I have the Xtrons head unit installed in my new to me car. Have since I got it upgraded the firmware with Hal9k Mod 4.0 and added a CarPlay wired and wireless dongle.
So far so good.
However, everyone I call complain about dreadful call quality. I have no mic installed, so assume the mic in front of the head unit is the one used.
Can I improve the call by adding a dedicated mic?
If so, do you have any recommendations based on experience.

PS: I am a sucker for details and would like to avoid anything that is looking very aftermarket and out of order, so bonus points if there are mics that may be installed in the original overhead cluster or hidden out of view.

Here is an ideia!!

 

I have the Xtrons head unit installed in my new to me car. Have since I got it upgraded the firmware with Hal9k Mod 4.0 and added a CarPlay wired and wireless dongle.
So far so good.
However, everyone I call complain about dreadful call quality. I have no mic installed, so assume the mic in front of the head unit is the one used.
Can I improve the call by adding a dedicated mic?
If so, do you have any recommendations based on experience.

PS: I am a sucker for details and would like to avoid anything that is looking very aftermarket and out of order, so bonus points if there are mics that may be installed in the original overhead cluster or hidden out of view.

If purchasing an aftermarket microphone look out for Fiscon, they are on eBay, Amazon etc

https://www.advanced-incar.co.uk/produc ... e-upgrade/

Many head units have a microphone included in the box that is designed to operate correctly with that unit and so this, if available, should be used.

When using the supplied microphone this may not fit the microphone holder in the light cluster correctly, if so wrap some thin open cell foam around the outside to make the microphone a snug fit - avoiding covering the (monitoring) hole at the end of the microphone of course.

A most important tip whatever microphone you decide to use iis to wrap the lead in Tessa cloth tape, this will help stop noise reaching the microphone by stopping the lead from vibrating/rattling

Good luck fitting the microphone, I always wear gloves when removing trim panels as I find they can have a tendency to bite back :lol:

 

I fitted an Xtrons octa core system (PBX70ATT) into my Mk2 convertible last week, it's a non- bose car so using standard audi amp and everything is working great, love the new head unit but one thing I've noticed is that despite using the same amp the volume is not as high as the original concert unit. Has anyone found a way to increase the line level output on these units to get a bit more volume?

In the EQ options ia a "loud" option there, and then you can up the pre-amp slider too for more "volume".

Where is the Pre-amp slider, can't see it in the EQ? Any idea if a firmware upgrade is needed to improve things?

 

I fitted an Xtrons octa core system (PBX70ATT) into my Mk2 convertible last week, it's a non- bose car so using standard audi amp and everything is working great, love the new head unit but one thing I've noticed is that despite using the same amp the volume is not as high as the original concert unit. Has anyone found a way to increase the line level output on these units to get a bit more volume?

In the EQ options ia a "loud" option there, and then you can up the pre-amp slider too for more "volume".

Where is the Pre-amp slider, can't see it in the EQ? Any idea if a firmware upgrade is needed to improve things?

The loudness button didn't raise the volume? What is the android version on the device ?

 

I have the Xtrons head unit installed in my new to me car. Have since I got it upgraded the firmware with Hal9k Mod 4.0 and added a CarPlay wired and wireless dongle.
So far so good.
However, everyone I call complain about dreadful call quality. I have no mic installed, so assume the mic in front of the head unit is the one used.
Can I improve the call by adding a dedicated mic?
If so, do you have any recommendations based on experience.

PS: I am a sucker for details and would like to avoid anything that is looking very aftermarket and out of order, so bonus points if there are mics that may be installed in the original overhead cluster or hidden out of view.

Here is an ideia!!

Thank you both of you for your advice. Ended up ordering the Enfig mic, based on favorable reviews. Hope it improves call quality.

 

The loudness button didn't raise the volume? What is the android version on the device ?

