Fifth Phase Audio Upgrade
Mileage: 142,886KM
Do It Yourself: Yes
Difficulty: Easy
Fifth phase audio upgrade. I ditched my Pioneer head unit and replaced it with Alpine set. Since the HU is gone, same goes to Connect2 audio stalk controller. The main reason I changed to Alpine is that some of the their OEM Remote Stalk controller is able to display audio information on the OEM display aka MFD. Something that I missed when I did the HU shopping last time. Thanks to Tony for the lead, next TT on me (When?).
The Alpine unit that I ordered is not meant for Asia Pacific region. Thus, I have to import it from UK since it is for European market. The controller is made by Alpine as well and it only can pair with certain Alpine HU and it was from Germany. Talk about limited choices that I have.
The HU cost me RM1,212.00 plus shipping; and the controller is RM450.00 including shipping. The HU model is CDE-178BT and the controller is AFP-D100PS. Almost a month, the units reached my door steps.
Some prep work on the wiring harness, mainly connecting the ISO HU harness with the controller harness. All the bundled harness are plug n play to existing car wiring unlike harness from local market HU (open ended).
Out the old HU
What a mess!
The packaging
USB extension cable
Comes with electronic manual
HU bracket fixed
Rear view of the bracket
Best thing about European HU is it comes with all the fitting needed to secure it to the fascia.
So unfortunate for me, almost completed the whole task. One of the RCA cable decided to give away. I had to remove it from the dashboard all the way to the amplifier which is situated in the boot.
The blue connector is the culprit, missing one side of the audio channel
The rescuer, my old trusty Macrom RCA cable
Done
The microphone
The new features offered by the HU that I like most / reason to upgrade compared with the old HU:
- Bluetooth audio support – for audio player and phone
- Time correction
- Advanced crossover
The no so good things:
- The display is bluish and a bit off with others
- No motorized opening mechanism for the face plate
- The stalk controller has a bit delay compared with the previous
Hey there, looking to sell your old Connects2 controller?
Sorry Glenn, sold off already.
No worries, you think you could help me out with a few things? Need your advice regarding DIY repairs, contact me at my email: glenntanchiachiah@gmail.com.
Very nice vehicle integration upgrade. Enjoyed seeing the behind-the-scenes progress pictures.
Hi brother ,Can i get ur contact ?or u add me 012 588 8581
I got a lot of things to ask u…thanks
Salam, ada plan nk jual HU lama tu tak? tq.