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Thread: Audio options

  1. #1
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    Just curious, I do not see anything in the forum about the separate amplifier and speaker options that are available.

    There is the stock HU-613
    It has three amp options: 4x25, 4x50, and 4x75
    It has three speaker options: performance, high perf, premium

    Then there is the HU-803
    It has one option: Audio Max

    Who has some knowledge of the differences in specification of the speakers and the amps. There seems to be a question if the 4x75 amp is even available and then a second question about the differences between the speaker packages.

    I am interested in what the differences are in the speaker groups. The cone material is likely the driving factor, probably magnet size as well. Seen any specs?

    On the amp: power differences are rather clear, but are the THD levels significant?

    I know that a couple of you have purchased the upgrade, but what about the options individually. Apparently the HU-613 is very similar in specification as the HU-803, but is four channel limited rather than 4 + center +1 simulated PLII. Otherwise, any major differences?

    Any info, prices, experience is appreciated.



    Current Volvos
    2012 XC70, OSD, Twilight Bronze/Espresso
    2008 C70, OSD, Celestial Blue/Cream Sovereign

    Former Volvos
    2009 XC70 Oyster/Black
    2006 S60R Black Sapphire/Nordkap
    2003 XC70, OSD, Ash/Espresso
    2000 S40, Ice White/Black

  2. #2
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    Dec 2002
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    Low Tide:

    First, I'm no expert in radios, speakers and the like.

    What I can tell you is that the HU-801 in my S80 is wondeful sounding. It fills the whole car with glorious music and volume can be turned up to enormous levels without there being any distortion.

    We like the in-dash 4 CD changer in the HU-803 and we have no tape cassetts anymore so the HU-613 was not suitable for us.

    We've had such good experience with the HU-801 in the S80 and didn't really give it a second thought when considering the XC70's HU-803.

    I can't help you on the specs differences other than to say the HU-803 should be a very good radio and CD player. We've had no problems with our HU-801 and would recommend the HU-803 without any reservations.

    I'm expecting the HU-803 to sound even better in a wagon as apposed to a sedan.

    I have noticed that the face of the HU-801 in our S80 can get very hot and is quite disturbing. It may simply be the great heat given off by the twin turbos and exhaust manifold driving the S80 T6's engine. The engine bay tends to run with high temperatures and the twin turbos sit just on the other side of the firewall behind the center console.
    Regards -- Barry Sharp
    ==============
    Current: MY2012 XC70 T6/Twi Bronze/Espresso Brown/Polestar/Platinum/BLIS/Tech/ABL/Scuff Plates/Front&Rear cameras
    Traded 2011 C30 R-Design
    Son's '01 S60 2.3L T5,Maya Gold,96Kmi
    Son's '03 XC70 Platinum Green (OSD)
    Daughter#1 2011 XC60
    Daughter#2 2010 XC90
    SOLD '86 745 GLE 6-Cyl-Turbo Diesel,Graphite,255Kmi
    SOLD '03 XC70 to my son
    SOLD '03 XC70, '04 S60R, '07 S60R

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Boston, Massachusetts
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    LT I think there are a number of threads on the subject here. As I recall, the HU-803 has the 4X50W amplifier with premium speakers. The difference in speaker quality would be in part the cone material as you surmised (fibreglass vs paper), and also probably a better quality magnet and coil. Not necessarily a larger magnet, but a design that would allow a lot of movement back and forth in a cramped space. Also I think the premium speakers are installed with three in the front doors.

    Don't discount the HU-613. It's wiring harness does not support the center speaker, but if you like stereo sound as opposed to surround sound, it's pretty good. It's settings can be modified through hidden menus to the point where the unit is almost indistinguishable from the HU-803. The theory is that Volvo deliberately crimped the performance of the unit to encourage sales of the high-end stereo. I don't believe that though, do you?

    The other thing the HU-613 has is the cassette deck. I use it to play my mp3s on my Rio on the car radio through a slave tape.
    MY2002 - V70XC
    Nautic Blue/Graphite

  4. #4
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    Thanks for the post Wiz.  I agree on the speaker portion.  This is likely to make the most difference in any car audio environment.  The HU-613 is still an award winning design.  The HU-803 is likely to have the same components for translation and reporduction in the digital department- regardless of what anyone may think. The difference would be the inclusion of a 3 channel DSP to alow for center output.  In many cases, the 2 channel stereo is going to reproduce sound in that size space with equal accuracy.  So long as the current control is matched with the speakers reproduction capability, then I see no reason.  The problems with distortion are likely to arise if the amp can't mediate the flow or is taxed and on the other end the speakers are banded by flow and range limits- this is hard to write in lay-terms huh?- anyway, I did some searching- and the speaker upgrades and the addition of a stronger amp to propel the larger drivers are likely to be a great combination.  I think it is likely to be about half the cost of upgrading the unit to the HU-813.  Is the 3rd channel worth the extra money?  IMO, no-but I am more a sound purist than one who likes  modern gimic.  I do look forward to tweaking it-  likely there is some truth to the settigs being flat.  This would certainly encourage an upgrade... I do not think it is intentional by Volvo though, rather a manuafacturer that wants to highlight certain tonal qualities.  The DSP addition in the 813 would definately encourage different tonal qualities to help simulate the phantom center rear channel, plus the drivers are small in the rear, so the tonal compensation in the front is likely to be rather warm- that also explains the larger drivers in the front doors.  

    The only question is knowing the exact cost at this point.  The amp is $200.  The speakers are?  Anyone know?  Kersti- didn't you order the upgraded speakers for the HU-613?
    Current Volvos
    2012 XC70, OSD, Twilight Bronze/Espresso
    2008 C70, OSD, Celestial Blue/Cream Sovereign

    Former Volvos
    2009 XC70 Oyster/Black
    2006 S60R Black Sapphire/Nordkap
    2003 XC70, OSD, Ash/Espresso
    2000 S40, Ice White/Black

  5. #5
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    I understood that the amp upgrade also upgraded the speakers, but I am not so sure from the description of the option. As it turns out I ordered 00229 amp upgrade ($200) but they left if off the order and said they would have to add it when the car gets back to the dealer.  Pico de luuks was my source for the speakers/amp upgrade being a combo. Pico can you give us any more information??? I plan to ask at FDC to give more information also.

    Kersti
    '08 Oyster Gray XC70 DSTC Front/Rear Park Assist, Rear 12V.

  6. #6
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    Kersti,  I sent an email to the FDC (at the request of my dealer) to ask about the upgrade package on the HU-613.  You, I, and our dealers are presently under the same impression as well that the amp included the speaker upgrade for $200.

    Alexandra at the FDC forwarded the email request to the FDC staff for details/specs and more info.  She also said that it was official policy now that accessories had to be ordered with the vehicle or at the time of delivery (not in the middle)- but that they would confirm whether or not it could be added at the FDC upon pickup ASAP.  I will post the answer when I get one that sounds official.
    Current Volvos
    2012 XC70, OSD, Twilight Bronze/Espresso
    2008 C70, OSD, Celestial Blue/Cream Sovereign

    Former Volvos
    2009 XC70 Oyster/Black
    2006 S60R Black Sapphire/Nordkap
    2003 XC70, OSD, Ash/Espresso
    2000 S40, Ice White/Black

  7. #7
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    All Interested (corrected & updated)-

    No new info yet from the FDC workshop. From several members here we can surmise that the "upgraded" (000229) package has in the past included:
    1) PA-200, 4x50 Watt Amplifier
    2) High-performance speakers (fiberglass cone)

    Other pertinent info (variety of sources):
    3)PA-300, 4x74 Watt amp exists (price ~370 Euros)
    4)Premium 3 way front speakers (separate mid-range woofer) are avail and can be installed into the XC70 without a change to wiring so long as at least the HU-613 is in the car) HU-803 description referes to the speakers as Premium. HU-613 as high-performance.
    5)All MY03 and MY04 XC70's with the HU-603/613 or the HU-803/813 do have 8 & 9/10 speakers respectively. (the HU-403 may have only 6).

    If you can confirm or refute this info or add additional pricing, please post. Also, all upgrades can also be performed at the dealer under a higher price scheme.



    Current Volvos
    2012 XC70, OSD, Twilight Bronze/Espresso
    2008 C70, OSD, Celestial Blue/Cream Sovereign

    Former Volvos
    2009 XC70 Oyster/Black
    2006 S60R Black Sapphire/Nordkap
    2003 XC70, OSD, Ash/Espresso
    2000 S40, Ice White/Black

  8. #8
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    Thanks for the 'upgrade' description LowTide.
    I will still try to upgrade at FDC, but my dealer has promised to do the upgrade for the OSD price if I can't get it done there.

    Kersti
    '08 Oyster Gray XC70 DSTC Front/Rear Park Assist, Rear 12V.

  9. #9
    Join Date
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    I counted (and expect) 9 speakers for the HU-803 MY2003 unit.

    a) 4 speakers in front doors (2 each side)
    b) Center dash surround/center speaker (one that Nav Sys pops out of )
    c) 2 speakers in second row seats (one per door)
    d) 2 speakers in rear cago area -- one in each rear pillar post

    This makes 9 speakers -- am I wrong about this?
    Regards -- Barry Sharp
    ==============
    Current: MY2012 XC70 T6/Twi Bronze/Espresso Brown/Polestar/Platinum/BLIS/Tech/ABL/Scuff Plates/Front&Rear cameras
    Traded 2011 C30 R-Design
    Son's '01 S60 2.3L T5,Maya Gold,96Kmi
    Son's '03 XC70 Platinum Green (OSD)
    Daughter#1 2011 XC60
    Daughter#2 2010 XC90
    SOLD '86 745 GLE 6-Cyl-Turbo Diesel,Graphite,255Kmi
    SOLD '03 XC70 to my son
    SOLD '03 XC70, '04 S60R, '07 S60R

  10. #10
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    Curious, did you get your promise in writing? I couldn't get it on paper. I hope that there is not any problems- and I trust that the FDC will do everything they can....



    Current Volvos
    2012 XC70, OSD, Twilight Bronze/Espresso
    2008 C70, OSD, Celestial Blue/Cream Sovereign

    Former Volvos
    2009 XC70 Oyster/Black
    2006 S60R Black Sapphire/Nordkap
    2003 XC70, OSD, Ash/Espresso
    2000 S40, Ice White/Black

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