Receivers

PLEASE HELP!!!!!

quake man — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:04:23 GMT

I have a sony cdx-ca810x cd player for my truck. The owners manual says it plays cd-r and cd-rw. When i burn them i choose the (make a audio cd) option.but before i burn them they are mp3. When i play the cd in my truck they play good until i get to a certain song then there is a slight static sound . The sound gets worse as i play tracks above the one track where the sound started. It gets so bad i really cant even hear the song. But i can go back to the begining of the cd and it plays perfectly fine until i get to a higher track. The disc plays fine on my computer,on stock cd players,on my friends after market cd players but it does not play good on mine. Could someone plaese make sense of this?

Searched but coulndt find the answer 2001 Ford head unit

sahrab — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:38:52 GMT

Hi,

I have a 2001 Ford F350 Lariat LE(4 captains chairs) Crew Cab with the factory stereo (CD and cassette) and speakers. I was interested in replacing the head unit, with future plans on adding an amp, changing out the speakers and add a sub. I wasnt to particular about the CD/DVD options, but like the media playing units with USB (non-IPOD MP3 player).

Previosly i had replaced my head unit with a Ford MACH(Factory in dash 6 disc changer) unit (from e-bay lol) but did not realize it was a non-powered head unit and would need to install amps (the factory ones came with the deal) which was more work than i was willing to put in at the time.

After recieving one of the recent Crutchfield catalogues, I browsed Crutchfield to see whats available but was really disapointed and confused when i was directed to single DIN units. I know there are install kits available (or included?) but they typically add a pocket for the excess space, my truck already has a storage pocket under the stereo and adding another doesnt apeal to me. The factory stereo is much larger than a single DIN, based on the dimensons listed for the DD (double DIN?) units it would seem these should fit.

Can someone clarify this? Is it possible to put a Double DIN unit in place of the stocker?

Kenwood DNX8120 Ipod not connecting

jasimps — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:01:55 GMT

I have used my ipod classic 120GB with my DNX8120 in the past and it worked fine. Last time I tried to hook it up, the on screen controls would not come up...just said "disconncted". I could control the music on the ipod itself while it was connected to the receiver, and I can hear the audio. So, it is obviously connected....why have the on screen controls stopped working?

thanks in advance,

alden

Anti-theft suggestions for Pioneer AVH-P3100DVD Receiver

calexan1 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:02:10 GMT

Hello. I replaced my factory head unit in my 2002 Saturn L200 with the Pioneer AVH-P3100DVD Receiver. I absolutely love the receiver, but am a little concerned that I mave have created more attention to my car with the nice flat screen sitting in the dash. Because this model does not have a detachable faceplate or flip-down face, does anyone know of any anti-theft covers or ideas / products to hide this unit from potential burglars? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance...

Alpine NVE-P1 Update

bornonaf1 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:56:02 GMT

Anyone heard anything about an update/ replacement for the NVE-P1?

Alpine IVA-W505 FM Reception

bornonaf1 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:20:36 GMT

I recently installed a 505 in my 2006 Pathfinder but my FM reception is very poor. I have the diversity antenna adapter from Crutchfield. I have made sure my booster is powered this helps but it's still not acceptable. Anyone have any ideas? Is there a chance that my tuner is faulty? I've even tried a "tune trapper" antenna which I have used before in my other vehicles with 100% success. I was thinking of getting the HD radio but I don't think that will be a smart choice if I can't even get decent fm reception. Any ideas?

iPhone TomTom nav - Will Alpine HU's display

Eskimo — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:52:24 GMT

As you see here in this JVC review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieOkDCq-4p0&feature=fvw at the beginning, he has the video (and presumably audio) from the TomTom app displaying on the head unit..

I really prefer Alpine gear and am considering the iXA-W407 or the iXA-W404, but I want to make sure the app will show on the screen like it did for the JVC.

(I'm sticking with Alpine because I have the Imprint and XM unit from another car already)

Thanks....Rich

Sony CDX-L410X Faceplate Warning De-Activation Questions.

TigerHeli — Tue, 29 May 2007 11:39:25 GMT

The manual for the Sony CDX-L410X says the following:

Detaching the front panel
You can detach the front panel of this unit to
protect the unit from being stolen.
Caution alarm
If you turn the ignition switch to the OFF
position without removing the front panel, the
caution alarm will beep for a few seconds.
If you connect an optional amplifier and do not
use the built-in amplifier, the beep sound will be
deactivated.

The “caution alarm” is three of the same beep sounds normally made when you press a button on the faceplate. The Beep function (beeps when you press any buttons) has a similar message, but it can be disabled through the menu system, but I can’t see any way to disable the “caution alarm”.

Also, the connection manual shows the unit with either 4-speakers connected to the unit (and no amplifier), or 4-speakers connected to the internal amp PLUS two speakers connected to an amp plugged into the rear RCA jacks.

So the intended way to disable the alarm is to run a rear amp and only a two speaker system.

I don’t want to connect an external amplifier to the system for the following reasons, 1) it does not need one - it is a four-speaker system and sounds fine on the internal amp. 2) I don’t want to put a lot ($25 is a lot) of money into the system. 3) The rear speakers are Sony Xplod 6.5’s and the fronts are Honda factory 6.5’s. Connecting them to an amp would require wiring them in parallel, which would likely expose the fronts to more wattage than they could handle (I don’t think they ever see more than ten watts now, so I would want an amp that produced around 20Wx2 at 2-ohms or about 10Wx2 at 4-ohms, and I don’t think anyone makes one) (I suppose a 40Wx2 amp at 4-ohms (if they’re out there), wiring in series so the speakers were 8-ohm, would give me 20W per channel or 10W per speaker, so in theory that would work), plus I would lose the fader control, so that is not an option.

Is there any other way to do this? I can think up several options, but not sure if they would work and don’t want to damage the unit. Things I was thinking -

1) Short the amp turn on lead to ground (probably through a resistor as well.). This might make the unit think an amp was connected, but since it sounds like I can’t use the internal amp with it whether or not an amp is connected, it might not work.
2) Short the RCA cables somehow - Same as above.
3) Find the speaker that the unit uses to produce the beep sound and disconnect it. However, I am thinking it may just use the system speakers, as that might explain why it still works if the internal amp is used with or without the external amp, but does not work with the external amp. Also, if it is a separate piezo-tweeter in the unit, disconnecting it might be sensed as a failure of the unit, and or it might be directly soldered to the PCB or surface mounted to it, making it difficult to remove.
4) Figure a way to make the sensor think the faceplate is removed, but I think the radio might not work even with the faceplate installed if it doesn’t think it is.
5) The best idea would probably be some type of resistor/capacitor which drains the power from the internal amp as soon as the key is turned off, preventing the signal, but I don’t know how to design this or how to wire it into the system.

Yes, I realize the best option is just to get a different HU (there are some very nice comparable ones for $79-$99), but this is my daughter’s car, it’s done this for a while, and frankly, it bothers me more than it does her. (It was a stupid feature IMHO, and even more stupid not to include a practical way to disable it.)

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Sony CDX-GT630UI and IPhone 3GS v. 3.1.2 problems

suppin — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:59:48 GMT

Well everything was working very happily together under firmware version 3.0 ish... but when I updated to firmware 3.1.2 on my iPhone my CD Player no longer recognized the iPhone or even charged the iPhone through the USB.

I tried downgrading the firmware with no improvement. I have also tried to shutdown and restart the iPhone and that seemed to have no effect.

It has been less than 30 days and I guess I can return for crutchfield, but if all that is required is a firmware update I'd rather do that.

Any Suggestions?

Dual XDH7714 inserts gaps between CD tracks

Sir Lemming — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:48:45 GMT

A few weeks ago I bought and installed a Dual XHD7714 in my car. (http://www.crutchfield.com/s_070XHD7714/Dual-XHD7714.html?tp=5684) Seems to be a popular unit, good price, one of the only ones that has all 4 built-in features I was looking for: HD Radio, Bluetooth, USB playback, and AUX input. But I also still like playing entire albums on CD, which brings me to my problem...

The player seems to insert gaps between tracks. For example, if you're playing a live album which is one continuous recording with track markers inserted for easy seeking, or any album that has "transitions" between songs, there aren't supposed to be pauses in between the tracks. And on almost ANY player made in the past few decades, the CD plays continuously, as intended. But not on this one.

