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11-14-2016, 02:42 PM | #1 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 448796
Join Date: Jun 2016
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STARLINK 7" w/ Navi + HK Headunit Upgrade
Has anyone with the STARLINK 7" w/ Navi + Harmon Kardon system upgraded their headunit? Just curious if it was a pretty simple swap and what HU you ended up going with. I've heard the HK system makes the swap difficult..
Thanks.
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11-15-2016, 05:05 PM | #2 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 448796
Join Date: Jun 2016
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Surely to God someone has done this. I can't be the only one that's ever looked into it, lol.
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11-17-2016, 04:47 PM | #3 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 449278
Join Date: Jun 2016
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Location: Marysville, OH
Vehicle:2016 WRX Silver |
AFAIK you have to do more work than the non HK version as the HK sends a digital signal to a seperate AMP/Processor in the trunk. I haven't heard of a replacement for that unit yet that is plug and play. PLUS the HVAC controls are essentially a part of the HK/NAVI headunit and you need a new trim piece for the whole thing.
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11-17-2016, 05:01 PM | #4 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 448796
Join Date: Jun 2016
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Quote:
The HVAC controls are just like the base model units. Unless I'm completely missing something. |
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11-20-2016, 07:31 PM | #5 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 456818
Join Date: Oct 2016
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There is a thread about a Andriod HU people are putting in place of various OEM HU, Im thinking about it for my starlink 7.0 in H/K, If you want to go give it a look.
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2761199 |
11-20-2016, 07:33 PM | #6 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 448796
Join Date: Jun 2016
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Quote:
Yeah Subispeed sells that HU. They say that it won't work properly with the HK system, lots of distortion. |
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11-20-2016, 07:42 PM | #7 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 456818
Join Date: Oct 2016
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people have done it you just have to wire it little different, its in the thread.
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11-20-2016, 08:19 PM | #8 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 448796
Join Date: Jun 2016
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I got ya. I don't carry an Android phone, so I'm still outta luck.
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11-22-2016, 03:03 PM | #9 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 25837
Join Date: Oct 2002
Chapter/Region:
South East
Location: Atlanta, GA
Vehicle:1996 SVX L AWD Laguna Blue Pearl |
Quote:
The old h/k HUs still had 4 powered (amplified) speaker outputs. The HU still performed all of the balance/fade and EQ adjustments on those 4 outputs. Those 4 outputs were fed into the h/k amp, and the amp generated 8 outputs (4 doors, 2 tweeters, and a dual-voicecoil sub). There was no other communication between the HU and amp. In those cars, it's possible to only replace the OEM HU with aftermarket and keep the h/k amp. In this case, people found that it's better to send the new HU's line level outputs to the h/k amp (instead of the HU's amplified speaker-level outputs to the h/k amp). On the new h/k system, the new STARLINK-style HUs only provide 2 audio outputs, at a fixed volume! I'm guessing the HU's audio signals are line level (not amplified). The HU has several separate control lines that talk to the new style h/k amp. The amp handles all of the volume/balance/fade and EQ functions. The communication between the OEM HU and new h/k amp is via proprietary signals. It's extremely unlikely anyone will develop a box that would allow you to integrate an aftermarket HU with the new h/k amp. So if your car has the new-style h/k amp and you want to replace the OEM HU, you'll need to replace the h/k amp as well. Likewise, if you want to keep your OEM HU but add aftermarket amp(s), you'll have to keep your h/k amp and connect to the h/k amp's outputs. If you're shopping for a new Subaru and know you're going to want to install an aftermarket head unit, it will be better to choose a model without the new h/k system. Last edited by SVXdc; 11-11-2017 at 05:08 PM. Reason: clarified/rephrased a few things; updated years |
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02-04-2017, 08:32 PM | #10 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 222893
Join Date: Sep 2009
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Revere, MA
Vehicle:2016 WRX DGM Limited 2002 WRB/2012 SWP Hatch |
I'll add I got a Toyota rental last week and the hu was almost identical setup right down to the gracenote version
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07-06-2017, 11:53 PM | #11 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 309978
Join Date: Feb 2012
Chapter/Region:
NWIC
Location: Vancouver Wa/Portland, Or
Vehicle:2017 WRX Limited Lapis Blue Pearl |
Sorry to resurrect a seemingly dead thread here but I just wanted to see if anyone could point me in the right direction here. I have looked all around and can't seem to find any other threads that deal with my particular issue.
I have a 2017 WRX limited with the H/K system and I have installed the V2 android head unit from subiespeed. I figured out real quick that it wasn't going to work without an amp so I purchased and installed an alpine MRV-V500 amp. I mounted it under the passenger seat and ran all the speaker wires to the stock H/K amp in the trunk. Everything sound wise works great, The speakers a clear and crisp (installed a high pass filter for the 3" speakers in the dash and I am running them in parallel with the front door speakers). I left all of the stock harnesses to the amp unplugged and just put tape over the contacts and zip tied them out of the way. My issue is with the starlink system. I plugged in the module and installed it behind my new head unit and it functions correctly as far as the lock/unlock/location features but I am getting a red light and periodic emails telling me that there are issues with the system. I'm pretty sure that at least one issue is that it isn't reading the speakers and I would assume I can't get the voice related functions (like roadside assistance/ SOS etc) to work. Would it be safe to plug in all the harnesses to the H/K amp and see if that clears up my issues? I was under the impression that you don't want to feed power back into an aftermarket amp (or any amp) through the output speaker wires. I don't even know if that would fix the problem. Can anyone help me out here? Thanks. |
07-22-2017, 09:17 PM | #12 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 25837
Join Date: Oct 2002
Chapter/Region:
South East
Location: Atlanta, GA
Vehicle:1996 SVX L AWD Laguna Blue Pearl |
Quote:
Subaru's wiring diagrams refer to that as the Data Communications Module. The DCM is the box that was docked to the bottom of your 7" OEM HU. No, don't plug the factory harnesses back into your h/k amp. In cars with the DCM and the h/k amp, the outputs for the dash tweeters go from the h/k amp directly into the DCM. When not in "assistance" mode, the DCM simply pipes that audio onward to the tweeters. After a crash or when you press the "assistance" button, the DCM hijacks those speakers (and the OEM microphone) from your audio system. If you want the SOS system to continue working without the error messages, you'll need to connect the DCM to some speakers. Two ways you can do this (without hacking into factory wires):
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07-23-2017, 01:23 AM | #13 |
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Member#: 309978
Join Date: Feb 2012
Chapter/Region:
NWIC
Location: Vancouver Wa/Portland, Or
Vehicle:2017 WRX Limited Lapis Blue Pearl |
Thanks SVXDC for the reply. I already have the dash tweeters connected to the factory amp I'm running a high pass filter and using the front output bridged to both the doors and tweeters from the amp. I ran the output for the front speakers from the aftermarket amp to H/K harness in the trunk and then split it between the tweeters (with a high pass filter) and the door speakers. I never disconnected the dash tweeters. I would assume though, that the DCM is sending a signal to the H/K amp (currently not connected) which then lets it cut in and take over the audio stream to the dash speakers. Is there a way of sending that same signal to those speakers without the H/K amp processing it? I will try to get a better look at the tweeters again tomorrow, but I would assume that the DCM doesn't have the ability to drive actual high level signal to the speakers and it would need something to amplify said signal to drive the speakers (please correct me if I'm wrong).
I wasn't able to find a good pin out for the DCM, do you have a good source for this? I wouldn't mind trying to trace it out myself. Thanks again for your help! |
07-29-2017, 03:55 AM | #14 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 471853
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Melbourne, AU
Vehicle:2017 WRX White |
Quote:
The alpine MRV-V500 amp can be found easily near where I live and there is someone selling this that I can pick up right away. Unfortunately for me I don't have any experience with car amps. Do you think you can point me in the right direction in terms of wiring this alpine amps to work with our current HK system? Thanks in advance. |
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07-30-2017, 03:25 PM | #15 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 309978
Join Date: Feb 2012
Chapter/Region:
NWIC
Location: Vancouver Wa/Portland, Or
Vehicle:2017 WRX Limited Lapis Blue Pearl |
Quote:
I bought a 4 gauge amp wiring kit from the internet and then I also purchased a set of RCA cables (I got one that had 6 connections, or 3 sets of simple RCA cables). You will need at least five RCA connectors (2 for the front speakers, 2 for the rear speakers, and 1 for the sub). I ended up using a simple y adapter to make my 1 sub output from the radio go to both sub inputs on the amp. I also bought a ton of speaker wire because I ran all the speaker wire from the new amp to the trunk where my H/K amp is. Here is the basic overview of how ran everything. I ran the amp power wire from the battery up to the back of my firewall in the engine bay and then down to a rubber grommet on the passenger side of the engine bay: I used some 3M "strip caulk" to "seal" the hole that I had to make in the rubber grommet. There are other methods for routing the power cable but this seemed to be the safest and cleanest from my perspective. There are several tutorials for this online. As for the amp placement, As mentioned before I put mine under the passenger seat: I had to modify (and then close off) the heater vents under the seat so it wouldn't blow hot air on the amp. I found that the carpet is super rigid here so I didn't actually screw the amp down to the underbody of the car but you might consider this if you do any offroading or have rough roads in your area (I might screw mine down later). I grounded the Amp to a ground point that I found under the seat, any clean metal spots would work though as long as it is close to the amp (the closer the better). Then I ran all of the output speaker wire from the new amp to the trunk where my H/K amp was. I didn't have a diagram of the speaker wiring so I used the 9 volt battery method to test the twisted pairs of wires coming out of the H/K amp. If the speaker pops out then you have the polarity correct (positive to positive), if it pops in then you have it reversed. Here are the wire colors that I found in my car, but they may be different for you (I would suggest testing at least one set using the method noted above to verify that your wiring is the same as mine): These wires were in two different harnesses and I didn't grab the pin locations but I can if you need them. Here is a high level diagram of how I made the connections: The diagram above doesn't show that I tapped into the H/K wiring but it does show what channel on my amp went to what speaker and how I divided 5 channels among 7 speakers. I also added high pass filters to the tweeters in the front dash. The dash speakers are about 3 inches so I just found a HPF online that was designed for 3 inch speakers and installed it inline with the positive speaker wire when I connected to it in the trunk. Also, the sub in my car was a dual coil sub so I wired it in parallel. I have the gain pretty low since it is only an 8 inch sub. It will clip pretty hard if you push the gain up on it. If you are looking for significantly more bass then a new subwoofer would probably be a good investment. I used to do this for a living so I was pretty comfortable with the steps involved and it took me most of a day to complete. I would budget several days just to be safe if you aren't real familiar with the process. If you have any further questions feel free to ask. Last edited by JRCrutc; 07-30-2017 at 03:46 PM. |
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07-30-2017, 11:40 PM | #16 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 25837
Join Date: Oct 2002
Chapter/Region:
South East
Location: Atlanta, GA
Vehicle:1996 SVX L AWD Laguna Blue Pearl |
You can use off-the-shelf aftermarket car stereo harnesses to connect to your car's speaker harnesses that were plugged into the h/k amp.
Quote:
Last edited by SVXdc; 09-14-2017 at 01:36 PM. |
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07-31-2017, 01:56 AM | #17 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 471853
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Melbourne, AU
Vehicle:2017 WRX White |
@JRCrutc
Wow, thank you very much for such detailed explanation and the effort that has been put towards it. This makes the task a lot easier. Your explanation is very easy to understand. @SVXdc Thank you. I am off collecting those stuff now. |
12-16-2017, 09:54 AM | #18 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 479273
Join Date: Dec 2017
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I just recently brought the subispeed headunit for my STI 2016 HK with navi. I ordered all the recommended parts that the site offered for the 2016 STI. When I connect all the wires (via RCA plugs to the HU RCA plugs and connecting the amp con to the 3pin on the 10 pin harness ,from the car stereo) I get no sound. Is that due to the amp or am I supposed to still get sound, but be distorted? I'm going to follow the method that @JRCrutc is using, but I want to check to make sure I don't have a defected unit before proceeding with the aftermarker amp install.
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11-03-2018, 05:17 PM | #19 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 493359
Join Date: Oct 2018
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I have a 17 Subaru WRX STI with Harmon Kardon. I have been looking at the Seicane unit, I like that its Android, the size and the clean look. I have done as much research, and this does not seem to be a simple install. With that said, it appears that retention of the HK amp is not a possibility. I found one thread that talked about the Idatalink Maestro RR, but seems not with a Seicame unit, no serial connection.
So, I think, that bring be to 2 choices: Replace the HK amp with a Alpine MRV-V500 or choose a different headunit that may play better with the HK amp. My tendency right now is to go with the Seicane, and the alpine amp. What and where should I get wiring harnesses to make this as simple and unobtrusive as possible. Just want to make sure this will all work, with little or NO loss of currently functionality. Thanks |
11-03-2018, 08:14 PM | #20 | |
Scooby Newbie
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Join Date: Dec 2015
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Quote:
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11-03-2018, 08:33 PM | #21 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 207263
Join Date: Mar 2009
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Location: Indianapolis area
Vehicle:2019 WRX Limited World Rally Blue |
Quote:
Better to leave audio processing improvement to companies that specialize in audio (such as the aftermarket HU manufacturers). The Android units probably tossed in some basic audio processing and called it a day. Would be acceptable in a phone, but not when providing a signal to car amps and speakers. |
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11-04-2018, 01:05 AM | #22 | |
over boosted again
Moderator Member#: 1458
Join Date: May 2000
Chapter/Region:
RMIC
Location: Colorado Springs CO USA
Vehicle:2017 WRX Limited 15 Forester XT, 21 Ascent |
Quote:
I had the factory 7" Navigation with 440W HK, and for almost 2 years I was using an Audio Control LC-7i to connect the factory HU and amp to my 5-ch JL Audio amp and Focal Speakers + dual 10" Kenwood sub, and it sounded much much better than stock. I was waiting to install a nicer HU once they had options for SWC, starlink and backup cam. But with the W8400 the sound upgrade is incredible now - it took forever for the Mestro to support the 2017 WRX for SWC, Backup, and Starlink. I even have the gauges now, and can see EGT and AFR, and other parameters. I highly recommend the Pioneer head units - I have the AVIC 8200NEX in my Forester XT, while I try to convince my wife to let me install my 1 year old 4201NEX into her 2013 Tribeca. It's just sitting in the closet collecting dust right now (1st bought the 4200 in Nov 2016, and it was replaced with a new 4201 by car toys last spring under extended warranty). |
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11-05-2018, 07:02 AM | #23 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 493359
Join Date: Oct 2018
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I have been talked out of the Seicane unit, just seems to problematic. So now I find myself looking at Kenwood and Pioneer. Amazing how each company can have so many different model, do add to the confusion.
Android Wireless --- How many actually use it wirelessly. Only the top model have it. Or do you just end up plugging in your phone anyways. |
11-05-2018, 11:18 AM | #24 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 228010
Join Date: Oct 2009
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Maine
Vehicle:2019 WRX Limited Crystal White Pearl |
Quote:
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11-05-2018, 11:29 AM | #25 | |
over boosted again
Moderator Member#: 1458
Join Date: May 2000
Chapter/Region:
RMIC
Location: Colorado Springs CO USA
Vehicle:2017 WRX Limited 15 Forester XT, 21 Ascent |
Quote:
The only time my phone burns battery while Wireless, is if I’m using Apple Maps. I can frequently just get in my car for trips around town with my phone in my pocket, and use my head unit as if I was plugged in. For longer trips I do charge my phone, because I’m using GPS most of the time. However I’m using a Pitaka magnetic case with their magmount Qi vent clip phone holder/charger. So I just slap the phone onto the magnetic vent clip, and it charges wirelessly. |
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