![]() |
1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
![]() | [Main 95 Bulletin Board | BBFAQ |
Prev by Date | Next by Date | Post Followup ]
Member Login / Signup - Members see fewer ads. - Latest Member Gallery Photos
Re: Can I actually put a new headunit in my aero?? Posted by Larry West [Email] ![]() ![]() ![]() In Reply to: Can I actually put a new headunit in my aero??, JordanNS, Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:38:18 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
It's not quite so easy as dropping a new head unit in the car, but it shouldn't be all that difficult. You'll probably end up spending more than $500, though.
DICE and TWICE don't care if you put in an aftermarket radio. You'll lose the SID display of the audio system functions, but then the new head unit probably has those. You don't need a Tech 2 to install an aftermarket radio. However, you might want to have someone with a Tech 2 divorce the Saab radio from the car before you swap it out, so you can sell it or give it away.
The big issue is the amplifier. There is no power amp in the Saab head unit. 4 line-level signals (L&R for F&R) go to the amp located in the right side kick panel. From there, the amp distributes to 7, 8 or 9 speakers (depending on the body and whether you have Premium (7) or Prestige (8 - wagon, 9 - Sedan) audio. The Prestige is also known as Harmon/Kardon.
Easiest would be to send the line out signals from the aftermarket head unit down to the amp, and let it do its thing. You'll need a way to convert the RCA jacks that the aftermarket head likely uses for it line outs to regular wires that Saab uses.
THe other method would be to install new amplifiers and new speakers. You'll be hard pressed to re-use the Saab speakers with anything but the factory amp. especially if you have the Prestige (H/K) system. All the speakers are funky impedances, all designed to work with the factory amp. And most are strange sizes. But standard size speakers will fit in the holes, so you can do that.
Lastly, you CAN regain use of the steering wheel controls (I'd really miss those...). There are adapters that intercept the signal from the controls and convert it for use with many aftermarket head units.
_______________________________________ Current: 2002 9-5 Aero Kombi Cosmic Blue 2000 9-5 SE sedan, Imola Red 1990 900S Rose Quartz, Auto Past: 1999 9-5 LPT Combi 1999 9-5 LPT sedan 2002 9-5 Arc 1990 900 5-speed 1986 900 turbo Convertible 1991 9000 turbo 1980 99 GLi 1986 900 turbo 1986 900 S 1991 900 turbo 1984 900 turbo 1976 99 GL
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |