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82WestyMan Samba Member
Joined: December 28, 2006 Posts: 1098 Location: Western OR
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Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 6:34 am Post subject: New Digital Media Receiver Head Unit |
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It thought it was about time to upgrade the stereo head unit in the Westy after 6+ years.
Back in '08, I installed a pretty nice system at the time: JVC KD-AR560 head unit http://support.jvc.com/consumer/product.jsp?modelId=MODL027430&page=3 with a CH-X1500 12 disk CD Changer http://support.jvc.com/consumer/product.jsp?modelId=MODL027020.
Most of my music collection at the time was in Mp3 format and this head unit and changer supported Mp3 disks.
The head unit drove 5 1/2" (F) and 6x9" (R) speaker in the doors with the changer on the side wall of the cabinet behind the drivers seat.
I also have a power amp inside the closet and that drives 4 speakers in the back (large bookshelf speaker under the bench seat and smaller ones in the roof cabinet)
But there has always been an issue with the limited depth for the radio because of the heater box. Like most everyone else, I ended up having to fad a 1/2" stand-away to move the whole unit forward.
Well time and technology move forward and new and better units with better features have become available. By 2014 my whole music collection had gone digital and keeping any of it on a physical media (ie: CD) was long gone.
Time to upgrade
I was very intrigued by the new 'Digital Media Receivers': No CD drive (shallower depth so the heater/interference problem solved), support for Bluetooth (wireless!!!) and USB (capacity solved).
I looked at Alpine/Pioneer/Sony/Kenwood/JVC and more.
I ended up on another JVC product: KD-X310BT unit http://mobile.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL029327&pathId=139&page=1 mostly because I've always had good luck with JVD in the past, the USB port is in the front, it has a lot of adjustments controls to the unit built in and the cost was very reasonable (approx $100 delivered)
It supports: android & apple apps, Pandora & iHeart Radio (dont use either), WAV/MP3/WMA/FLAC/iPod & iPhone Audio and still has 4 RCA jacks the back for my power amp.. Below are some pictures of the before and after and differences between the two.
Right now I'm just using a small 8GB USB drive I had laying around but its enough for 75+ albums / 850+ songs but I can see getting a SanDisk Cruzer Fit 32 GB (about $20) in the near future.... tiny enough to easily blend into the unit and tons of space ... Mmmm) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA12K0F13323
(if anyone is interested in the old head unit and changer, let me know... otherwise it's headed to 'flea-bay')
OLD UNIT IN THE DASH
OLD UNIT ROOM TO HEATER
DEPTH: OLD vs NEW
BACK: OLD vs NEW
OLD FACE
NEW FACE
NEW UNIT ROOM TO HEATER
NEW UNIT IN DASH
_________________ "The floggings will continue until morale improves"
"I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was hell" - Harry S. Truman
82 Westfalia - w/ a Raby 'Camper Special' engine |
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FNGRUVN Samba Member
Joined: October 27, 2007 Posts: 2237 Location: Fort Collins, CO
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Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 6:46 am Post subject: |
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I've never had any luck with JVC stuff. Maybe I was just unlucky and always got the thing that was made on a Monday morning or Friday afternoon. _________________ "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin |
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eeebee Samba Member
Joined: July 17, 2009 Posts: 429 Location: Tujunga
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Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 7:49 am Post subject: |
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I installed the similar Pioneer MVHX560BT just a couple of weeks ago, for all the same reasons. So far I am very happy with the results.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GS80OQ8/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I mostly use my smartphone to play music and I haven't played a CD in the car for a decade. This unit has the aux and usb in the back which I plan to route ash tray in the dash. _________________ Eric
1987 Vanagon Wolfsburg Special Edition
GoWesty 2.3
Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time. |
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westylife Samba Member
Joined: October 28, 2007 Posts: 409 Location: Anchorage, Alaska
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Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 2:06 pm Post subject: |
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I have that same unit in my van and I really like it. I like being able to control the iphone on the head unit.
_________________ 1983.5 Westfalia Bostig RG1 |
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Gnarlodious Samba Member
Joined: September 28, 2013 Posts: 2311 Location: Adobe Jungle USA
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Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 7:56 pm Post subject: |
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One big plus with a shorter unit is the increased airflow through the amplifier back there. Nobody ever mentions this but for loud music players its a big factor. _________________ Vanagon ’83 diesel AAZ w/Giles injection, 5spd 4.57R&P+TBD and a '78 diesel Rabbit |
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greenraVR6 Samba Member
Joined: January 19, 2011 Posts: 306 Location: Bellingham, WA
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Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 10:47 pm Post subject: |
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Looks good. I recently installed a newer JVC cd player in my mk3 jetta I just started driving and it's a pretty cool headunit. It has a ton of audio adjustments so you can really dial in the sound how you like it, and it has a bunch of onscreen color options which is pretty sweet. Only complaint is that it doesn't have a dedicated subwoofer RCA pre out _________________ '88 vanagon*****'91 gti 1.8t*****'04 r32*****'11 suburban z71 |
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fyrgrrl Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2006 Posts: 396 Location: The Evergreen State
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Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2014 7:56 pm Post subject: |
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Hey eebee....still happy with the Pioneer MVH-X560BT? I emailed Crutchfield for suggestions and they suggested to install the MVH-X560BT.
I plan on using my stock speakers for the time being but the receiver instructions say use speakers over 50 W and between 4 and 8 ohms. I am not sure what the stock speakers are....I want to say 35 W? I do know they are 4 ohm speakers. _________________ 1987 Vanagon Westfalia (manual) - "Van Hildegaard"
1987 Vanagon Westfalia (auto)
1985 Vanagon GL 7-passenger van (auto) - "Blau Frau"
1985 Vanagon GL 7-passenger van (manual) - "Braunkuh"
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback (auto)
2003 Subaru Legacy L wagon (auto) |
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eeebee Samba Member
Joined: July 17, 2009 Posts: 429 Location: Tujunga
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Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2014 9:24 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, I am still happy with my pioneer.
The handsfree phone works perfectly. Much better than anything else I've tried.
Bluetooth always connects.
The Pandora connection is finicky, I prefer my own play lists on the road but my wife likes Pandora better.
Some of the reviews complained about the unit being to bright but it isn't a problem in the vanagon since the unit is pretty far below the line of sight.
I'm not using stock speakers but nothing fancy though. I'm not sure what they are rated at.
I have no problem recommending it. _________________ Eric
1987 Vanagon Wolfsburg Special Edition
GoWesty 2.3
Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time. |
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emagin Samba Member
Joined: January 15, 2013 Posts: 48 Location: Middletown, CA
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Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2015 4:02 pm Post subject: Re: New Digital Media Receiver Head Unit |
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Does anyone have info on how to connect the pinouts of the Pioneer MVH-X560BT ?
I have a 93 EV weekender (sorry to cross post) and my plug dont match to the Pioneer plug. Any suggestions on how to connect these?
Thanks _________________ 1993 EV Weekender Westfalia | Roof Rack | Fridge | Side Tent | Window Shades | Sink Faucet | Heater
Pending: Kitchen | Swiveling Front Seats | Shower |
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Alex Proulx Samba Member
Joined: August 26, 2010 Posts: 294 Location: Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
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Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2015 5:15 pm Post subject: Re: New Digital Media Receiver Head Unit |
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I have the same. I picked it for the shallow depth primarily but I'm happy with everything else. Hugely customizable. Works well with the iPhone. Good value for the price. The hands free phone works well. _________________ Vanagon GL 1988 Full Camper, 4 speed manual, 2.1 stock engine
Audi A3 2.0T S-Line Quattro 2015 |
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oceanair Samba Member
Joined: June 09, 2013 Posts: 720 Location: Victoria, BC
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Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2015 5:59 pm Post subject: Re: New Digital Media Receiver Head Unit |
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Do you folks cut the original connector for wiring or use an GW connector to wire the new units? _________________ 84 Vanagon Pop Top Conversion from Tin Top, 1970 Ghia - all sweet rides! Love em!
