The AU audio thread - ideas, products and advice.

b2tf · 08-12-2010, 04:04 PM

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 · 08-12-2010, 04:56 PM

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

Venomous1 · 08-12-2010, 05:21 PM

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 · 08-12-2010, 05:22 PM

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

Donny · 08-12-2010, 05:38 PM

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

bartsau · 08-12-2010, 06:24 PM

Areopro pocket with my old setup.

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

mik · 08-12-2010, 06:32 PM

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.

AUIIPURSUIT · 08-12-2010, 06:32 PM

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.

Donny · 08-12-2010, 08:16 PM

Quote:

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 · 08-12-2010, 08:58 PM

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/

b2tf · 08-12-2010, 09:14 PM

Quote:

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 · 08-12-2010, 10:02 PM

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 · 08-12-2010, 10:17 PM

Quote:

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

Mr Hardware · 08-12-2010, 11:12 PM

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 · 08-12-2010, 11:26 PM

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

Day-mow · 09-12-2010, 12:59 AM

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 · 09-12-2010, 03:02 PM

DAC
Try this, alot cheaper than the cat.

ronwest · 09-12-2010, 03:40 PM

Quote:

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 · 09-12-2010, 03:47 PM

Quote:

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

FTE72 · 09-12-2010, 03:59 PM

double post sorry

blueoval · 09-12-2010, 04:00 PM

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.

ronwest · 09-12-2010, 04:09 PM

Quote:

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.

block58 · 09-12-2010, 04:15 PM

I wish this thread had been started two days ago! I will be installing a headunit in an AU1 Futura soon and 2 days ago I BOUGHT THIS KIT.
What have been people's installation experience with something like that?

Also I was wondering if there will be anywhere to screw the headunit in place or will I need to make up brackets?

Cheers.

ronwest · 09-12-2010, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by block58

What have been people's installation experience with something like that?

Also I was wondering if there will be anywhere to screw the headunit in place or will I need to make up brackets?

The harness will be fine... just a bit more expensive if you don't use that pocket

For mine (single din JVC) I screwed through the sides of the mounting cage that came with it and also extended the screw on the rear of the unit so that it located into the slot at the back of the recess where the unit is mounted (if that makes sense).
I might have a pic somewhere but I can't guarantee that I'll be able to find it...

macman · 09-12-2010, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by block58

BOUGHT THIS KIT.
What have been people's installation experience with something like that?

My TS50 had that pocket in place when I bought it. Was a very neat and tidy fit in my opinion.

block58 · 09-12-2010, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronwest

The harness will be fine... just a bit more expensive if you don't use that pocket

For mine (single din JVC) I screwed through the sides of the mounting cage that came with it and also extended the screw on the rear of the unit so that it located into the slot at the back of the recess where the unit is mounted (if that makes sense).
I might have a pic somewhere but I can't guarantee that I'll be able to find it...

Thanks for info!
Harness: I don't think I will have a problem with as I've done 2 before.
Removal tools: Tried with coathangers and failed, so hoping the tool will work out well (although judging by some threads I have read, it won't.)
Mounting: This is where I think I will have the most trouble. I have done my sister's Forester, which was like mounting a CD drive into a computer (slide in and screw in) with no trouble at all. I have also done my brother's EL Futura, which proved a problem when it came to mounting. There was nowhere to mount it in except the OEM brackets. The problem was that the brackets had the wrong screw positions so the headunit sat about 2cm behind the fascia.

The thing I am most concerned about with the AU install is the lack of mounting points (as in the Forester) and also the lack of OEM brackets (as in the EL). The ebay listing doesn't specify whether it comes with brackets or not so I will assume it doesn't. The headunit does have a mounting cage, however so I guess I will be needing to use that.

So after all that does anybody have any tips for mounting with the pocket I am buying and also any pics of their install. I haven't checked if the (Pioneer) headunit has the screw at the back to extend but every other headunit I have seen has.

@macman - I'm glad to head, I was a worried there would be gaps around the sides making it look bad.

Cheers.

tl;dr: Tips and pics on using a mounting cage please.

b2tf · 09-12-2010, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by block58

Harness: I don't think I will have a problem with as I've done 2 before.

Easy - Aerpro make them all. To suit AU they are:

http://aerpro.com.au/list.php?cat_na...no=10&cat_sno=

Removal tools: Tried with coathangers and failed, so hoping the tool will work out well (although judging by some threads I have read, it won't.)[/QUOTE]

Best advice I can offer is DO NOT try and take the factory unit out with coathangers - if you bugger it up it will make it near impossible to get it out even if you try again with the proper tools.

The proper tools cost $8 on Ebay or any good audio store will have them - take the time to do it right.

ronwest · 09-12-2010, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by block58

So after all that does anybody have any tips for mounting with the pocket I am buying and also any pics of their install.

tl;dr: Tips and pics on using a mounting cage please.

Once your head unit is in place, the pocket just "clicks" into place (well, mine did, anyway).

For mounting the unit, I used a right angle drill attachment like this http://tinyurl.com/2ebbc8h that I'd previously bought from Bunnings.

Get cage into desired position and drill holes through cage and into steel dash surround. I used a couple of self tappers to secure cage to surround. A couple of things to watch out for but it's all pretty obvious when you've got it in front of you.

I haven't a clue where my pics are (I've got about 20TB of hdds - some of which have pics on them, lol) but there are pics on here if you search. I rem posting a pic of the r/angle drill attachment, quite a while ago.

block58 · 10-12-2010, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronwest

Once your head unit is in place, the pocket just "clicks" into place (well, mine did, anyway).

For mounting the unit, I used a right angle drill attachment like this http://tinyurl.com/2ebbc8h that I'd previously bought from Bunnings.

Get cage into desired position and drill holes through cage and into steel dash surround. I used a couple of self tappers to secure cage to surround. A couple of things to watch out for but it's all pretty obvious when you've got it in front of you.

I haven't a clue where my pics are (I've got about 20TB of hdds - some of which have pics on them, lol) but there are pics on here if you search. I rem posting a pic of the r/angle drill attachment, quite a while ago.

Alright, thanks for the info. I'm a bit worried cos I'm not all that confident with drilling etc but I'm sure I'll figure it out alright.
Does the aerpro surround/fascia thing have an inbuilt mounting frame in it? If it does I might just buy one of those to make it an easier/tidier install.

@ b2tf - it's a bit late as I have already tried for a while so I might have done some inadvertent damage unfortunately. I am getting some proper tools along with the harness/pocket so hopefully I will have no problems with the proper one. I will just end up splicing the harness with the Pioneer plug.

Cheers.

**Polyal** · 15-12-2010, 03:13 PM

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.