Audio upgrade

NASHY123 · Feb 4th, 2018, 17:15

Hi,
Has anyone attempted an aftermarket audioi upgrade in an xc60 ? Adding a sub etc to beef up the sound a little.
I've just bought a 10k miles D5 with 20" alloys and some nice upgrades but the sound system could be improved in my opinion.
If anyone has some ideas on how to do this without spending a small fortune I'd be grateful for a steer.
Many thanks.

Brankster · Feb 4th, 2018, 17:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by NASHY123

Hi,
Has anyone attempted an aftermarket audioi upgrade in an xc60 ? Adding a sub etc to beef up the sound a little.
I've just bought a 10k miles D5 with 20" alloys and some nice upgrades but the sound system could be improved in my opinion.
If anyone has some ideas on how to do this without spending a small fortune I'd be grateful for a steer.
Many thanks.

Listen to music via apple music or from usb makes a huge difference. You could upgrade the speakers I imagine.

The Talking Donkey · Feb 4th, 2018, 18:50

I agree the sound system is dreadful. I doubt amplification is the answer though. The old adage rubbish in rubbish out I suspect holds true here, meaning the most likely culprit is the head unit. Speakers will alter the sound to some extent but I suspect the small return for such an investment would leave you disappointed. I jumped into my old Alfa yesterday, which has a 15 year old Bose system and it blew me away. I hadn't really appreciated how good it was when using it on a daily basis. The Volvo is boomy and muddy, though the DAB reception has been very impressive.

Its Radio 5 for me now, music is not an option

NigelDay · Feb 4th, 2018, 20:09

I can't comment on the standard sound system, but it is certainly true that a decent 'bit rate' sound file (and decent recording) would be the first step to a better audio experience. I would also visit few 'in car audio' specialists to get some ideas and quotes.

Brankster · Feb 4th, 2018, 20:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by NigelDay

I can't comment on the standard sound system, but it is certainly true that a decent 'bit rate' sound file (and decent recording) would be the first step to a better audio experience. I would also visit few 'in car audio' specialists to get some ideas and quotes.

I was a bit disappointed with the sound at first but through my iPhone, it sounds pretty good. enough for me. My last car had a far better system but it seems very difficult to add a sub to the standard Volvo system.

HDAV · Feb 4th, 2018, 23:06

If you want to assess the installed system drop a cd in an actual proper cd and then see if it is lacking.

NigelDay · Feb 4th, 2018, 23:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDAV

If you want to assess the installed system drop a cd in an actual proper cd and then see if it is lacking.

Good advice. A test CD is also worth listening to. This will give you a good idea of speaker frequency response and check other things such as stereo phase (in or out).

Feb 4th, 2018, 17:15	#1
NASHY123 New Member Last Online: Jan 25th, 2020 18:08 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: CARDIFF	Audio upgrade Hi, Has anyone attempted an aftermarket audioi upgrade in an xc60 ? Adding a sub etc to beef up the sound a little. I've just bought a 10k miles D5 with 20" alloys and some nice upgrades but the sound system could be improved in my opinion. If anyone has some ideas on how to do this without spending a small fortune I'd be grateful for a steer. Many thanks.

Feb 4th, 2018, 18:50	#3
The Talking Donkey Junior Member Last Online: Aug 18th, 2018 22:26 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Aylesbury	I agree the sound system is dreadful. I doubt amplification is the answer though. The old adage rubbish in rubbish out I suspect holds true here, meaning the most likely culprit is the head unit. Speakers will alter the sound to some extent but I suspect the small return for such an investment would leave you disappointed. I jumped into my old Alfa yesterday, which has a 15 year old Bose system and it blew me away. I hadn't really appreciated how good it was when using it on a daily basis. The Volvo is boomy and muddy, though the DAB reception has been very impressive. Its Radio 5 for me now, music is not an option __________________ Sept 17 XC60 D4 FWD AUTO R Design Lux, Winter Pack, Rubbish Sat Nav and Audio, annoying heated element in windscreen.

Feb 4th, 2018, 20:09	#4
NigelDay Premier Member Last Online: Feb 29th, 2024 15:46 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Barnard Castle	I can't comment on the standard sound system, but it is certainly true that a decent 'bit rate' sound file (and decent recording) would be the first step to a better audio experience. I would also visit few 'in car audio' specialists to get some ideas and quotes. __________________ 2015: XC60 D4 FWD SE Lux Nav 190hp manual, Osmium Grey, 17" Segin, Tempa, Winter Illumination, Security, Family, DSP, 4C, HK Sound, Subwoofer, Front Parking, Rear Camera, Dark Tinted, Power Passenger Seat, Speed and Heated Steering.

Feb 4th, 2018, 23:06	#6
HDAV Master Member Last Online: Jan 21st, 2024 14:21 Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: End of the valley	If you want to assess the installed system drop a cd in an actual proper cd and then see if it is lacking.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)