It's on Android 10, the loudness button definitely helped and it sounds pretty good but it's still not as loud as the OEM head unit. I'm thinking I might just install an after market amp then run new wiring and upgrade all the speakers but that could quickly become an expensive and big job

 

I use an app called Poweramp pro, imo the best app for music with a dedicated EQ and lots of stuff fo tweak sound.

What rom is in the device, is it a cooked one or OTA ?

 

Have the Xtrons, as mentioned earlier in this thread. Sound quality in a call is horrible according to those I call. So I bought an external mic (Enig AUD4), fitted it well with Tessa velour tape wrapping and everything and connected it to the female 3.5 mm jack at the harness coming from the Xtron, labeled "Mic". However, the call quality is just as bad after the new mic was hooked up.

Do I now have two mics active?
Do I need to turn off the internal mic in the unit somehow? Can I turn it off?
Or did I do something wrong with the connection? Is that Mic-labeled connector for something not phone related?

Upgraded to Hal9K Mod 4. the Bluetooth module driver selected is noe Wq_BC6. Is this the correct one for the octa version? Don't remember what it used to be. Will experiment with other options.
Don't have the instructions for the Xtrons unit unfortunately as it was in fitted by the previous owner.
Would appreciate a hint. Thank you.

 

I use an app called Poweramp pro, imo the best app for music with a dedicated EQ and lots of stuff fo tweak sound.
What rom is in the device, is it a cooked one or OTA ?

Not sure what you mean by 'cooked one' but it's the stock firmware that Xtrons supply. Regardless, I've found out the audio issue is down to a combination of Spotify and Android Auto. If I play a CD its louder (and sounds slightly clearer too), I tried downloading an mp3 and playing that straight off the unit too and that's louder so it seems Spotify is doing something to the audio resulting in it being quieter. Bit of a shame as having Spotify in the car is really handy, but at least I know it's not faulty.

 

I use an app called Poweramp pro, imo the best app for music with a dedicated EQ and lots of stuff fo tweak sound.
What rom is in the device, is it a cooked one or OTA ?

Not sure what you mean by 'cooked one' but it's the stock firmware that Xtrons supply. Regardless, I've found out the audio issue is down to a combination of Spotify and Android Auto. If I play a CD its louder (and sounds slightly clearer too), I tried downloading an mp3 and playing that straight off the unit too and that's louder so it seems Spotify is doing something to the audio resulting in it being quieter. Bit of a shame as having Spotify in the car is really handy, but at least I know it's not faulty.

A cooked ota rom is a aftermarket rom...
On spotify go to settings and disable normalize volume , and try the volume level setting also.

Good luck.

 

Hi Everyone,
I wanted to share my experience with upgrading the standard Audi Symphony head unit (with Bose) in the hopes that it would help others. Before upgrading, I did a lot of research on different head units (Kenwood, JVC as well as Chinese brands like Xtrons) and the main reason for purchasing a Chinese branded unit was that they look OEM as well seem to be more compatible with the Bose (I read a lot of articles with units being upgraded and no sound due to the Bose amplifiers not being signalled to turn on).

After review discussion (https://www.ttforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=2003463) and related YouTube videos, I ordered a PX6 unit from AliExpress on Jun 21st (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000860135257.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.41534c4d2SqJcj) and after responding to a query from the seller (asking car details and picture of existing radio to verify I had purchased the correct head unit), the unit arrived on Jun 28th. I purchased unit with Wireless CarPlay and DSP and the extra option of send from European Warehouse (£23.79) and confirmed with seller that the import duty would be covered by the seller.

Box was delivered and once opened, unit was securely packaged with all leads, Head unit removal keys and trim tools (I purchased removal keys and trim tools as well but not needed). Installation was straight forwards. Connecting all the leads into the unit and to the quad lock from the car. I did struggle a little with pushing the head unit back in. Getting the 4 plastic connectors to situate themselves requires a little patience. I did also add a small dense sponge under the radio to take the weight of the unit and this helped to align the radio better.

My initial impressions if that the head unit sounds better than the OEM symphony. There is a built in DSP which allows a better configuration of the levels. Pairing my iPhone with the unit was straight forward and Wireless Apple CarPlay worked without issues. The first boot time took less than a minute and subsequent load times (from sleep) is within seconds.

As part of this, I also removed the Audi phone cradle unit and installed a Wireless charge mat (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07STBDS6H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) which connects to the 5v charge USB from the radio.

My next steps is to install the DAB (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001152198027.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.41534c4d2SqJcj) just arrived and also purchase and install a reversing camera (used to a reversing camera and reverse dip mirrors on my other car). Quite tempted to add a 4G USB dongle for the inbuilt google maps. Not sure if anyone else has done this and if it is worth doing.

Pros:
• Good OEM look
• Large screens (I got the 9" Screen)
• Compatible with addons like DAB, TPMS, Cameras, etc
• Better sound than the OEM radio
• Builtin Wireless Apple Carplay (this was a must to have music and navigation)
• Plug & Play replacement

Cons:
• Radio signal a bit weaker (hopefully address this add a DAB module)

 

Hi Everyone,
I wanted to share my experience with upgrading the standard Audi Symphony head unit (with Bose) in the hopes that it would help others. Before upgrading, I did a lot of research on different head units (Kenwood, JVC as well as Chinese brands like Xtrons) and the main reason for purchasing a Chinese branded unit was that they look OEM as well seem to be more compatible with the Bose (I read a lot of articles with units being upgraded and no sound due to the Bose amplifiers not being signalled to turn on).

After review discussion (Product Review - The New PX6 Android 10 System) and related YouTube videos, I ordered a PX6 unit from AliExpress on Jun 21st (219.62US $ 17% OFF|Android 10 5*USB PX6 4+64G Car Multimedia Player For AUDI TT MK2 2006 2014 TDA7850 Wireless Carplay Bluetooth 5.0 DAB GPS Radio|Car Multimedia Player| - AliExpress) and after responding to a query from the seller (asking car details and picture of existing radio to verify I had purchased the correct head unit), the unit arrived on Jun 28th. I purchased unit with Wireless CarPlay and DSP and the extra option of send from European Warehouse (£23.79) and confirmed with seller that the import duty would be covered by the seller.

Box was delivered and once opened, unit was securely packaged with all leads, Head unit removal keys and trim tools (I purchased removal keys and trim tools as well but not needed). Installation was straight forwards. Connecting all the leads into the unit and to the quad lock from the car. I did struggle a little with pushing the head unit back in. Getting the 4 plastic connectors to situate themselves requires a little patience. I did also add a small dense sponge under the radio to take the weight of the unit and this helped to align the radio better.

View attachment 466141

My initial impressions if that the head unit sounds better than the OEM symphony. There is a built in DSP which allows a better configuration of the levels. Pairing my iPhone with the unit was straight forward and Wireless Apple CarPlay worked without issues. The first boot time took less than a minute and subsequent load times (from sleep) is within seconds.

As part of this, I also removed the Audi phone cradle unit and installed a Wireless charge mat (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07STBDS6H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) which connects to the 5v charge USB from the radio.

View attachment 466145

My next steps is to install the DAB (21.99US $ 25% OFF|Dab Radio Receiver In Car Antenna Digital DAB+ Adapter Tuner Box Audio USB Amplified Loop Antenna Android Decoding Radio Receive|Aerials| - AliExpress) just arrived and also purchase and install a reversing camera (used to a reversing camera and reverse dip mirrors on my other car). Quite tempted to add a 4G USB dongle for the inbuilt google maps. Not sure if anyone else has done this and if it is worth doing.

