[Cabot]

My S70 has 8 speakers, no amp, and a blown rear speaker. I went to a reputlable audio place to go over options. It seemed complicated to me. The amps I was being shown here 5 channel and large in size, and for the rear speakers I was told a free-air sub could be used. It all seemed kind of complicated.

What is involved with just buying the standard Volvo amp and replacing the rear deck speakers with OEM ones? Can I still buy the parts needed? Would aftermarket sound better?

 

[JRL]

Re: S70 - amp/rear deck speakers (Cabot)

Sure it will sound better but why would you need an amp?
Just replace the broken speaker.
When I did the T5 over I used one of the new Alpines systems (and new door speakers) these radios have over 25w per channel built in so no separate amp was needed for my adult ears.
I used 2- 8" Kicker free air subs in the rear deck with a small 100w amp for those, mounted under the package shelf. It was a VERY nice sounding car, don't forget the Dynamat

 

[Cabot]

Re: S70 - amp/rear deck speakers (JRL)

I need the amp because as I understand it the stock 816 config. required an amp to power the two rear door speakers (which I don't have). Currently, the DVD unit for my GPS system resides under the package shelf that can't be moved (vibrations in that area are minimal). The audio person I met with wasn't trying to push overkill equipment, but did make adding a sub and changing the rear shelf speakers sound really complicated to the point where I'd feel more comfortable if a Volvo dealer put it in. I'm trying to find a configuration that will require as little modification as possible.

 

[rothe]

Re: S70 - amp/rear deck speakers (Cabot)

Quote, originally posted by Cabot »

I'm trying to find a configuration that will require as little modification as possible.

Yes, you can replace the rear deck speakers. The dealers will have those speakers available through their parts departments, although I wouldn't hesitate to call one of the Volvo recyclers for a part like that. (http://www.erievovo.com/ is one that comes to mind)

You can also add rear door speakers, which I'm actually quite surprised that you don't already have. I certainly won't claim to have seen every OEM S70 configuration out there, but I was under the impression that all US-bound S70s came with dash-mounted tweeters and speakers in all four doors -- the only difference being the presence or absence of rear deck speakers.

If you want to upgrade, you're not going to get better bang-for-the-buck than the Dynaudio system that Volvo designed for the S70/V70. See these links:

http://www.jimrothe.com/volvo/volvo-dynaudio.html

http://www.jimrothe.com/volvo/....html

http://www.jimrothe.com/volvo/....html

As you read that first page, you will notice that I upgraded my head unit to Volvo's SC-901. What I didn't put in that page is that I've also added an adapter to plug my MP3 player into the Volvo head unit. That's a popular upgrade, discussed ad infinitum here:

http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=13955

My installation is pictured here:

http://forums.swedespeed.com/z...age=4

Note that you do not *have to* upgrade the head unit in order to upgrade your speakers, but my personal opinion is that the Dynaudio kit -- or any good quality, aftermarket speaker upgrades -- would be wasted on a stock SC-816 head unit. But that's just my opinion. As always, your mileage may vary....

 

[Cabot]

Re: S70 - amp/rear deck speakers (rothe)

Thanks Jim for the help. Sorry it took so long to post back. I will call around for the Dynaudio system. As far as the bassy SC816, I'm waiting for the Pioneer Z1 to come out.

To update you on the audio config on my S70: when ordered, the audio system was the last thought and not really discussed by any literature. Bascially, I have 8 speaker ports, but only 6 speakers. The two lacking are the ones in the rear doors. It was explained to me that these ports could only take powered speakers if I added an amplifier because the 816 system didn't have enough power.