I put in the Focal 165A3's and get static with certain material, apparently because of "clipping" which I assume is because the amp is underpowered for the 90db sensitivity speakers.

Although there is a lot of FUD I think that you can simply replace the amp (https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-question.html) and not be nailed by your dealer next time you have a check engine light come on.

Any advice? DIY or have a shop do it? I couldn't find a 'how to' anywhere.
What should I be paying for a slightly better amp than the hifi and to have it installed?

 

Paul,

Two notes for you.

1. There are updates available for the software in the OEM HiFi amp that clear up crackling sounds. Of course these need to be done by the dealer and should be done under warranty.

2. As for the amp I was in the shop when the tech tried to update some software on my car and I can tell you that the software would NOT update until the OEM AMP was plugged back in. This proves to me that the amp MUST be in place to do ANY software updates to the car. Now this may not be true for say 2009 or 2010 but it is true for 2008 and I suspect that they have not changed it to much but I could be wrong.

 

Great. Thanks for the clarification! (I have a 2008).

I suppose b) is somewhat a benefit of a).

If the update helps, you will make me a VERY happy person. Is there a particular service bulletin number or something?

 

Will this update be done under warranty even if my warranty has expired (over 40k miles)? Also, do you know if this is for the HU or the HiFi Amp?

 

The update is for the software in the HiFi Amp.

Your warranty should be 50K miles i beleive so if you have not surpassed that mark then they should be able to do it for you, but if you do not have the OEM amp it will not help.

As for a service bulletin number i do not know what it is. i just know that when i brought my car in for a bad sounding stereo they told me there was a software update for the amp and did it and yes it did sound better, no crackling but still was not good enough for me so I added an amp and other items to the sound system.

 

OK, thanks. Since I am not going to be using the HiFi amp except for the rears (which I have turned down) I am not going to worry about it.

 

I upgraded my amp and speakers im my O8 MCS, now the dealer is saying they cant upgrade the car'\s computer program because it hangs up when looking for the amp. Anyone heard of this problem or know of a fix. putting in connectors to install the old amp will be a big hassle at this point.

Thanks
JM

 

Read the answer to the new thread you astarted about this exact same subject.

Also please read the site guidelines about double posting of the exact same info. https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/guidelines

 

Has anybody tried to swap out the hifi amp for the new Harmon Kardon amp?

Is it the same wiring? Does it work?

If it does work will there be any issues with updating the car software as I understand it looks for the amp but does it matter which amp (hifi or HK?)