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 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) 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

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