It strikes me as odd, because this is a pretty well-featured unit and my previous, dingy, non-HD car receiver played CDs just fine. It seems like something that should be extremely easy to avoid... and yet, here it is.

I'm afraid I'm pretty much just going to have to live with it, but is there ANY chance that something can be done to fix this? Or are any other owners of this unit NOT experiencing the problem? I've already talked to one person who has the same problem, so I don't think it's just a fluke.

Pioneer deck sticking out about half inch, How can I make it flush?

ahjjones — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:13:33 GMT

I have a 1997 Dodge Intrepid and brought the Pioneer DEH-3100UB and Crutchfield says it fits yet even with the dash kit properly installed it sticks out about half an inch. How could I make it flush? There is some port/vent blocking it from going back any further which makes the deck stick out. Is there a part I could buy to cover up the silver that is visable? Is there some plastic part I could buy to make it look better? What are my options? Help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

2004 Volkswagen Jetta installing a new head unit.

JokerBhines — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:30:43 GMT

I'm thinking of getting a new head unit for my Jetta.. I'm pretty sure it does not have a monsoon sound system, but I'm not sure as to how to be positive on that. And when looking at head units on here, it says I need an adapter because my vehicle doesn't have an accessory power lead or something like that? Is that true, because the adapter is rather expensive at $130. I don't see how it could not have a power lead but yet the factory stereo receives power? Clearly there must be some power connection there.. Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated.. Sorry if this is a repeated topic but I've looked all around and found no help.

clarion VX409

butch — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:23:40 GMT

i cant find any reviews on the clarion VX409

does anyone have this unit ?

Touch screen dvd recievers

Just Carl — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:04:35 GMT

Can the touchscreen dvd receivers fit in any car? Or must you have a specific car for them? Say the Pioneer AVH-P6000DVD for instance? That type of receiver.

Kenwoods...are they that complicated?

BuzzB — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:19:08 GMT

Hello

yes another post but on Kenwoods. In my early days one basically had three models to choose from...Alpines, Pioneer and Kenwood. lpines were just "IT", Pioneers for their "Super-Tuner" and Kenwood for durability and power.

I've kept the KDC-MP342U on my list but really like the KDC-MP442U even more but.....one glaring negative that keeps popping up is they're not exactlly user friendly. I'll be using CDs, USB and my MP3 player but I'm not keen having to constantly read a manual just to try and understand a car unit. Between trying to figur out how to operate it and use the USB I'm 50/50 split on Kenwoods right now.

Kenny J

Alpine CDA-9887 w/ factory XM receiver - will it work?

Maize — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:30:15 GMT

I have a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. I am getting an Alpine CDA-9887 and will be using a KTX-100EQ, KCE-422i IPOD connector, IVA-W200 steering wheel adapter kit and KCE-300BT BlueTooth adapter.

I want to run XM Satelite radio with this. I have the factory unit already in place. Is it possible to use the factory unit with the CDA-9887? If so, is there an adapter unit that can be purchased?

2000 Mercury Sable LS Premium: need to replace reciever

Joplinger — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:13:24 GMT

Hey, I've got a 2000 Mercury Sable LS Premium, you know, the one with the integrated climate controls (ugh) How can I go about putting in a standard DIN head unit?

Thanks

How to remove an Alpine CDE-9872 from the dash

Mercman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:46:56 GMT

I installed the receiver in my Mercedes SLK back in February. I now need to remove it for access to some screws so I can take the console apart. The problem is, when I go to use the tools to remove the head unit I can't see the slots along the sides. I assume I have to remove the black plastic frame surrounding the unit to expose the slots. I'd call it a bezel but maybe that's not the correct terminology. I tried moving it but I'm not sure how it's held on and don't want to break it. Is there a secret to getting it off or do I just jimmy it with a small screwdriver until it pops off? The factory manual isn't clear on this.

Do I need to rewire?

jeepers94 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:59:49 GMT

I have a Nissan UD1300 truck.It came with a Pioneer Super Tuner III installed.I see it uses a plug that connects to the trucks wires . I see the newer Pioneers have the same plug end.Is this same plug used by others/most makers? Can I buy a new reciever and just plug it in?

I would like to put in a Jensen 9413,with HD radio and backup camera.

