Is there a Replacement stereo for the P38

21916 Views 14 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Glenrad, Apr 28, 2021

Peter Sanders

Discussion Starter · Sep 12, 2010

Hi

I own a Range Rover Vogue 4.6 2000my.

It has the HK Alpine stereo system with cassette and 6 stack cd changer.

Is there a plug in compatible stereo system that will literally allow me to remove my current head unit and replace it with a more modern and iPod/MP3 player capable head unit? One that will plug in to the current HK dsp cabling? Preferably with the dsp facility.

I would like to be able to use the steering wheel controls for the iPod, but that is not critical.

I would prefer to keep and optionally use the cd stacker, but that is not an absolute necessity.

Any extra features will be a bonus.

I have seen the various cables and adapters for such stereo modifications and would like to avoid those if possible, opting for a head unit that does just "plug in".

Thank you...

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SpiggyTopes

· #2 · Sep 12, 2010

I think the short answer is no.

However, you have an advantage over HSE owners in that you Vogue set up is compatible with a Parrot hands free system.

I had an MKi 9100 wired in and it allows USB, 3.5 mm jack and iPod control connections, together with answering the phone.

It's not the perfect answer, but well worth a look.

Peter Sanders

Discussion Starter · #3 · Sep 13, 2010

Hi

Thank you for the info.

SpiggyTopes

· #4 · Sep 13, 2010

If you find an elegant way of doing it, please say!

I'd like to do the same, eventually, but don't want to lose the steering controls .....

Cheers.

bjohnston115

· #5 · Sep 13, 2010

SpiggyTopes said:
If you find an elegant way of doing it, please say!

I'd like to do the same, eventually, but don't want to lose the steering controls .....

Cheers.

How handy are you? I just replaced the radio in my 96 with a after market replacement. There is a diagram on this site on how to make an attenuator that works with the radio. I made the circuit and now my radio works flawlessly with stock amps in the car. There is also a way to hook up the steering wheel controls to control the headunit but i havent wired it yet.

Peter Sanders

Discussion Starter · #6 · Sep 14, 2010

Hi

How handy are you?

Very handy

I could fit almost anything available

but I would have preferred a plug in replacement that retained all of (or added to) the original audio capabilities.

I just replaced the radio in my 96 with a after market replacement.

Having done that in a previous Range Rover and numerous other vehicles I feel less inclined to do it again. I have too much "other stuff" to do or enjoy than changing audio

- but if there is a diagram I might consider it.

There is a diagram on this site on how to make an attenuator that works with the radio.

A link to the diagram would be good

rogan

· #7 · Sep 14, 2010

http://rangerovers.net/rrupgrades/enter ... adapt.html

kapilamuni

· #8 · Apr 26, 2021

Hi,
Anyone got a link to this page?

thanks

Richard_G

· #9 · Apr 26, 2021

No, but got a pdf of it, attached

Glenrad

· #10 · Apr 26, 2021

Just add a GROM BT unit. It plugs in the CD port so you lose that but gain BT. I get my entire phone playlist available, phone calls through the car, maps and directions, etc. It takes 15 minutes to install. Steering wheel controls still work.

Richard_G

· #11 · Apr 26, 2021

+1 on the Grom, modern capabilities with OE appearance. The only problem on the later cars is when the DSP amp dies (which it will....).

kapilamuni

· #12 · Apr 27, 2021

Richard_G said:
+1 on the Grom, modern capabilities with OE appearance. The only problem on the later cars is when the DSP amp dies (which it will....).

Thanks for the PDF.
Any specific Grom model no?
What happens if the DSP amp dies?
Mine is a DSE. I'm clueless on sound systems and my CD changer stopped working about two years ago.

Richard_G

· #13 · Apr 27, 2021

Grom BT3 (https://www.gromaudio.co.uk/product...mini-rover-bluetooth-integration-kit-678.html), gives you Bluetooth for hands free phone and streaming audio and with the optional cable you can also have line in. There's a very simple line in mod for the earlier Clarion but not for the later Alpine units. If your signature is correct and your car is a 97, you will have the Clarion, not the Alpine and definitely won't have the DSP unit. To add line in (and Bluetooth if you need it) see Range Rover P38 Maintenance repair improvements and tips learned by experience by ownership., although I solder to the back of the PCB and not to the socket as shown on there. If you stop at that point, you have a line in that is automatically selected. With nothing plugged into it, or no audio being fed from your phone, the radio works as normal. As soon as audio is detected on the line in, the rdaio switches to that so you have streaming audio from your phone, tablet, external MP3 player, etc.

When the DSP amp dies, the head unit continues to work perfectly but you get no sound out of the speakers. Options then are a Discovery DSP amp but that only gives you front speakers (and while cheaper than the P38 unit, are still expensive), a custom made replacement such as this DSP AMP Replacement from Marty or spending hours sitting in the boot with a soldering iron bypassing it and adding aftermarket amps.

The DSP unit was only fitted to later (2000 onwards) cars with the Premium audio system which a DSE may not have. Do you have the DSP option on the head unit when you scroll through the audio settings? If you don't, then you will have the High Line system with separate amps in each door.

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kapilamuni

· #14 · Apr 27, 2021

Thanks Richard. Mine has the CLARION system and no DSP.
Even tried that adding 3.5 jack but couldnt solder wires to the PCB as connectors are so small.
So gave up.

Glenrad

· #15 · Apr 28, 2021

Richard_G said:
Grom BT3 (Rover / Land Rover - Bluetooth integration kit), gives you Bluetooth for hands free phone and streaming audio and with the optional cable you can also have line in. There's a very simple line in mod for the earlier Clarion but not for the later Alpine units. If your signature is correct and your car is a 97, you will have the Clarion, not the Alpine and definitely won't have the DSP unit. To add line in (and Bluetooth if you need it) see Range Rover P38 Maintenance repair improvements and tips learned by experience by ownership., although I solder to the back of the PCB and not to the socket as shown on there. If you stop at that point, you have a line in that is automatically selected. With nothing plugged into it, or no audio being fed from your phone, the radio works as normal. As soon as audio is detected on the line in, the rdaio switches to that so you have streaming audio from your phone, tablet, external MP3 player, etc.

When the DSP amp dies, the head unit continues to work perfectly but you get no sound out of the speakers. Options then are a Discovery DSP amp but that only gives you front speakers (and while cheaper than the P38 unit, are still expensive), a custom made replacement such as this DSP AMP Replacement from Marty or spending hours sitting in the boot with a soldering iron bypassing it and adding aftermarket amps.

The DSP unit was only fitted to later (2000 onwards) cars with the Premium audio system which a DSE may not have. Do you have the DSP option on the head unit when you scroll through the audio settings? If you don't, then you will have the High Line system with separate amps in each door.

Richard,
I have a 2001 with the "Hi-Line" Alpine/HK/DSP system. The BT-3 simply plugged in to the cd port on the back of the head unit.

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