Adrenaline Autosound

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Home » Integration » Upgrade Your Stereo System While Keeping Your Stock Radio

July 12, 2017 By Dave Evans

Upgrade Your Stereo System While Keeping Your Stock Radio

Stock RadioIf you are looking for an audio system upgrade but can’t replace the stock radio, come to Adrenaline Autosound in Clayton, NC. Our team of integration experts has the tools and training to enhance almost any factory sound system. We can accomplish this without the need to change the radio.

Reasons Why We Can’t Replace Your Stock Radio

There are many reasons why it may be difficult or undesirable to remove your factory radio. In many newer vehicles, the stock radio is made up of several different modules spread around the vehicle. The display, controls, CD mechanism, tuner and amplifier are all separate components that communicate with each other over a network.

European and an increasing number of North American vehicles use a communication protocol called MOST. MOST systems can use fiber optic or copper to transmit audio signals from the source unit, Bluetooth module or CD changer to the factory amplifier. Replacing a source unit that uses this technology can be very expensive.

Integration Solution: Replace the Factory Amplifier

Stock RadioUpgrading the audio system in vehicles like Ford pickup trucks has presented significant challenges over the past few years. We can’t use the audio signal between the stock radio and the amplifier because the volume control function is handled in the amp. Adjusting the volume on the radio doesn’t affect the signal coming out of it; it tells the amp to turn the output from up to down.

Several companies now offer amplifier replacement processors. The processor interprets commands for functions like volume control, then mimics those requests. Instead of amplifier speaker outputs, we have a preamp full-range audio signal that behaves like the output of an aftermarket radio – exactly what we need to build a new system.

Many European vehicles – like BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Audi – use a fiber-optic connection between the radio and the amplifier. Aa few options will replace these amplifiers with an interface that provides full-range audio output.

Another Integration Solution: Audio Signal Extraction

Stock RadioIf we can’t replace the amp to get the signal we need, then we will work with it. Using the outputs of a factory amplifier is tricky. Crossovers, signal delay, equalization and up-mixers can wreak havoc on the output signals. Before we connect to an amplifier’s outputs, we always test the audio signal.

Several companies have developed processors designed to remove the majority of the signal processing found in modern amplifiers. How we route Bluetooth hands-free audio, door chimes, parking sensor alerts and navigation prompts all have to be taken into account when we design a system that will work with a factory radio.

North Carolina’s Audio Integration Experts

The staff at Adrenaline Audio has invested a significant amount of time in staying up-to-date with the latest integration solutions. We continue to acquire new and innovative processes to design and install audio systems that provide enhanced performance for our clients. From the sound of a live concert to that of a recording studio, we will listen to your request and design a solution that exceeds your expectations.

When it is time to upgrade your factory sound system, drop by our store. A member of our team would be happy to go over possible solutions with you. For more information or to schedule a consultation, send us an e-mail HERE.

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Adrenaline Autosound
8970 US-70 BUS #400
Clayton, NC 27520
Phone: 919-359-0009
Email: info@adrenalineautosound.com
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