LR Audio System Issue.

[Geflackt]

On our '01 RR HSE, we've been experiencing some audio quality issues. With regular music CD's, there is crackling noises at almost any volume level. This seems to occur at near voice frequencies. One of the more "common" CD's is Radiohead's Hail to the Thief. The first dealer I showed this to said it was a problem with the CD. I tried it in other players and the CD is fine. At the 2nd dealer, they actually took the time to test it in other vehicles. In a Disco, there is no problem. In another Rangie with no navigation system, there is no problem. But in an HSE with the navigation system and "upgraded" audio system, the crackle is there. We tried this on several HSE's and they all had this problem. I'm surprised other people haven't complained about this. It's also audible in AM radio, but that always has noise anyway. I can't listen to FM enough to know if the problem is there as well, but I suspect that it is.

At this point they said they "can't change the engineering" and wanted to drop the subject. I prodded a little and they offered to call Land Rover Tech Support. Over the past several months I have been calling the dealer every few weeks to get an update, but they have no news.

To me, this is completely out of spec for an audio system. It must have something to do with the DSP amp on these newer audio systems. But what can I do at this point besides install an aftermarket system?? I bought the HSE in order to get a factory installed "top of the line" audio system, since I hate messing with aftermarket stuff.

This is probably more like a Range Rover forum issue, but I wanted to get a general forum idea for this... Is there any way to light a fire under LR's ass besides taking other legal action??

Thanks!
Jason.
'01 HSE.
'00 DII.

 

[syoung]

Just curious- legal action for what? What would you be seeking? If they all do it, even though it sucks, what can they do?

Just to be sure we're on the same page- is that the Becker/Harmon Kardon Traffic Pro?

 

[Geflackt]

Yeah, the legal thing sounds harsh. For one, I meant more like not blowing up at them or getting nasty - it's a very annoying issue to me that as an engineer is also very un-excusable. And, coming from a recording studio environment I am sensitive to audio quality.

For seconds, I'd like to be able to get the schematics for this DSP amp. Not the vehicle wiring diagram, but the DSP amp schematics. If it's a hardware issue, I might be able to fix it. Firmware's another story since it's not worth digging into it.

I believe this is the HK system. I know I'm being picky, but I would have expected a lot better. The system in my old '95 LWB was actually much better sounding.

Jason.

 

[syoung]

I have one of those Becker/HK NAV units sitting in my closet waiting to install in the Disco. I've never heard anyone complain about the CD player sound quality on them but you've got me concerned a bit.
You may want to call Harmon Kardon's tech support. They have a special group just for the NAV systems and they are extremely cool people. One friend of mine sent his LR oem (*HK) unit to them to get the face plate repaired since it was customer abuse and not under warranty (LR told him to pound sand)- and they (HK) sent him a refurb with 1 year warranty at no charge *and* newer software. I talked to them about finding the speed sensor on a Freelander and they were really helpful (although I found it first )

 

[Geflackt]

Ah, the old press the Pound key, then the Sand key....

I'll look up the HK info. Not sure why I didn't think of that to begin with...

I think the issue is in the DSP amp in the back. For the later years(around '01 with the NAV), then combined all the amps into one box. It seems like systems with this single box have the problems. Don't know if it's the design, soft/firmware, or wire routing.

It probably isn't the CD player or head unit, so your system might be OK. If I haven't had this solved by Spring, I'll dig into the system once the weather warms up.

Jason.

 

[syoung]

The systems with outboard amplifiers (dunno which yours is, but assume it's external) actually use the speaker level outputs from the head unit.
I've successfully put aftermarket head units in them and also found that bypassing the amp and using just head unit power often sounds better. The amps in LR's are not exactly high-spec.
If you want pinouts etc on that NAV unit- let me know.

 

[Geflackt]

I'll see if I can compress the wiring diagram into a nice pic to post on here so you can get a good idea of this later system. Can't quite tell if it's the same one you're talking about. This one is a unit tucked into the right rear fender, between the subwoofer(has to be removed to get to the amp) and outer panel.

Speaking of amps, do you know of a convenient connection where I can pick up power for XM FM modulator in an '00 Disco?? I see a few points in the wiring diagram, but I didn't dig around in the dash yet except to pull the radio and look at the antenna connection.

Also, while doing this, it was interesting to note that there are generally 2 FM antenna amps. With the talk of FM bleeding into people's XM FM modulators, I'm wondering if the 2nd FM amp is interefering with the modulator's input. If a small broadcast unit is used, then both antenna amps would pick up the signal and there would be no issue.

I'll look at my '01 RR diagram for those amp outputs you mentioned. If you have the HK contact info handy, I could use that. A quick search of the web didn't yield anything yet, but I'll look when I get a few more minutes.

Thanks!
Jason.

 

[syoung]

When I installed XM on a couple of my rovers, I just tapped the cig lighter leads behind the dash.
I'll look through my old emails for the HK support guys.

 

[Randy]

I'll see if I can compress the wiring diagram into a nice pic to post on here so you can get a good idea of this later system. Can't quite tell if it's the same one you're talking about. This one is a unit tucked into the right rear fender, between the subwoofer(has to be removed to get to the amp) and outer panel.

Speaking of amps, do you know of a convenient connection where I can pick up power for XM FM modulator in an '00 Disco?? I see a few points in the wiring diagram, but I didn't dig around in the dash yet except to pull the radio and look at the antenna connection.

Also, while doing this, it was interesting to note that there are generally 2 FM antenna amps. With the talk of FM bleeding into people's XM FM modulators, I'm wondering if the 2nd FM amp is interefering with the modulator's input. If a small broadcast unit is used, then both antenna amps would pick up the signal and there would be no issue.

I'll look at my '01 RR diagram for those amp outputs you mentioned. If you have the HK contact info handy, I could use that. A quick search of the web didn't yield anything yet, but I'll look when I get a few more minutes.

Thanks!
Jason.

Jason, if you have any interest in persuing it with the dealer, I would strongly recommend being a very pleasant but very regular caller, like every other day! Keep it in the fronmt of their minds so they don't forget about it for 15 days in between your calls every couple of weeks. Meanwhile I'd followup with the HK path as suggested. Just out of curiousity, where in Eastern Pa are you.....we have some contacts in the area...

 

[Geflackt]

I'm about 20 minutes South of Easton near the Delaware River. Near good ol' Quacktown.

Always looking for new contacts. What's the name of the shop in Easton?? I had been up there to have them look at my '95 LWB a year or so ago, but they're computer was out for service. If they're good, I'd try them again.

Jason.