aftermarket Stereos

[TowPro]

I actually cut this post out of another thread. My question is does anybody make an aftermarket stereo that uses the J1850 buss?



I called Crutchfield, and all they would tell me is I needed an aftermarket receiver that could use a remote, and this $79. 00 adapter they sell so I could use my steering wheel controls.



The guy went on and said "why would anybody make an aftermarket radio that would use Dodge Comunications?"



I replied "they already make one that only fits in a Dodge 1. 5DIN hole, why not"



some people should not be in sales.

Originally posted by jzaremski

No. The steering wheel controls communicate over the J1850 bus, so they'll work with any radio offered. The "Infinity" system uses the same radios as any other system, but have speaker/amplifier upgrades.

 

[Dane]

And further more...

Why don't the auto and car audio manufacturers get together and come up with a standard so all the car controls work with all the aftermarket stereos?



What happened to Java code, wasn't it supposed to be the "do all" for things like that?



Kinda reminds me of the good old days when computer main frames were king and nobody had ever heard the term "PC". Profit margins were 30%-50% instead if 3%-5% Back then each computer manufacturer had discreet I/O and data protocols so you had to buy ALL their equipment. Hmmm, maybe that's why many of them have gone the way of the dinosaurs?

 

[Cooker]

Originally posted by TowPro

I replied "they already make one that only fits in a Dodge 1. 5DIN hole, why not"

Careful TowPro. That same radio will fit many GM 1. 5 DIN applications.



In response to your question, I doubt you will find an aftermarket stereo that offers what you are looking for. It is probably some proprietary BS that only DC uses. Maybe not?

 

[jzaremski]

I actually cut this post out of another thread. My question is does anybody make an aftermarket stereo that uses the J1850 buss?

No, not that I'm aware of. The problem with the aftermarket making a vehicle-specific radio is that the costs are higher, and the returns will be lower. You have to first design a specific radio, then write specific firmware. Then, you'll have other people asking "Where's the GM V-net version? Where's the Ford SCP version? Where's the CAN-Bus version?" And so on.

 

[TowPro]

If I recall, you work for one of the companies that make these radios, I have a couple questions.



I have the Infinity system, is it true that the radio is the same, and the only difference is in the speakers?



Are all the factory radios going to sound the same through the infinity speakers?



When looking at most of the aftermarket systems, they all quote higher power levels (I also understand these numbers are just about only valid as advertisement numbers). How much power can the stock infinity speaker system take before you fry an amp by overdriving it?



Thanks!

Originally posted by jzaremski

No, not that I'm aware of. The problem with the aftermarket making a vehicle-specific radio is that the costs are higher, and the returns will be lower. You have to first design a specific radio, then write specific firmware. Then, you'll have other people asking "Where's the GM V-net version? Where's the Ford SCP version? Where's the CAN-Bus version?" And so on.

 

[jzaremski]

I have the Infinity system, is it true that the radio is the same, and the only difference is in the speakers?

Correct.

Are all the factory radios going to sound the same through the infinity speakers?

they should, though the low-cost ones like RAL (AM/FM) and RAS (AM/FM/cass. ) might not get as loud due to lower voltage output.

How much power can the stock infinity speaker system take before you fry an amp by overdriving it?

I'm not sure what the exact sensitivity of the amp is. Last I checked, the factory head units put out about 7 V rms, and aftermarket heads run from 9 to 11 volts. You won't necessarily fry an amp with a higher power radio, what you will notice is that you hit full volume much sooner. Also, putting too hot a signal into the amp will cause it to clip; the amp won't be damaged but the clipped signal will sound nasty and probably damage the speakers.

 

[Cooker]

jzaremski, you really know your stuff



Trust what he is saying about clipping, it is a very bad thing. I have seen it happen many times (back when I was in the car audio industry) and it doesn't take long to damage speakers.

 

[TowPro]

Thanks man. I did run the Pioneer in my last truck through the Infinity speakers for around 80K miles with no problem. I don't listen to it loud, just want it to be clear.



thanks

 

[speedracer]

I've got a question about my stock infinity system, if you guys will indulge me. When I turn on the stereo, I will usually get a second or two of static out of the left rear or possibly both rear speakers. Is that the speaker(s) going bad, or something else? I had one of the rear speakers replaced under warranty, but I'm out of warranty now. Yes, I am pretty stereo ignorant.

 

[RedRamer]

jzaremski

Can Infinity speakers be bought anywhere except at the dealers?

And do the wires run to the top door tweeters even if there are no speakers there?

thanks

 

[jzaremski]

I will usually get a second or two of static out of the left rear or possibly both rear speakers. Is that the speaker(s) going bad, or something else?

if it's only one speaker, then it's probably the amplifier. If it's both, then I'd suspect the radio.

Can Infinity speakers be bought anywhere except at the dealers?

Infinity offers aftermarket components, but they're not drop-in replacements. Chances are that your speakers each have an amplifier mounted on them, and the dealer's pretty much the only game in town for a replacement.