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Connecting aftermarket Android head unit to factory HK amplifier
Hi all, I've recently added an aftermarket head unit to my R60 JCW, which came with HK audio. I connected the Amplifier Control cable as per the manual, and didn't use the RCA connectors. It turns out the volume is overall too loud, even turning the volume down to 3 or so. I suspect the head unit's built-in amplifier is connected to the factory HK one in this setup. Unfortunately, the unit doesn't allow to change the volume of the built-in amplifier. Hence, I'm wondering what options I've here. Do I need to connect the RCA output to the HK amp (if yes, how), or is there a way to turn down the HK amp's volume instead?
You bought a U25-styled head unit for the R60? I wanted to ask if anyone did, as I am interested too, but I just didn't dare!
How expensive was it to buy? Does it function well? Integrates fully with the car controls? It definitely looks amazing.
It would be great if you could do a separate post with a bit of a review @jacky1019
To your question (I am not a big expert on audio systems, but I have the experience gained with modifying mine):
The OEM HK Amp has no RCAs to receive a signal from an aftermarket HU. Similarly to what you are experiencing now (no gain **** to control the volume) it also cannot take any crossover, pass filters or other customisations.
The reason behind it is that it is designed as a closed system made to work with OEM HU and HK speakers set.
So the only solution I see is to use the Line Out from the new Chinese HU and bring it to the HK amp through some wire work and these: https://www.crutchfield.com/S-e1c4So...-Adapters.html
Basically, you start from the HU in RCA, and then you will end at the HK amp wired. It shouldn't be too complicated in terms of connections, while it will be a trial-and-error pain to identify the right cables to connect to at the amp.
It is important to remember:
(Small detail) That you will probably lose the fader, because the new HU Line Out is only 2-channel (unless I am mistaken). This also means that you will have to split/multiply that line out for all the required HK amp wiring in.
(Not so small detail) The HK system is closed and designed for OEM bits. You will have zero audio control over it, as I mentioned earlier. So all the theoretical connections explained might work, but the audio quality might still be influenced by other HK setting parameters
All in all, depending if you are doing this yourself or bringing it to a shop, you might want to consider an Amp upgrade to something more customisable.
You bought a U25-styled head unit for the R60? I wanted to ask if anyone did, as I am interested too, but I just didn't dare!
How expensive was it to buy? Does it function well? Integrates fully with the car controls? It definitely looks amazing.
It would be great if you could do a separate post with a bit of a review @jacky1019
To your question (I am not a big expert on audio systems, but I have the experience gained with modifying mine):
The OEM HK Amp has no RCAs to receive a signal from an aftermarket HU. Similarly to what you are experiencing now (no gain **** to control the volume) it also cannot take any crossover, pass filters or other customisations.
The reason behind it is that it is designed as a closed system made to work with OEM HU and HK speakers set.
So the only solution I see is to use the Line Out from the new Chinese HU and bring it to the HK amp through some wire work and these: https://www.crutchfield.com/S-e1c4So...-Adapters.html
Basically, you start from the HU in RCA, and then you will end at the HK amp wired. It shouldn't be too complicated in terms of connections, while it will be a trial-and-error pain to identify the right cables to connect to at the amp.
It is important to remember:
(Small detail) That you will probably lose the fader, because the new HU Line Out is only 2-channel (unless I am mistaken). This also means that you will have to split/multiply that line out for all the required HK amp wiring in.
(Not so small detail) The HK system is closed and designed for OEM bits. You will have zero audio control over it, as I mentioned earlier. So all the theoretical connections explained might work, but the audio quality might still be influenced by other HK setting parameters
All in all, depending if you are doing this yourself or bringing it to a shop, you might want to consider an Amp upgrade to something more customisable.
I'll do some more research on the adapters you've mentioned and see what I can do about it. I did figure out a software solution to low the volume yesterday, but still would prefer solving it from the hardware standpoint. Thanks again!