Previous: Green 72 Tin Top, White 72 Westy, Blue 64 Beetle, Yellow 71 Squareback, 2014 Jetta TDI Wagon - wish I could have them all back! |
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Alex Proulx Samba Member
Joined: August 26, 2010 Posts: 294 Location: Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
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Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 4:31 am Post subject: Re: New Digital Media Receiver Head Unit |
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oceanair wrote: |
Do you folks cut the original connector for wiring or use an GW connector to wire the new units? |
The original connector on my van I believe was removed by thieves (along with the radio) when they yanked it out of the dash a few years back so I had no choice but to splice the van wires directly on the plug provided with the new radio. Wouldn't know how to do it any other ways. _________________ Vanagon GL 1988 Full Camper, 4 speed manual, 2.1 stock engine
Audi A3 2.0T S-Line Quattro 2015 |
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yiucycle Samba Member
Joined: August 22, 2007 Posts: 421
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Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 10:44 am Post subject: Re: New Digital Media Receiver Head Unit |
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So if i want to run something similar to the OP with 4 rva jack and i want to run two front speakers and two rear speakers. I would need an external amp right? since i don't think you can plug 4 speakers into the receiver. _________________ 1980 2.8LV6 Fiero ASI/Riviera Vanagon
"there is no point in being embarrassed of all the stupid shit i done and will continue to do"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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kamzcab86 Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008 Posts: 7892 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 1:36 pm Post subject: Re: New Digital Media Receiver Head Unit |
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yiucycle wrote: |
So if i want to run something similar to the OP with 4 rva jack and i want to run two front speakers and two rear speakers. I would need an external amp right? since i don't think you can plug 4 speakers into the receiver. |
All new head units come with standard wiring harnesses:
Front right speaker (+ and -)
Front left speaker (+ and -)
Rear right speaker (+ and -)
Rear left speaker (+ and -)
Power, switched
Power, constant
Ground
Some include additional wiring for a power antenna, lighting, etc., but they all come with ^that wiring at a minimum. So, no, you don't need an amp if you don't wish to have one.
oceanair wrote: |
Do you folks cut the original connector for wiring or use an GW connector to wire the new units? |
SonicElectronix.com provides you with a free adapter (if you buy the head unit from them), so most units can be virtually plug-and-play without cutting/splicing the original wires. When I installed the BOSS unit (also without CD) into my van, two wires in the adapter had to be moved because they weren't in the correct position, but it wasn't a big deal.
emagin wrote: |
Does anyone have info on how to connect the pinouts of the Pioneer MVH-X560BT?
I have a 93 EV weekender (sorry to cross post) and my plug dont match to the Pioneer plug. Any suggestions on how to connect these?
Thanks |
You'll need an adapter. Visit a local car stereo install shop, or http://www.sonicelectronix.com/cat_i2334_wiring-harnesses-stereo-adapters.html . _________________ ~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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scottbott Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2010 Posts: 83 Location: essex,uk
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Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 3:45 pm Post subject: Re: New Digital Media Receiver Head Unit |
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I fitted the pioneer MVH-X560BT last weekend and I was well impressed with it,it hooked up straight to the existing VW harness,the digital readout is nice and large and the bluetooth works great,all in all £100 very well spent |
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Bassyaks Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2010 Posts: 1135 Location: S.E. Connetitcut
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Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 4:29 pm Post subject: Re: New Digital Media Receiver Head Unit |
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What's in the ashtray |
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yiucycle Samba Member
Joined: August 22, 2007 Posts: 421
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Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 4:34 pm Post subject: Re: New Digital Media Receiver Head Unit |
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Bassyaks wrote: |
What's in the ashtray |
scangauge for reading data from the ECU since its a OBD2 engine. _________________ 1980 2.8LV6 Fiero ASI/Riviera Vanagon
"there is no point in being embarrassed of all the stupid shit i done and will continue to do"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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Corwyn Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2009 Posts: 2230 Location: Olympia, Washington
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Posted: Thu Sep 26, 2019 7:02 pm Post subject: Re: New Digital Media Receiver Head Unit |
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I know I'm getting old, but does anyone make a digital media receiver that fits in the Vanagon and has BIG BUTTONS for my old eyes? It seems the font keep getting smaller and dimmer as technology improves. _________________ '90 White Westy ("Knarr")
FAS Gen V 2.0
The Annual Baja Rally
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=604813&highlight=baja
"If anything's" gonna happen, it's gonna happen out there"
~ Captain Ron ~ |
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4Gears4Tires Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2018 Posts: 2982 Location: MD
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Posted: Thu Sep 26, 2019 7:20 pm Post subject: Re: New Digital Media Receiver Head Unit |
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Maybe they're not big, but they're simple. Cheap chinese crap for sure, but it does look vaguely 80s and includes a rear view camera. No joke it took a month to get delivered, "slow boat from chyna" indeed.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/SWM-7805-1-DIN-Car-Stereo...%7Ciid%3A1 _________________ '87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition |
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Corwyn Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2009 Posts: 2230 Location: Olympia, Washington
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Posted: Thu Sep 26, 2019 7:45 pm Post subject: Re: New Digital Media Receiver Head Unit |
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I like it, at first glance. If you have it installed, I'd like to see some pics. Are you happy with it? I don't see any station presets. _________________ '90 White Westy ("Knarr")
FAS Gen V 2.0
The Annual Baja Rally
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=604813&highlight=baja
"If anything's" gonna happen, it's gonna happen out there"
~ Captain Ron ~ |
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