Pros:
• Good OEM look
• Large screens (I got the 9" Screen)
• Compatible with addons like DAB, TPMS, Cameras, etc
• Better sound than the OEM radio
• Builtin Wireless Apple Carplay (this was a must to have music and navigation)
• Plug & Play replacement

Cons:
• Radio signal a bit weaker (hopefully address this add a DAB module)

If you want to play Spotify or use an app that requires data (via your android phone's 4/5G), does you android phone need to be plugged in or can it be connected via bluetooth/wifi?

 

Make - Kenwwod
Model - DMX8019DABS
Fitted - 3 July 2020

Hi all
After a couple of years going backwards and forwards about whether to replace the old Nav Plus i`ve taken the plunge and had the above unit installed. It was a bit of a love hate relationship with the NP but after a couple of days ownership of the Kenwood i`m glad i`ve done it.

Thanks so much to the guys at Sounds Alarming in Welling , Kent for all there advice and knowledge. Only slight issue during fitting was the BOSE amp on my TTS needed a slightly different connection as first thought but once that was sorted it was a pretty straightforward fit.

They also fitted a reverse camera , DAB aerial and new microphone at the same time as the unit itself.

A lot more to learn but a few of the bullet points after a couple days ownership.

Everything syncing with my Samsung S10 phone. All wireless including mobile mirroring so i have my little tablet including playing Prime , Netflix and I Player etc. Sound is definitely upgraded with lots of options. Maps via Android Auto is great as well as other mapping options. One of the things i was concerned about was the look and potentially spoiling the OEM look but i think it slots in nicely.

As i say early days but impressed so far. Any questions feel free to ask.

Cheers
Ian

Hi, a year later...
I see you say "all wireless" with a Samsung (android), does that incluse android auto wireless? Cause as far as I know DMX8019DABS shouldn't have wireless android auto? Only apple carplay wireless and wired android auto..

And also, a year later, still happy with it?

 

Hi, a year later...
I see you say "all wireless" with a Samsung (android), does that incluse android auto wireless? Cause as far as I know DMX8019DABS shouldn't have wireless android auto? Only apple carplay wireless and wired android auto..

And also, a year later, still happy with it?

I suppose i mean there are no wires if you have the right phone etc, You can turn it it no one big tablet if you mirror the phone onto the Kenwood unit once you pair everything up. Sorry probably not explained very well but not that techie

A year down the line...wish id of done it a lot earlier. Really recommend

 

Hi, a year later...
I see you say "all wireless" with a Samsung (android), does that incluse android auto wireless? Cause as far as I know DMX8019DABS shouldn't have wireless android auto? Only apple carplay wireless and wired android auto..

And also, a year later, still happy with it?

I suppose i mean there are no wires if you have the right phone etc, You can turn it it no one big tablet if you mirror the phone onto the Kenwood unit once you pair everything up. Sorry probably not explained very well but not that techie

A year down the line...wish id of done it a lot earlier. Really recommend

Alright thanks

 

Make - Kenwwod
Model - DMX8019DABS

So after a rocky start with my original purchase used form Ebay which had no sound from the mic (returned), I was looking at returning to the original RNS-E however, I managed to get one brand new from a local seller on Facebook for £400. All is good. Udated the firmware to the latest version https://www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/mm/firmware/2019/2019o/eng.html.

Then I managed to change the start up logo to something a little more OEM. Instructions and images along with txt files needed are in a zip attached.

The images below are just the jpgs and can not be used. You must use the images in BMP format as per the included instructions.

I am using it with wireless Apple CarPlay and so far ticks all my boxes. MFSW controls all working with this kit https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/con...o.uk/connects2-ctkau03-audi-tt-2006-2014-double-din-car-stereo-fitting-kit.html

 

So after a rocky start with my original purchase used form Ebay which had no sound from the mic (returned), I was looking at returning to the original RNS-E however, I managed to get one brand new from a local seller on Facebook for £400. All is good. Udated the firmware to the latest version Firmware Updates | Car Electronics | KENWOOD.

