39 replies to this topic

[baileydog62]

2 options you have is to either chop the current plugs off and solder the new plug taken from a parrot kit or make an adaptor from 2 kits. I have contacted a manufacture of the OE plugs in China but I'm still waiting for a reply.

[Rain]

4 questions if you do not mind.
1) Are there any extra benefits (other then the visual change and the sound) of changing the stereo to Sony one? Are there any extra features that will be unlocked by changing the stereo?
2) What is that wire going to the back of the central rear view mirror? (reverse camera mirror?)
3A) Was it a lot of work to run the wire from the parking sensor unit into that display? (I was thinking to do something similar).
3B) Does the parking sensor display obstruct the view to the central display (you know on the bottom of the screen it usually gives you some options to choose)
4) What is that little dome right above the central display unit.? (looks like a snowdome)

Cheers
Rain

[iNath]

4 questions if you do not mind.
1) Are there any extra benefits (other then the visual change and the sound) of changing the stereo to Sony one? Are there any extra features that will be unlocked by changing the stereo? Well those are the benefits, looks and sound The menu structure/functions are otherwise identical
2) What is that wire going to the back of the central rear view mirror? (reverse camera mirror?) Video camera, records all my journeys (forwards facing) I have bought a rear view camera and a new mirror with built in screen but haven't fitted it as I don't use the Fiesta anymore
3A) Was it a lot of work to run the wire from the parking sensor unit into that display? (I was thinking to do something similar). Not really, my Dad did most of the installation (drilling bumper, wiring in etc) but I did help route some cables through the car and up to that display. Just a case of unclipping things, feeding wire through and putting back in to place.
3B) Does the parking sensor display obstruct the view to the central display (you know on the bottom of the screen it usually gives you some options to choose) No, from the height I sit at none of the screen is covered.
4) What is that little dome right above the central display unit.? (looks like a snowdome) Air freshener, the 'bug', new car smell

Cheers
Rain

I don't mind see above in red

[Rain]

Thanks for the quick answers. I wish i would have a dad like yours. What are you using (driving) now if I may ask?

BTW, I have watched all your videos on Youtube. Great stuff!!

[iNath]

Thanks for the quick answers. I wish i would have a dad like yours. What are you using (driving) now if I may ask?

BTW, I have watched all your videos on Youtube. Great stuff!!

Skoda Octavia Estate company car lol.
Thank you kindly

[MikePaine]

Doesn't the Sony one have a blue led screen as opposed to orange?

[iNath]

Doesn't the Sony one have a blue led screen as opposed to orange?

You can use which ever screen you prefer. The standard screen goes better with my ambient lighting.

[scotthunter]

Hello Nathan

I am thinking of upgrading my stereo to the Sony one as well. I have the standard Ford stereo in a mk7 Zetec S. Hopefully the connections on the back are compatible.

Have you also upgraded the speakers? I have heard that the speakers on cars spec-d with the Sony DAB upgrade are also upgraded from standard Ford to Pioneer?

How much better is the sound with just the stereo unit upgraded?

[iNath]

I have the standard speakers and there is still a noticeable improvement.

[scotthunter]

Is it easy to replace the stereo without marking the plastics with tools etc?

Also are you keeping the rest of the dash silver or can the other silver plastics be replaced to look like the Metal interior?

[iNath]

Is it easy to replace the stereo without marking the plastics with tools etc?

Buy a trim tool off eBay and you'll be fine, they're only a couple of quid

Also are you keeping the rest of the dash silver or can the other silver plastics be replaced to look like the Metal interior?

All my plastics are Frozen White apart from the Sony stereo air vents as they are part of the stereo fascia and not detachable.

[scotthunter]

Just out of curiosity, did you ever try adjusting the settings on your original Ford stereo? I have just tweaked mine and the sound quality has now gone up a level. I now have my bass and mid set to 0 and the treble at +5, and I have turned the DSP Equalizer on (classic setting).

Wow! The DSP seems to make a big difference, the sound is now much purer and a the treble is more defined. I'm streaming music from my iPhone over Bluetooth.

I don't think I can justify spending £300 or so on the new Sony unit now. I just need to get one of my rear speakers replaced under warranty because it sounds a little distorted compared to the others when I play anything with a beat.

[Mathrin]

I find music over Bluetooth has a distinct lack of Bass and depth to it. running it straight from the USB stick however is a much fuller song, and has the kick at lower levels. I'm guessing it's the DSP settings I have on the phone thats doing it but... meh. I only use it when I cba to put something on the memory stick.

[scotthunter]

What bit rate is your music? If it's 256kbps or higher then it should sound great. I have never tried playing music from a memory stick, don't see the point when I have a 64mb iPhone 4S that I can keep tucked away in that little compartment next to the handbrake

More than enough bass, and I'm a drum and bass head so I know what good base is supposed to sound like It makes the entire door and wing mirror vibrate

[Mathrin]

320kbps, nothing lower that that.