Any advice on an audio upgrade from the standard factory spec?

[UlstermanAbroad]

Hi Guys

So having convinced me on getting an x pipe, there's only one other thing I'd like to change for now and that's the ICE.

Has anyone fitted a Bose system after purchase or another combination of kit, that you'd recommend?

Truth be told, I do mostly listen to the exhaust note, but it'd be nice to have ICE that doesn't completely suck.
Budget. Probably £500 - £1,000 and I may make this go further by buying components on eBay or similar.
I have an expert auto electrician on my doorstep, so fitting isn't a concern.

Huge thanks in advance.

Mike

 

[mattjevans]

Check out for ideas the GRanTurismo install on the website at audiofile-incar ?

 

[mattjevans]

http://www.audiofile-incar.co.uk/audio-upgrades/maserati-granturismo

This one

 

[dickygrace]

Leave it as it is or it'll cost you a fortune and devalue your car.

 

[Navcorr]

http://www.audiofile-incar.co.uk/audio-upgrades/maserati-granturismo

This one

There's a blast from the past

The place always had a very good reputation. Bought some acoustic cloth there many many moons ago as it was the only place at the time that carried it. Was covering a custom rear shelf for the Lancia.

 

[Navcorr]

Leave it as it is or it'll cost you a fortune and devalue your car.

Hi there - could I ask if the same would apply to a 4200? That much older, out of warranty, etc, etc. I understand the originality issue but would a decent (modern) system be detrimental?

 

[Wack61]

I very much doubt it, the 4200 was built in too many numbers to become a classic for a long time by which time a Cd's will be looked at like my kids look at an LP

I think your biggest issue is going to be finding something that'll work as the infotainment is tied to the car , mine has a parrot and an ipod which works OK

 

[Navcorr]

Thanks Wack. Re: 4200, if anything, I'd have thought an improvement on the factory system would be deemed beneficial.

Can't resist posting this again:
https://youtu.be/TxQqWSnsHoA

 

[spkennyuk]

For the 4200 pretty much the only way to go is installing the parrot mki9200. Easy self install in under 2 hours. Gives you mp3, bluetooth streaming and usb and phono jack line in options as well as hands free phone kit. Easily removed with no damage so you can keep the care original and reverse when its time to sell.

The only other option without spending thousands is the loudlink option which is a mp3 player that emulates the cd multichanger. Its cheaper than the parrot system but not as versatile.

As far as the GT goes then i cant comment and will leave to others who will know.

 

[Navcorr]

Thanks again. Have a few ideas (currently a work in progress) for a replacement system. Keeping the existing NIT in the CANBUS but using current equipment. Assuming a self-fit install just the basic unit (not including replacement speakers, separate amps, cabling, etc) can be bought very reasonably.

Making a new facia bezel would be time consuming but a worthwhile exercise. Plus, as you say, retaining the option to revert back to original if required.

https://youtu.be/pujXTj4X_I4

 

[ZAM400209]

Hey Navcorr-

what Lancia do you run..?

 

[Navcorr]

Hey Navcorr-
what Lancia do you run..?

Hi Jim, have had a few in the past but not for 10+ years now. The custom shelf mentioned was something made-up for a Prisma. Not the most powerful but always enjoyed it and the boot space was quite handy at college.

you & I might have to have a mini meet in advance then...!

Was this suggestion a forum encoded cypher for a sneaky pint sometime
Sounds good
Cheers
Neil

 

[ZAM400209]

It was Neil, yes!

we'll have to hook up- the Canny Man's can probably take two cars outside..!

 

[UlstermanAbroad]

Thanks for your comments guys.

Food for thought

 

[spkennyuk]

I think Maf did a speaker upgrade guide for the 4200/ GS as well if that helps on the 4200 front.

 

[Navcorr]

Thanks again SPK. Think I saw that. There's another on ML. The speakers appear to be straight forward enough.

The main issue is the lack of mounting depth behind the factory screen. Have seen a few suggestions involving resiting the screen. Most of those posts date back a fair while though using equipment no longer available.

Have an idea, using up to date equipment, which I think will work. Although not overly expensive the install is potentially quite involved. Depends how far I can send 5V signals. Hopefully far enough without using voltage regulation as that would be a pita.

If it works it will allow a double din system with up to date navigation ability. The stereo updates would be a matter of preference/budget. Some folk take such things a tad too far - we probably all know the type. But a few well chosen options needant be excessive.

Thanks again for the nod towards MAF's speaker guide.

 

[outrun]

Hi there - could I ask if the same would apply to a 4200? That much older, out of warranty, etc, etc. I understand the originality issue but would a decent (modern) system be detrimental?

I'd be very careful. As Dicky mentions, the car will be devalued with an aftermarket head unit in it regardless of how good the install is. Be sure you can return it to factory appearance. I always found that the head units themselves are well made, if dated, and produce good sound when married to better speakers, amp and installation with sound deadening materials etc. I changed the single din in one of my GS but retained the Becker unit to switch it back. Easy to do with single din, not so easy with the other models.

 

[ZAM400209]

food for thought...

 

[Navcorr]

I'd be very careful. As Dicky mentions, the car will be devalued with an aftermarket head unit in it regardless of how good the install is. Be sure you can return it to factory appearance. I always found that the head units themselves are well made, if dated, and produce good sound when married to better speakers, amp and installation with sound deadening materials etc. I changed the single din in one of my GS but retained the Becker unit to switch it back. Easy to do with single din, not so easy with the other models.

Thanks weegie I'm going to have to stop saying that aren't I.

In part it is trying to make something work. Plus, I'm looking at a Spyder as a long term keeper so resale value is not a primary issue. Reversibility shouldn't be difficult to achieve given the factory parts remain part of the CANBUS. I suppose it boils down to whether it's worth the effort or not. Seeing as there are other options well documented. I quite like a project though and have always liked a car stereo - 30 years ago a friend & I were the ones putting stereos into mate's cars at school. We fitted speakers in the headrests of one - just for fun. Now head rest screens are de rigueur.

 

[CatmanV2]

The NIT is part of the CANBUS......

C