JVC-KD-S100 - Customizable Sound Options?

BuzzB — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:07:38 GMT

Hello

I've been looking (still) for a new HU and right off the bat the JVC-KD-S100 stood out for it's features and expandablity. But one thing that's bothered me and not a deal breaker is it seems to lack audio EQ pre-sets and customize options like sub, bass, mid and tremble. It's main selling point is the Bongiovi Sound. But it seems it basically needs to stay on all the time.

Can you do any customize sound adjustments when it's on? Most units have typically 5-7 pre-set EQ's and you have "custom" one to. It's not like I'll be changing the settings a dozen times a day but one likes to have some pre-sets...jazz, rock, rap, vocal, country, and so on. I'm just concerned about it's limitations in that area.

Kenny J

Kenwood DDX712 and iPod quality issues

TedC — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:56:52 GMT

For those of you looking at kenwood for iPod integration - buyer beware is all I can say.

1. Audio quality of 128 kbs mp3's is horrible through the head unit (using all the reccomended connections). 128 kbs songs sound "tingy" with too much high range. Mixing is all messed up too - as it's amplifying background of the songs - like background guitar but you can hardly hear the lyrics.

2. Video playback - Ipod - mixing issues: you'll have to crank the volume up to 30 just to hear dialoge - then when any music plays in the video - it's unbearablly loud. This occurs for ripped dvds and for itunes purchased content

3. Video playback - DVD - mixing issues - has the same issue as the ipod. Put in wedding crashers DVD and can hardly hear the dialogue but when any music plays - its unbearable.

4. Ipod caching (when the hard drive spins to read information and load it into memory) - interference can be heard (whining spinning noises followed by several loud clicks).

5. Horrible instructions and lack of knowledgebase - Ipod video. When you select an ipod video for playing and re-select source - the default playing skin is displayed (with album, artist, title and album art). To see the video - you need to touvh the area of the screen where the album art is displayed.

6. unsupported video playlists - iPod - If you have video playlists on your ipod - they don't work. The Kenwood will play the video playlist - but you will only get audio - if you try to open the album artwork - the blue screen displays notifying you of no video source.

The only item I was looking for in a new Head unit was video playback from the iPod - and Kenwood seemed to be the best choice. I have to say I am very disappointed with all of these issues. Now - the only thing I can do comfortablly is listen to the tuner and local radio stations. If you want a head unit for that - save your money and don't buy kenwood.

Sirius AND XM on one receiver?

mfranch87 — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:06:17 GMT

I have a JVC head unit with a SIR-JVC1 Sirius tuner connected. I am looking to possibly get an XM tuner for it as well (for the baseball coverage). Is there any way of hooking up the XM radio to the JVC and be able to toggle between SIRIUS and XM directly on the one head unit? Or can only one be connected at all times?

I thought about getting a portable XM radio and then maybe be able to get something similar as the SC-VDOC1 to hook it up to the JVC unit, but apparently there is no such equipment available for XM radios. Would still want to be able to toggle between SIRIUS & XM on the one head unit, but maybe this isn't possible.

Which Hu is better in your opinion?

Cam J — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:04:41 GMT

I'm going to upgrade my system and was wondering which HU i should get between the Kenwood MP342U (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113MP342U/Kenwood-KDC-MP342U.html?c=3&tp=5684&avf=N) or the JVC KD-S100 Bongiovi (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KDS100/JVC-KD-S100-Bongiovi.html) I have a 99 honda cr-v and i am replacing the factory speakers with kickers. I will not be running an amp to any of the speakers nor will I be installing a sub. I really just want nice sound from a usb flash drive and good bass with that setup. Which would be best or do you recommend something else? Thanks a lot for the help!!!

-CJ

Acura TSX Audio Question

Jason11 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:41:27 GMT

Hello,

I have a 2005 Acura TSX WITH the Navigation System. I would like to add an Ipod hookup. Most people have told me I can't with this head unit (but could in the 2006 which also has XM). I don't plan on changing the system. Is my only option something like the Parrot MKi9200? Ideally, I would like to be able to control everything from the existing controls in the car. The Parrot unit just mutes the existing radio and has it's own remote to control the volume and to change between songs etc. (from what I understand).

Any help would be much appreciated.

- J