Aftermarket stereo - Controls and Amplifier

[JNMann]

Looking at fitting a Blaupunkt Palma 190 to my V70.

Would I still be able to use steering wheel controls and would it utilise the factory fitted amplifier?

[stuart bowes]

with the right connector kit, yes

something like this but get the right one for your year

and if you have the amp you'll need the other lead that connects to that round connector like this but just the bit with the phono connectors at the other end, if you've already got the other bit with the first kit

[JNMann]

Nearly as much as the stereo lol!

[stuart bowes]

yeah true, personally if it was me I'd save a bit longer and get a head unit with android auto touchscreen / bluetooth / reversing camera / googlemaps, because otherwise it'll be a lot of work for not much difference

[JJD1]

Originally Posted by JNMann

Looking at fitting a Blaupunkt Palma 190 to my V70.

Would I still be able to use steering wheel controls and would it utilise the factory fitted amplifier?

As a unit , its a very "stock " looking design .So it will blend well. BUT Blaupunkt is now a bit "meh" and trading on its name and making all sorts of electrical goods. For this unit not to have DAB even if that added £25 to the cost is a bit silly in 2021 . I am sure you could buy adaptors to run it via the volvo amp. But in reality , you might be better off buying a new class D amp that will integrate better ??

[JNMann]

Yes I chose it because it looks more stock.

I would like to go the Android route but read about issues with them not dimming etc?

Also keen for it to look 'right' in the car and not too modern. I like the idea of a touch screen but without all the dials etc.

[JJD1]

Originally Posted by JNMann

Yes I chose it because it looks more stock.

I would like to go the Android route but read about issues with them not dimming etc?

Also keen for it to look 'right' in the car and not too modern. I like the idea of a touch screen but without all the dials etc.

the unit is a Budget unit. wiring kits have always been pricey !

[stuart bowes]

Originally Posted by JNMann

issues with them not dimming etc

this is a fair point but it's very easy to put in a switch, that's what I did

I think they are still working on it, i keep seeing in the updates that android auto 'now has day/night mode independant from the phone' whatever that means but as yet they haven't fixed it

the issue is usually the head unit detects headlights being turned on and that's when it dims. but obviously ours are just on all the time

tbh a small switch does the job perfectly and there are a million and one styles to choose from

[ajm]

The Blaupunkt unit is fine - a million times better than a stupid (and I mean, stupid - dangerous even) touchscreen interface.

It's not without its quirks and is not a top notch system like the original unit, but in practice it works perfectly well and more or less completely blends in with the look of the dash. It's a shame to lose the cupholder as nobody seems to have made a surround that will accommodate it, but other than that I have no complaints about mine.

I didn't go to the expense of an interface for the steering wheel controls - to be honest the huge volume knob is easier to use than the wheel mounted buttons and the channel select buttons are also easy to find by touch. I didn't expect to install or use the hands-free aspect of the radio but actually it works fine too and I do use it all the time.

[stuart bowes]

there's no stupid devices, only stupid users ... if you're smart you use voice commands for everything, when you're driving you literally have no need to touch it at all

plus if you don't have reversing beepers, the rear camera is a huge safety plus when reversing out of a driveway etc

literally every car made now has them