Buying a D4, what stereo is easiest to upgrade???

[Cleasc]

I am planning on buying a 3.0L Discovery 4 in the coming months (hopefully weeks) and am unsure about what will suit my needs better.
A car stereo is of high importance to me and I plan on upgrading the lot (I've tested out a PremiumICE example and wasn't that impressed).

So my question is what model will be easiest and/or lose me the least functionality when I upgrade, the small base line radio or the touch screen with offroad info, etc??? Also, how useful is the offroad info screen, do people actually use it or just put it on as a cool gimmick???

My requirements are as follows:
-Bluetooth audio & phonecalls;
-RCA outputs to new amp;
-Rear view camera with option of adding second for trailer/caravan;
-Good quality/factory appearance console install.

I've sourced these Cleansweep (http://intl.jlaudio.com/car-audio-oem-interface-oem-integration) devices that will allow me to tap into the factory unit and output the signal to a new amp, but then how do I add the camera and bluetooth functionality???

This issue (and selling my old Navara (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Nissan-Navara-2005/SSE-AD-2860886)) are all that are holding me up, but I really want to sort it out before I buy something.

[Tombie]

Welcome Audiophile :)

Welcome to your new nightmare!

The Stereos are all Canbus linked and integrated into the vehicle systems.

Nothing is impossible, but be prepared to bleed some serious cash!

Seriously though, how good does a stereo in a vehicle need to be, it's a crap sound stage, full of induced harmonics lows and highs and noise at speed, even though the vehicles are quiet, destroys purity.

Good luck... The vehicle is worth it regardless...

[101RRS]

As Tombie said.

However if you need that little extra, just fit your preferred car radio into the car, separate to the car systems leaving the original radio where it is.

Fit the new radio under a seat or somewhere with a remote control somewhere within reach.

Garry

[jonesy63]

Cleasc,
The Cleansweep doesn't count as high-end ICE. I suggest you look at Audison Bit Ten (minimum), or for higher-end Audison Bit One, ARC Audio PS8, Alpine H800,etc for more $ and tuning capabilities. Just remember that the install (deadening, solid baffles, speaker positioning, etc.) will be more important than the hardware you use.

All of the above processors will take speaker level inputs from factory amp - allow de-equalisation and then custom tuning - and then RCA to your new amp/amps.

Even the base model stereo in D4 has bluetooth phone - and it works really well.

The only thing missing from your list would be the rear-view camera/screen.

Toombie - how is your proposed setup going?

Cheers,
Rob

[Cleasc]

Audiophile might not be exactly accurate, maybe just fussy.

If I had a D4 with the base stereo system and removed it, what exactly would I lose???

Jonesy, I was only eyeing off the Cleansweep because it would allow me to tap into the outputs from the factory unit and output easily to a new amp. But that Alpine unit looks interesting. Are you aware of any devices that would allow me to bluetooth an audio stream through this???

[Tombie]

Audiophile might not be exactly accurate, maybe just fussy.

If I had a D4 with the base stereo system and removed it, what exactly would I lose???

Jonesy, I was only eyeing off the Cleansweep because it would allow me to tap into the outputs from the factory unit and output easily to a new amp. But that Alpine unit looks interesting. Are you aware of any devices that would allow me to bluetooth an audio stream through this???

Base unit (and above) interface with the Display in the instrument cluster controlling clock etc.

At a minimum you would lose:
Bluetooth
Phone control
steering wheel controls

The 'system' I am trying to assemble (reminded me to phone programmer) uses the Baseline audio - which for me is nothing but background noise now - well past my big system in vehicle days ;) but I'm adding rear camera and GPS. I'm using an interface to intercept and decode the Can bus control signals and display onto an Alpine touch screen that will replace the factory unit.

I'm not chasing sound improvement, as the environment really isn't conducive to sound stage quality - more importantly, I don't really need it, its just background noise to help pass the time.

[Tombie]

BTW mate - Would appear we are neighbours... ;)

[Cleasc]

BTW mate - Would appear we are neighbours... ;)

Good to know :)

[jonesy63]

Are you aware of any devices that would allow me to bluetooth an audio stream through this???

Hi - I was looking at this one: Fusion MS-BT100 Marine Bluetooth Module - ($44.85)RYDA Car Audio (http://www.ryda.com.au/Fusion-MS-BT100-Marine-Bluetooth-Module-p/msbt100.htm)

Then you would have bluetooth phone through head unit, and bluetooth audio (A2DP) via aux input to processor.

[lpj]

A question for you audiofiles out there.

How easy is it to add a sub-woofer to the Harmon Kardon system that I have in my MY12 SE? I see there is provision for it under the divers seat. Is it a matter of plug and play?