Then I managed to change the start up logo to something a little more OEM. Instructions and images along with txt files needed are in a zip attached.

The images below are just the jpgs and can not be used. You must use the images in BMP format as per the included instructions.

I am using it with wireless Apple CarPlay and so far ticks all my boxes. MFSW controls all working with this kit Connects2 CTKAU03 Audi TT (2006-2014) Double DIN Car Stereo Fitting Kit

Did your parking sensors work as per normal with the change in head unit?

 

Had this Kenwood head unit fitted to my 2008 TT 6 months ago and it works flawlessly. https://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/c ... X8020DABS/

Not the cheapest I know but it's guaranteed to work. I chose this specifically model for the wireless screen mirroring and Android Auto features.

 

Hi Folks

Firstly I must apologise if what I ask is covered in the 18 pages of posts previous. The very first unit reviewed on page 1 looks to be almost identical (apart from mine being non-CD) to the unbranded unit I have bought through aliexpress: 119.68US $ 32% OFF|4G RAM 64G ROM Android 10 Car Radio GPS Navigation 2din Autoradio WIFI BT Multimedia Player for Audi TT MK2 8J 2006 2012 RDS DSP|Car Multimedia Player| - AliExpress
I think perhaps the big difference is that the huge discount buying from aliexpress is offset by things not being 'sorted' & ready out-of-the-box. At the moment I am only getting a stereo output L&R so I can only connect the front or rear speakers, but not both. There is a wiring diagram on the Audi unit, and one on the Aliexpress listing, but still it is confusing. The Audi unit has 'LINE' FL FR RL RR & Earth with very small pins but also LF- LF+ RF- RF+ with large pins in a block of 8 with the other 4 N.C.

I presume that there is no other amplifier hidden in the car as standard. So which of the connector pins from the Audi unit are actually sending the signal to the speakers?

Thanks for any help
Andrew

 

Most UK Mk2 TTs have an amp in the boot located behind the left side pane. If you have a working speaker in the middle of the gash top ( not just the grill) then you have an amp in the the boot. if you have "Bose" badges on your speakers, the the boot amp is a Bose one.

If you have an amp in the boot, then the L&R line outputs from your new HU have to be connected to the amp via the cars existing wiring.

 

Thanks Tony, No Bose badges and will have to check on the centre speaker in the dash. Makes sense as the only RR & RL connects on Audi unit are line ones with tiny pins and shared earth, but also strange that the Audi unit is so large at 17cm deep and 2din high. It must have at least a stereo amp built it even if it doesn't use it. As the new unit only has L & R in 'line' then I may be stuffed. It does have powered (I believe) FL,FR,RR,RL, but you don't want to go sending them to the car's amp I bet!

What this cheep Chinese (although everything is made there now) needs is good instructions. If I do manage to work it out so it all works I'll post it all here and review the unit.

 

The factory HU puts out Front L+R and Rear L&R line level signals. The factory amp in the boot is a five channel amp and requires all four signals and from them derives a centre channel for the speaker in the middle of the dash.

 

wrong thread sorry

 

Looking for opinions from the roadster owners please - Having tried both the RNSE & an early Pioneer Car play unit the Pioneer SPH-DA120 I find the brightness of the Pioneer unit is poor in direct sunlight with the roof down - what are the android units like for this please - any problems - recommendations or avoids please.

 

Hi there - has any one used this unit from Ali- express . It has 6Gb ram and wireless CarPlay which is making me v interested.

https://m.aliexpress.com/item/1005002931357482.html

 

I have a 2008 roadster and have installed a sony 9500es. Very visible with top down and sounds great.

 

Is there a dedicated thread to installing the “PX6” looking head units (there are 69 different ones on Ali) into a MK2 with Bose? I bought one only to figure it doesn’t support the ISO “blue” connector I assume goes to my Bose speakers.

truing to decipher Alibaba instructions is proving to be difficult.