Volvo s40/v50 Audio System.

[yannickc]

The base performance system before model 2008 has 4 speakers. And 6 speakers (2 front tweeters) + aux in model 2008.

I have a model 2008 base system.
It sounds like crap!
This is realy a shame for a brand like volvo!

i changed al the speakers + extra amp for the front speakers and a small pioneer sub hidden in the trunk.
It sounds alot better now. The only thing is the FM tuner is also not the best. Compared to the CD player it sounds to flat. But the CD now sounds alot better then most car audio systems.

I add a DAB+ module with BT receiver to the aux port. the DAB+ sounds al lott clearer then the FM tuner.
And the BT audio is almost like the CD. but the CD has a little more detail...

Its also important to have a strong line level signal for the Aux. the aux is verry sensitive for noise... My smartphone do not have the power to get a noise free signal. luckely, my DAB+ module has a strong audio level signal.

[Rossthecrow]

Originally Posted by Rossthecrow

I have just bought a v50 it's 54 plate with high performance stereo it has a dash speaker but don't know if work or us supposed to

Can Anybody help me on this please

Hi thanks for your reply when I turn my stereo on it says high performance audio and as far as I can see no dolby, bbut have looked under the grill in dash and is defo a speaker there

[iainmd]

Very odd. I've looked at the brochures from that era on the web and no mention of such a configuration.

[Rossthecrow]

Originally Posted by iainmd

Very odd. I've looked at the brochures from that era on the web and no mention of such a configuration.

Very strange all I can think of is the satnav unit might have been changed at some point because it's all one peice isn't it, might pop it out have a look to see if it's connected

[Rossthecrow]

Originally Posted by iainmd

Very odd. I've looked at the brochures from that era on the web and no mention of such a configuration.

Just read somewhere that it has 8 speakers the hight performance where will they be formatted

[iainmd]

High performance is 2 speakers in each of the 4 doors. Maybe with satnav the extra dash speaker is fitted for sat nav instructions?

[LizardOfBodom]

Hi all
Can I pin myself up to this thread and ask about your experience with faulty CD and static in FM radio? I have premium version, with Dolby and 6CD changer. Ever since I bought the car, CD have trouble reading CDs. It ocasionally is able to read and play something and will play unless I switch to different CD or eject/instert it. I tried various CDs (R, RW, original ones, various slots in changer) same result. Either doesnt read (CD unreadable) or rarely is able to play and works ok until switched to different slot. Then, the same CD that was previously working, may stop working again.
Any remedy for that that does not involve changing the unit or its components?
like cleaning from outside (somehow...) or something?
Also noticed FM radio have recently developed lots of static on every station - like the antenna is loose or partially missing, but because its V50 its in the rear window so its not like somebody broke it or something....
Unhappy now as either I have no sound or static FM radio
any help appreciated

[LizardOfBodom]

FYI, if somebody with similar issue in future:
regarding the static - on close inspection noticed the connector broke off on rear side window where antenna is(just beneath the headliner), and is attached to rear window only with 1 prong. That causes intermittent FM signal losses and static.
My plan is to break it off completely, clean (as it looks corroded) and re-attach using conductive glue (available on ebay or in model-train hobbys shops).

[Leo Kalme]

Originally Posted by Rossthecrow

Very strange all I can think of is the satnav unit might have been changed at some point because it's all one peice isn't it, might pop it out have a look to see if it's connected

It might be that faulty navigation unit was replaced with center speaker as it is much cheaper solution (if you plan to sell car, that is).

[BOBAD]

Originally Posted by VenomS40

....... would be interested in changing the speakers all round. What do you recomend? Also can you add an amp to the standard head?

You certainly can add an amp to the standard head unit - I have added 2 high-quality Rockford Fosgates but I am obsessed with sound quality.

One drives the front speakers and the other one drives the sub.

I have no rear speakers as they would destroy the sound stage and only the two people up front are catered for sound-wise.

There is no point in upgrading the speakers without upgrading the amplifier at the same time........ and don't forget to add sound-deadening material to the inside of the front doors as this will make a big difference. I use SkinZ but Dynamat is just as good.

Recommended speaker replacements: Focal, Rainbow or Hertz.

Sound quality is very subjective but in my experience none of the Volvo sound systems on offer are particularly good, even the top-of-the range one, and you will get far more bang for your buck by fitting specially chosen after-market equipment.






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