While the sound of the HK is OK, its a real step down from the Mackintosh I have in my Subaru Liberty GT.

Just need a bit more doof doof

[jonesy63]

Hi lpj,
The sub is in the lower tailgate. I suspect the easiest way to install one would be to tap into the speaker outs from the amplifier (in drivers side luggage space panel) and then run that into an additional amp and then run new speaker cable to the lower tailgate and new sub.

Here's a couple of photos of what the lower tailgate looks like in a D3:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/140.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/141.jpg

As you can see - the issue is mounting depth. I installed a Pioneer shallow mount sub in my previous D3. I am about to install a Dynaudio 10" in my D4.

[tiddy]

A question for you audiofiles out there.

How easy is it to add a sub-woofer to the Harmon Kardon system that I have in my MY12 SE? I see there is provision for it under the divers seat. Is it a matter of plug and play?

While the sound of the HK is OK, its a real step down from the Mackintosh I have in my Subaru Liberty GT.

Just need a bit more doof doof


I have the same issue with the Meridian system in my MY14, good mid to high's, but muddy low's & it lacks that punch that a good 12" sub will deliver.

I already have an Alpine S type sub & enclosure with matching Alpine mono bloc amp, which I will get installed shortly. According to the audio guy who will do it, its pretty straight forward & Im hoping to retain the sub out control through the head unit, otherwise I will just set the gain on the sub amp. I accept the drawbacks of having an enclosure, but for me the sound gain is worth it.

tiddy

[lpj]

Hi lpj,
The sub is in the lower tailgate. I suspect the easiest way to install one would be to tap into the speaker outs from the amplifier (in drivers side luggage space panel) and then run that into an additional amp and then run new speaker cable to the lower tailgate and new sub.

Here's a couple of photos of what the lower tailgate looks like in a D3:


That's great. Thanks for that.

That being said, what is the empty cage/rack under the front seat used for then?

[101RRS]

That being said, what is the empty cage/rack under the front seat used for then?

I thought that is where the amp went.

[lpj]

Ahh. I think your right. That makes sense

[jonesy63]

I thought that is where the amp went.

Almost - that is where the amp is located on the base model D4 stereo. The higher spec ones have the amp hidden under the plastic side panel in drivers side luggage space.

[AnD3rew]

I must have cloth ears because I have the basic HK system with passive sub in my D3 SE and it leaves all other standard cars stereo systems in all other cars I've ever had for dead. My ears would bleed if it went any louder and it gets as loud as I can stand without any noticeable distortion. A powered sub would be nice But the passive is really very acceptable.

[giskard]

I am about to install a Dynaudio 10" in my D4.

Is the 10" Dynaudio a drop in replacement? Really keen to get your impressions one its in. I've always been impressed with Dyn's. Have em at home. Brilliant.

[silkhammer]

Almost - that is where the amp is located on the base model D4 stereo. The higher spec ones have the amp hidden under the plastic side panel in drivers side luggage space.

Do you mean under the passenger seat? After taking the back of my knuckle off on the weekend I found an empty bracket under the LH front seat of my (base model stereo) MY14. Was wondering what it was for, assumed one of the upgraded ICE packages. But it's definitely empty in mine, just a bunch of loose wiring plugs...

[jonesy63]

Under passenger seat is where the GPS receiver goes.

[jonesy63]

Is the 10" Dynaudio a drop in replacement? Really keen to get your impressions one its in. I've always been impressed with Dyn's. Have em at home. Brilliant.

Not a drop-in replacement at all. A lot of cutting, panel-beating, etc required.

[Scary]

what is the offroad information screen? probably a dumb question

[SBD4]

what is the offroad information screen? probably a dumb question

It is a screen displayed in the centre console showing steering angle, wheel articulation and diff lock status etc. you can catch a glimpse of it at the end of this video:

MOST.MP4 - YouTube

Incidentally, this rest of this vid would be of interest to those trying to understand how the components of the audio/nav systems in these cars hook up for the purposes of upgrading.

[Cleasc]

After looking into some of the 'high end' aftermarket navigation units available I've decided that all the designers are still living in the 90's based on the pathetic UI's and laggy (obvious outdated) hardware.

So I'm looking into car pc's.
I wonder if something like this will fit...
2Din Car PC Mini ITX GEN4 | Car Computer | Custom Gaming Computers (http://e3io.com/2din-car-pc-mini-itx-v2-gen4)

Dimensions: 4"x 7" x 8 1/4" (HxWxD)
That or a separate screen and pc case.

Does anyone have the dimensions of available space behind the different audio systems in the Disco 4's???

