[inergen]

since i joined this wonderful saab platform, i have had the opportunities to extract lots of info and wonderful exchanges on this fabulous machine (i call her "Jet") of ours and my first project on my mind then was to change the stock sound system. ok, cut to the chase and here's the write-up.

HU: Kenwood DNX8120 (equivalent EU model DNX8022)
SPk: 2-Way Sea Lotus
Amp: MTX Amp (Competition Series)
Sub: 12" Sea Lotus
AmP: Rockford 150W.

The stock Bose Centrepoint system (11-Speaker) could not meet my SQ requirements cos I listen to Jazzy and love warm acoustics, like in a concert environment. The final setup will be able to cater to all sorts of music genre. The Kenwood HU provides 5.1 Ch and SRS WoW functions, 16-channel EQ, etc. However, I bypass the 5.1 Ch and EQ settings, prefers to listen to music with originality, i.e., pure from the CDs. No X-overs, DSP, etc.

The 8102 comes perfect with built-in SatNav by Garmin and BT function by Parrot. Fantastic combinations with precise locale and voice clarity, though, I still have minor challenge with the tuner with fussy reception. Maybe a signal booster to add-on will solve the problem. Though, the radio frequencies for the amercian market look the same for this region, step-tuning with an american tuner will be challenging in mapping the desired frequency.

I have never experienced an audio quality in a car as such, clarity, depth and not to mention the positioning of each musical instrument. Many of you had problems with interfacing with SWC. Again, through several exchanges with our fella bros, i managed to source a solution that could do the magic and working perfectly!

ok, so much in words and here...pictures tell a thousand words.

cheerios......

 

[Nickolay]

Good work!!!

 

[kanundrum]

maintained steering wheel controls ?

 

[stevedol]

Looks good, nice clean install

 

[inergen]

maintained steering wheel controls ?

absolutely!

 

[kanundrum]

So When Are you Guys coming over to the States to work on our cars ?

 

[inergen]

will be glad to do so:cheesy:...opps.....hehe..i forgot not now cos the swiny porky thingy.

cheerios.....

 

[inergen]

before i forget, the SatNav antenna was stuck onto the kenwood top chasis. no need to expose and place it on the dashboard via the centre speaker. Reception is still excellent.

cheerios....

 

[kanundrum]

Any Ideas on how to disable the speed sensor wiring so that the car's navigational features can be active during motion ?

 

[inergen]

Any Ideas on how to disable the speed sensor wiring so that the car's navigational features can be active during motion ?

sorry, what do you mean? my SatNav is active all the time.

cheerios...

 

[kanundrum]

sorry, what do you mean? my SatNav is active all the time.

cheerios...

The Stock Navigation that would come with a 9-3 has a speed sensor wiring indicating the car is in motion, Do you know how I would go about disabling that ?

Know a wire color or anything of the such

 

[inergen]

ok, try the LIGHT GREEN wire. but why would you want to do that?

cheerios...:roll:

 

[kanundrum]

Its annoying having to stop every time I want to enter in a destination, and the voice controls are useless I can't even input a city via my voice.

 

[inergen]

i don't know much about the stock Nav unit and its functionality and operational setup. unlike the kenwood, there is no restriction whatsoever. you may want to extract your Stock HU and checkout the terminals on its label.

View attachment 12142

cheerios...:suprised;

 

[Cineza]

.... problems with interfacing with SWC. Again, through several exchanges with our fella bros, i managed to source a solution that could do the magic and working perfectly!......

If you don't mind sharing the magic!
What exactly did you get for this and from where?

 

[inergen]

If you don't mind sharing the magic!
What exactly did you get for this and from where?

talk to him! he provides the canbus interface, fascia plate so that your kenwood HU will just fit in like the stock.

good luck!

cheerios...:lol:

 

[danason]

Kenwood 8120 install on 2008 9-3 convertible

I want to install an aftermarket in-dash gps/bluetooth with Garmin's technology in my new 2008 9-3 convertible. I am willing to replace the current radio/6CD-changer with a new Kenwood sound system that incorporates the Garmin GPS and Parrot bluetooth. My audio tech says that he cannot install a Kenwood 8120 to replace the current radio -- something about the fiberoptics? -- but that he can put in a GPS without bluetooth, using a Kenwood LZ702 monitor, lower on the dash, under the current radio, "where the ashtray is." Any reason why I shouldn't be able to install the Kenwood 8120 in place of the current radio/cd? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[inergen]

hi,

that's not true. the MY08 model is not using fibre optics, unlike the previous years. i did it! most of them here who had done away with the stock HU and replaced with 2-din kenwood sets had had no problems, except losing the SWC, but this could be solved.

go to one who can do it. it's basically a plug n play situation.

good luck!

cheerios....:lol:

 

[stevedol]

I want to install an aftermarket in-dash gps/bluetooth with Garmin's technology in my new 2008 9-3 convertible. I am willing to replace the current radio/6CD-changer with a new Kenwood sound system that incorporates the Garmin GPS and Parrot bluetooth. My audio tech says that he cannot install a Kenwood 8120 to replace the current radio -- something about the fiberoptics? -- but that he can put in a GPS without bluetooth, using a Kenwood LZ702 monitor, lower on the dash, under the current radio, "where the ashtray is." Any reason why I shouldn't be able to install the Kenwood 8120 in place of the current radio/cd? Thanks in advance for your help.

The fibre optics ran 2003-2006. In 2007 Saab facelifted the dash, and removed the fibre optic system, replacing it with a generic GM headunit, which can be removed and replaced.
Point your audio tech towards these threads, and show him what can now be achieved :
Pioneer Navigation install 2007 9-3 Aero - pics
Finally...I have all the parts for the Pioneer Avic D3
Pioneer Avic D3 Installation - Photographs
Pioneer Avic F700bt installed in my 08 9-3SS
AVIC 900BT in 2007 SC with SW functions working
My 2007 Sportwagon Aftermarket Audio Install
Another Kenwood TV into a 2007 9-3 SS
ANOTHER KENWOOD MAKEOVER w/SWC
TurboX stereo. 2-Din Alpine\ Hertz



And a couple of threads for info :
Pioneer install in 2007 9-3 Aero -harness ?
Another connector for aftermarket headunit

 

[inergen]

and yes, i got the inspirations from steve and guys in those threads.

cheerios....:lol: