Audio expert advice please!

[Steverob1066]

Just taken delivery of a 2010 XC60 and I love it. But the audio system is rudimentary and I'm wondering what my options are. I'd like MP3 music streaming from a memory card or USB stick, and handsfree Bluetooth phone. It looks like there's a good Volvo aftermarket solution for the 2011 model which gives you both in one package for £250 or so, but it won't fit my model apparently. I want to avoid add-ons that don't work with the steering wheel controls so that rules out the Parrot products pretty much, unless anyone knows different...?

So - maybe I can uprate the audio system to a 2011 system - get a used spare here? Then use the Volvo aftermarket upgrade? This feels a bit risky. I've talked to Volvo dealers and most of them say they've never been asked for music streaming and handsfree upgrades to the SE (really?) so don't have any great ideas. (Need Ed China on the job...)

[844PHW]

A bit more information would help us understand the problem, in particular what audio options do you have installed?
It might not correspond with your vehicle, but on mine there is a socket in the rear centre console bin and using adapters I can have SD, USB, Walkman tape, mp3 player etc.

[Steverob1066]

Thanks - not sure who builds the system but it's a pretty simple CD/FM radio with an analog aux socket in the console. That's it - no other interfaces: no different from what I had in my old Ford Scorpio 16 years ago. Not sure if the CD player will even play CDs encoded with MP3 tracks. From a music point of view, I want to be able to select tracks using the steering wheel controls, which means the add-on system has to interface with the display on the top of the dash. When using a phone, ideally, I'd like to be able to select numbers from my address book also visible on the display. When the phone receives an incoming call, I'd like the music to be muted. When park assist is beeping, it also need to override the phone and/or music streaming.
Is this asking a lot?

[wimorrison]

You are not asking a lot for a car that is specified to that standard when built, my car does everything that you require.

The system is fully integrated and you would have to speak to Volvo to find out whether your car can have the upgraded system fitted. It may not be upgradable, depending on what wiring was paid for when the car was originally ordered, some extensions were additional cost and factory fit only.

Speak to the dealer, I think that is your only option.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Steverob1066

Just taken delivery of a 2010 XC60 and I love it. But the audio system is rudimentary and I'm wondering what my options are. I'd like MP3 music streaming from a memory card or USB stick, and handsfree Bluetooth phone. It looks like there's a good Volvo aftermarket solution for the 2011 model which gives you both in one package for £250 or so, but it won't fit my model apparently. I want to avoid add-ons that don't work with the steering wheel controls so that rules out the Parrot products pretty much, unless anyone knows different...?

So - maybe I can uprate the audio system to a 2011 system - get a used spare here? Then use the Volvo aftermarket upgrade? This feels a bit risky. I've talked to Volvo dealers and most of them say they've never been asked for music streaming and handsfree upgrades to the SE (really?) so don't have any great ideas. (Need Ed China on the job...)

This should take care of your music problem :

http://accessories.volvocars.com/Acc...ent/VCC-463870


OR
This will take care of the music AND phone problem ...

http://accessories.volvocars.com/Acc...ent/VCC-463949

[Steverob1066]

Oooh -that looks about right - thank you! Will contact my local dealer

[Steverob1066]

Oh dear - my local Volvo dealer is saying it won't fit my car even though the accessory website says it should. Great.

[tangey]

This thread might be useful for you.

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=187013

£434 to get USB functionality on a 2008 XC60.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Steverob1066

Oh dear - my local Volvo dealer is saying it won't fit my car even though the accessory website says it should. Great.

There is one stipulation on the web site Dont you have the performance audio system ?

"Note!
The system is intended for cars with Performance audio systems."

[Steverob1066]

Not sure - how do determine what kind of audio system it is? The Volvo dealer told me from my chassis number that the system wouldn't fit. "Can I upgrade the sound system then?" I asked - "don't know" came the reply, and then - "I suppose I'll have to ring up Volvo again." Great. Fitting a salvaged system doesn't seem possible either because apparently: "They are set up specifically for the car using a computer and can't be moved from car to car" Really? I'm not confident I'm talking to an expert but where do you find specialists who know what can be done and what can't (and why)?