoughts and i'm begining to think, what have i started!!!
but i'm not one to be beaten easily, so i'm still trying.

Hiya Karl

in my case i didnt cut any wires etc so the re-install was just a case of taking the old unit out and putting the old back in

What i have found is that thr front right speaker cluster doesnt work at the moment & i suspect either the front door cross over / amplifier unit has gone the individual speakers work but not via the amp & reminds me i need to speake with doppy on that matter

the original i find has a nicer sound and is not so bright as the JVC i bought to replace it

Hiya Karl

I said i would get back to you as soon as i found a workaround

there is a german suppliers that is selling a 6 MP3 CD changer at about 280 quid with a straght connection to replace the 6 changer in the boot.

HOWEVER
what i personally found a better solution is from Grundig
heres the link
HDD 30

its a 30gb hard drive thats MP3 compatable that linked into your head unit either via the FM antenna 8"modulator" supplied in the kit)
or via a more std mini iso (blue) connection
the drive unit (size of a paperback book) & is installed in the glove compartment (keeping cable runs and instalation time to a minimum)
The head unit is about the size of a twix packet and can be cliped to the dash & put of sight when not wanted
Joy of this system is
- you can keep you CD in the boot
- the present set-up stays intact
- the system is out of sight & wandering hands (easy to remove completly from the vehicle)
- capacity is far in excess of 6 CD full of MP 3 music & is easilly updated / refreshed from a PC.
- you can transfer the system to any new vehicle

price: prices vary and i have seen them for as much as Eur 299. - I sourced mine off I++Y for Eur 150 (about 100 quid and for that price its worth considering just for the lack of hassle & money you might shell out on a more conv MP3 CD changer on a P38

will keep you informed on its performance

Why not just use an ipod and modulator

60 gb hd and easy to take wiv you

Morning Sirus

Show me where i can get a 60GB for 100quid let alone a 30gb one (Legit) & it might warrent consideration! (I paid about 200 quid for a 30gb about 18months ago)

Besides that with the grundig option you have a head up display that you can easier operate when underways

although what you say is fair comment.
cheers

Amazon.co.uk: Apple iPod - 60GB - Black [video playback] MA147B/A: Electronics & Photo

Heres one for 149 quid with video playback too

Morning again Sirus

so for this 149 quid

where the Fm modulator / where the head-up display that comes with my suggestion.

I can distinctly hear the sound of hair-splitting

Why would you need a head up display the fookin ipod has its own display an fm modulators can be picked up for about a tenner of fleabay...No hair plitting cause i ant got none.

keep your hair on!

the grundig option is designed for a car the ipod isnt

you cannot control a ipod ont the move easily - you can the grundig unless you can use the the head up disply thats in the vehicle ie with the newer BMW / audi`s then using a ipod is not safe
i know I have used our ipod in a audi - with adapter great no problem in BMW`s too

useing a Fm modulator & the ipod alone distinticly dangerous

I use an ipod in me rr but I have changed my head unit for an alpine multmedia setup. My ipod sits nicely in me glovebox while i control it using the touch screen on the stereo. I have used it with the fm modulator cradle and had no problems with operating it as it sits closer to you then the stereo and is easy to use.

fight! fight!