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Sanity Check Requested; 2007 C280; MOST audio interface
Hi all,
I'm in the process of updating the head-unit in my mom's C280 (2007) with a Sony XAV-AX100. I did not expect (or did not do enough research) that I would have to deal with the MOST fiber optic system in the vehicle. Its equipped with the CD Changer and Satellite radio which are all on the MOST loop.
Given that this vehicle is is equipped with the NGT1 Audio 20 head-unit:
it is a using the MOST fiber loop, as shown here:
Sanity Check: If I'm going to get this aftermarket unit working, i'll need to get something like this:
It shows the solution I used in my 2005 C230. It appears that you have the same OEM head unit that I had. I did not attempt to reuse the OEM CD changer (I'm using an iPod interface) and I didn't have satellite radiol
Yeah, i have the same/similar interface connector (AXXESS not CRUX) purchasedfrom Crutchfield but the issue is that my moms car has no analog feeds to the speakers! Notice the big open gap on the left side of the connector in my photo? ideally that is where the 4 rows of two pins (like you had in your CRUX connector) would patch into the speakers.. No such luck in my case.
I didn't look closely at your photo. Check and see whether you have an amplifier in the trunk. (I think it will be on the right side near the back. If you do, I believe you will need to bypass the amp by running wires from your head unit directly to the speakers.
I didn't face that situation, so I cannot provide any guidance based on first-hand experience. However there may some videos on YouTube that can help.
What is better about the Sony head end than the original OEM receiver?
If you have an amp on the right rear wheel arch in the trunk you have a Logic 7 multichannel system, and you will be hard pressed to have better sound from after market suppliers.
The speakers in your car are optimized for Logic 7 reproduction, and while they will work with an after market head connected directly to the speaker terminals, the EQ will be hurtful.
Two things; the features of the new head unit are, well, approximately 10 years ahead of the original Audio 20. The other point is that I do recognize that bypassing the amplifier and running directly to the speakers is both not the best idea for sound quality and would be a MUCH bigger job. That is why I am looking at the MOST fiber converter unit I linked in my original post. This would allow me to push audio from the new head unit through the original amplifier and speaker setup.
What is better about the Sony head end than the original OEM receiver?
If you have an amp on the right rear wheel arch in the trunk you have a Logic 7 multichannel system, and you will be hard pressed to have better sound from after market suppliers.
The speakers in your car are optimized for Logic 7 reproduction, and while they will work with an after market head connected directly to the speaker terminals, the EQ will be hurtful.
Have you ever had an aftermarket setup? OE is always terrible.
I would love to replace / upgrade the head unit in my Cayenne but that thing is dug in like a tick. I suppose it's ok, the navigation is trash after 5 years.
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