Replacing Seat Scala Hu With Kenwood Mp3 Player

[Guest sportq]

I'd like to replace the factory fitted Scala head unit in our 2002 Alhambra TDi S with a Kenwood MP3 player.

 

First how do you get the Scala head unit out, I can't see any gaps around the facia to put the usual extractors in and withdraw it?

 

Secondly, it doesn't look to be a DIN standard opening so I guess I'll need an adaptor to convert it from the Audi/VW/Seat/Skoda standard to ISO. Has anyone here done this and where did they get the parts? I'll also need a cable harness adaptor too but they're easy to find.

 

If it makes a difference our car doesn't have climate control, just the manual air-con console.

 

Peter

[gazza007]

Just had a look at a site www.justkenwood.co.uk.

Gave them a call. The chap reckons that you can just swap them although you will need a VW wiring kit for the powered aerial in the rear quarter window.

Also some useful fitting info. :D

[Guest sportq]

I took a look at this last night.

 

Using the bezel off an older Kenwood CD-receiver I discovered that the Scala radio IS a standard DIN size. In theory the Kenwood chassis should slot in fine with just a ISO wiring harness needed.

 

I was thrown off by the fact that other VAG cars (like my Audi A4) are not standard and need an adaptor to shrink them down to DIN size.

 

Peter

[gazza007]

Peter,

Did you ever get round to doing this???

I want to do mine soon.

Gaz

[Guest sportq]

No, I haven't done this yet.

 

I did buy the extractor tools for the Scala/Gamma radio from bluespot.co.uk but I've been too busy to even try pulling it out for a look. It'll be the christmas holidays before I get a chance to try it out.

 

Actually since I started this thread I found that the Ogg Vorbis format is vastly superior to MP3 (especially at lower bit rates) I wonder if any units are out there that support this format? There's also no license fee for the encoder/decoder technology.

 

Take a look at www.vorbis.com (try the WAV/MP3/OGG sample test!!!)

 

Peter

[Guest sportq]

Following up on my own post.....

 

I bought a Kenwood KDC-M4524G MP3 player for 'her-indoors' christmas and fitted it yesterday here are a few hints'n'tips for those following in my footsteps.

 

1. Removing the Seat Scala/VW Gamma headunit would seem to be impossible with the special removal tool (I got it from www.bluespot.co.uk).

 

2. The Kenwood chassis goes in fine although I had wanted to swap the cubby hole in the lower DIN slot with the head unit so it would be easier to access with the cupholders extended however it seems its keyed to the lower slot and won't fit in the upper slot.

 

3. I also bought the Blaupunkt VW wiring adaptor from www.bluespot.co.uk which is recommended for late model VAG cars but I ended up not using it for a couple of reasons. As far as I can tell all it does is add power to the antenna connection however this must also be done somewhere else as reception was as good without as with it. The main reason I didn't use it though was that I couldn't fit the lead together with the Kenwood harness in the space available. I don't see how it prevents overheating as they claim anyway as it's a simple straight-though lead.

 

The Kenwood unit is much more powerful that the Scala/Gamma unit (50wpc vs. 20wpc) and also matches the red dash illumination perfectly. The white LED dsiplay for track name, etc. can also be toned down (I set it at 2 out of 10). The unit is a lot more configurable and definately sounds better after some tweaking of the bass and treble.

 

The only loss I've noted is the GALA speed-sensitive volume control.

 

BTW, I had been told that all Alhambra's were pre-wired for an autochanger however there was no lead at the back of the head unit. I had failed previously to find the other end (at the rear OS wheel arch) so I don't think they are.

 

If anyone has any questions on the install I'm happy to answer them.

 

Peter

[gazza007]

I've now fitted my Kenwood, it sound great..

The only thing I've noticed is that you can't turn on the power without the keys in, as with Scala Unit and this worked on & off with ignition too. I wired as recc by Kenwood in instructions for VW types . A7 red vehicle to yellow on unit and A4 yellow to ignition red.

The unit will take & eject a CD without the keys.

I can't understand why you have Power off timer for standby when you can't turn off without keys, unless it is for constant on without ignition wiring.

Is this the way that that it works?

[gazza007]

Followed this is up, apparently you have to have one or the other. Other function was unique to factory fit Scala. I've decided to have permanent power (changed the wiring) so I can leave unit on if kids want to stay in the car. The power off function then comes in to play to protect the battery. I guess I will have to disable it on long journeys to stop the unit turning off. I just burned a few albums to CD as MP3's. Unit displays folders and tracks and has no delays. Very pleased with it & would recommend rather than buying multichanger only

[italiastar]

Having recently re-fitted my scala unit ( thank fully for 1 week and I didn't use the car, so didn't have to put up with the poor quality) I did notice that it picked up many more stations. I read else where about the powered aerial amplifier and wondered if anyone knows how to power it. I called SEAT who put me through to the main dealer - they didn't have a clue, but offered to sell me an uprated unit - I didn't even ask the price. I went back to SEAT who said it was powered through the aerial co-ax lead, but couldn't offer any further advice, for obvious reasons - any ideas?

[Guest nimrod]

the bit of kit you require is .........

 

http://www.incardiscount.co.uk/acatalog/PC5-91sm.jpg

 

it can be picked up at most good car hi fi shops, it provides power to the aerial amplifier which would normaly be provided by the OE head unit

[italiastar]

Nimrod - you're a star!!! - Thanks for the quick reply. :lol:

[Guest nimrod]

no problem glad to help :lol: you can get them from most of the web based site as well! its where i got mine from

[gazza007]

Got one on mine, gets loads of stations. Did they tell you what was wrong with the Kenwood?

All my friends & family all want MP3 units now. I download all sorts of stuff from the Net. I love getting all the old TV themes like trumpton etc.

Brings back loads of memories.