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Update:
Eric sent me a beta-version of firmware (maybe 57?) that appeared to fix the USB-Lightning playback connection. I have tested for 15 minutes, and it worked flawlessly. I will test it further this week-end, and will report back.
If this firmware does it, here would be my recap:
. "bluetooth stack crashing" is fixed with firmware 56
. USB-Lightning autoswitching/playback stopping is fixed with firmware 57
With the latest responsiveness of Eric to my issue, after he recognized that these issues are not an installation issue, as he initially thought, I retract my complaints about him.
If anyone needs any reference, or more details, please feel free to message me.
Nadim
So far, Firmware 0057 has fixed ALL my issues. Kudos to Eric for escalating these issues with the upper management at Dension. The engineers applied to developing a fix released two firmwares in a short period of time (0056 to fix bluetooth stack crash, and beta-0057 to fix USB-Lightning issue).
Now I can highly recommend the Dension. Sound quality rocks!
PS - I retract all my concerns with Eric, and in hindsight, i am very glad that I purchased the unit through him. Recommend you guys do the same if interested in a Dension
I have a CD changer and wish to keep it. (also have 666 phone module).
Now, if I mount the 500sBT in the frunk, is the mic lead and remote connector station lead long enough to go through 2 firewalls and be in the right places? RHD car too.
I have a CD changer and wish to keep it. (also have 666 phone module).
Now, if I mount the 500sBT in the frunk, is the mic lead and remote connector station lead long enough to go through 2 firewalls and be in the right places? RHD car too.
Matt, I'll be interested in hearing experts about this. My humble opinion: the interface on the PCM requires using the CDC changer user interface.
is your question on whether you can keep PHYSICALLY the CDC changer, but disconnected, so that the future resale of the car, everything can be restored to its original state?
Otherwise, if you have an iPhone or Android phone, it would be easier to convert your CD to a lossless format and play them through the Dension using your favorite app.
I have a CD changer and wish to keep it. (also have 666 phone module).
Now, if I mount the 500sBT in the frunk, is the mic lead and remote connector station lead long enough to go through 2 firewalls and be in the right places? RHD car too.
Matt
You can install beside the cdc, route the cables through the firewall, and still access the changer. Connector port goes to glove box.
We usually suggest the cd bypass cable, bypassing the cdc and removing its power, then installing in the cabin. This provides solid bluetooth connectivity.
But yes, you can retain the cdc by installing the unit up front.
Matt, I'll be interested in hearing experts about this. My humble opinion: the interface on the PCM requires using the CDC changer user interface.
is your question on whether you can keep PHYSICALLY the CDC changer, but disconnected, so that the future resale of the car, everything can be restored to its original state?
Otherwise, if you have an iPhone or Android phone, it would be easier to convert your CD to a lossless format and play them through the Dension using your favorite app.
I will definitely be physically keeping it in place, but I'd also like to be able to play cd's in it, which I think I can with the dual FOT version? (CD's still sound better than crappy mp3s or apple stuff). I'm not sure what I can and can't do, basically. How long are the leads?
I placed a comment on Rennlist about iSimple install. GREAT option for the money. I love how I can get in the car...start the engine...phone syncs up with module and one click of the button starts the streaming. Install only took about 2 hours with an installer which took out my NavTV.
Bluetooth conversation is great and no issues. Take time to sit and learn the operation of the unit.
I placed a comment on Rennlist about iSimple install. GREAT option for the money. I love how I can get in the car...start the engine...phone syncs up with module and one click of the button starts the streaming. Install only took about 2 hours with an installer which took out my NavTV.
Bluetooth conversation is great and no issues. Take time to sit and learn the operation of the unit.
How is the sound quality? I don't need it perfect.
Sound quality is great in my opinion. I'm using an iPhone 6 and I just played with the EQ until the sound was what I wanted. I'm pleased with the unit and what it offers. For the price point you can't go wrong. I think the sound of the engine and my Fister Exhaust sounds much better, but when you want tunes...it's great.
it's great imo. i would say good quality FM reception (way better then fm transmitter that i used to use). the connection is a direct hard line input into the FM antenna. i can tell it's not cd quality due to the bluetooh compression but it makes very little difference considering the engine/exhuast noise when driving in the real world.
Originally Posted by Rob_G
How is the sound quality? I don't need it perfect.
To conquer this same shortfall on my own...I just did a Head Unit swap. Went with the new Pioneer AppRadio 4 (SPH-DA120). Doesn't matter if you have Bose or not (http://www.suncoastparts.com/product..._Interioraudio) you can get a kit for either. Bluetooth streaming and calling is fantastic, and the Apple CarPlay OS is fantastic (looks and feels like I am using an Ipad).
Here are a few pics...
To conquer this same shortfall on my own...I just did a Head Unit swap. Went with the new Pioneer AppRadio 4 (SPH-DA120). Doesn't matter if you have Bose or not (http://www.suncoastparts.com/product..._Interioraudio) you can get a kit for either. Bluetooth streaming and calling is fantastic, and the Apple CarPlay OS is fantastic (looks and feels like I am using an Ipad).
Here are a few pics...
That looks brilliant and very clean! I think I will be doing this in the near future. My friend just upgraded from the Appradio3 to the 4 and he seems to really like it. Have you added a rearview camera for it?
The other question that I would like to ask is: is it worth it to spend the extra bucks to adapt the Bose system, or perhaps spend similar money upgrading the speakers in lieu of integrating the Bose?
I am not an audiophile and really did the swap for convenience i.e., streaming music, conference/phone calls, etc. It is much cheaper to integrate with the Bose and you did get a bit more out the speakers with the more powerful head unit. It is a clean and fast installation (less than 4 hours and you are done) for around $1000-$1200 with Head Unit.
To conquer this same shortfall on my own...I just did a Head Unit swap. Went with the new Pioneer AppRadio 4 (SPH-DA120). Doesn't matter if you have Bose or not
Looks very nice. Planning to get the same one or the AVH-4100NEX installed. What made you pick the ApPRadio? And where did you put the cables? I'm thinking about the glove box as I dont really need to see the phone when driving. But considering other options too.