[Cleasc]

It is possible. This guy has some sort of car pc system tied into the standard D4 stereo. Trying to find more info now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IriNAR9PlAM

[Tombie]

That's what I'm building at the moment.
The glitch is: the module to drag the interface from the car to the new screen isn't talking as the CanBus protocols for LHD and RHD are different :(
So, at the moment the software is being decompiled and rewritten to suit.

[Cleasc]

Will that be to suit only the base model stereo or all 3 systems???

[Tombie]

Will that be to suit only the base model stereo or all 3 systems???


Mine is only being developed/tested initially for base level..
If I had the factory screen, camera and nav I wouldn't worry about it.

[Mutley]

Hi Guys,

Is there any way that the D4 Mid System can have the bluetooth upgraded to accomodate for Bluetooth Streaming at all? I'm quite happy with the sound from it, however streaming audio over bluetooth is a much preferred option. Also, does anyone know about the maps upgrade for the older systems? My '09 D4 has the same maps it was sold with - at one stage I asked about it and apparently there was some fight between whereis and LR so no map updates were being offered. Is that still the case?

Cheers,
-Adam.

[Tombie]

Mine is only being developed/tested initially for base level..
If I had the factory screen, camera and nav I wouldn't worry about it.


Still no joy unfortunately- we can't get it to work :(

[Melbourne Park]

... Also, does anyone know about the maps upgrade for the older systems? My '09 D4 has the same maps it was sold with - at one stage I asked about it and apparently there was some fight between whereis and LR so no map updates were being offered. Is that still the case?

Cheers,
-Adam.

I know someone with a 2.7 litre D4 so I suppose its about your age ... he told me recently that Land Rover wanted something like $400 to upgrade his maps ... he said no because he thought it such a rip off. The problem is though, eventually it will get done so maybe its worthwhile? In Melbourne with a few freeways opened since 2009, an upgrade is worthwhile IMO.

Lexus and Toyota are much the same cost. All they do is swap a DVD. And charge close to $400 also. They claim they have to buy the DVD from the mapping company ... and Toyota's ones do not have off road maps in them.

So I guess, ask you dealer's service area, or ring around them ... my son has a Grande Camry V6 circa 2006. I upgraded its DVD for around $350. My intention was to remove his DVD, copy it (for back up purposes of course), and then put the back up one into his (i.e. back into my Camry Grande V6). Then take his original DVD to my wife's RX Lexus , and upgrade my wife's maps. Then remove her original map DVD, and swap it back into my son's Camry Grande V6 so he gets his original one back.

But I haven't bothered to do that yet, but boy, my wife's system is a pain on some East Link freeways. The voice says every 30 seconds, to obey the local restrictions that apply. It drives me crazy ... The Toyota programmers are trying to make drivers think that the computer reckons you are going at 100KMH along an uncompleted freeway. But in fact, the programming is there simply to get you to pay $400 for an up to date DVD. Otherwise you'd get the same message every 30 seconds when you are driving along a beach or a dirt road that is not on the Toyota mapping database ...

[LOMartin]

I know someone with a 2.7 litre D4 so I suppose its about your age ... he told me recently that Land Rover wanted something like $400 to upgrade his maps ... he said no because he thought it such a rip off. The problem is though, eventually it will get done so maybe its worthwhile? In Melbourne with a few freeways opened since 2009, an upgrade is worthwhile IMO.

Lexus and Toyota are much the same cost. All they do is swap a DVD. And charge close to $400 also. They claim they have to buy the DVD from the mapping company ... and Toyota's ones do not have off road maps in them.

So I guess, ask you dealer's service area, or ring around them ... my son has a Grande Camry V6 circa 2006. I upgraded its DVD for around $350. My intention was to remove his DVD, copy it (for back up purposes of course), and then put the back up one into his (i.e. back into my Camry Grande V6). Then take his original DVD to my wife's RX Lexus , and upgrade my wife's maps. Then remove her original map DVD, and swap it back into my son's Camry Grande V6 so he gets his original one back.

But I haven't bothered to do that yet, but boy, my wife's system is a pain on some East Link freeways. The voice says every 30 seconds, to obey the local restrictions that apply. It drives me crazy ... The Toyota programmers are trying to make drivers think that the computer reckons you are going at 100KMH along an uncompleted freeway. But in fact, the programming is there simply to get you to pay $400 for an up to date DVD. Otherwise you'd get the same message every 30 seconds when you are driving along a beach or a dirt road that is not on the Toyota mapping database ...


Check this guy out, the updated DVD for $50.00 US. 2011-2012 Land Rover Nav Map DVD Update - Land Rover and Range Rover Forums (http://www.landroverworld.org/forums/showthread.php't=23836)