[ctuna]

Hi Fi amp is only designed to use 5 volt differential Inputs .
If you are feeding it speaker outs it's not designed for that.
BMW did not design the Hi Fi system for you to put in
aftermarket head units.

Most aftermarket Head Units have only single ended RCA pre outs
not differential ones. This is essentially attenuated speaker outs but
at 4 times the level or more than is should be.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showt...ight=head+unit

[Ali-E90]

Originally Posted by x79ftw

I have the S676A HiFi Speaker System(not logic7) that my 2007 328xi came with, when connected to my stock HU its sounds good, especially compared to 2010 e90's that have Base Stereo systems. Installing the Eonon GA9365 made my Hifi system sound like a 2010 Base Stereo system though.

Do you think the Pioneer AVH-500EX HU be a better choice for sound quality than the 8 core Eonon with Android 8.0?

What I can say is that multiple people I know who added the 9165 (A or B) to their HiFi system either said audio quality was the same, or improved. Not sure if they used the RCA or speaker level outputs, but possibly not the RCAs as they just did the install at home, and I highly doubt they ran RCAs and a LOC at the OEM amp.

I can confirm the 9365 hardware is completely different, so it's very plausible that this is the reason your results are different. The PX30 chip it uses is still relatively new, so no custom ROMs available yet (at least not that I could see), and fewer reviews etc. But it is generally agreed that the PX30 quad core, with 2G RAM and 32G ROM is inferior to the older PX5 octacore units with 4G RAM and 64G ROM. The only part where PX30 is slightly improved is in the GPU, which I can't see as being too valuable in a HU (do you plan on gaming with it? lol)


As for using a Pioneer (or ANY other reputable audio brand), I don't doubt for a second that the sound quality would be superior to any of these Eonon units... even with my Eonon unit, which I'm happy with, I still did notice my old Pioneer had better audio output.
BUT just because it's better doesn't mean the other isn't good enough. As someone who's upgraded all aspects of the base audio (amps, speakers, and HU obv), I can say that the Eonon 9165 is at least good enough for 90% of people, including those upgrading their audio.

BUT if you must have superior audio at all costs, just go straight to the audio brands, they can't be beat for sound. I compromised a little to get better functionality and OEM look and feel... knowing my sound is still VERY good.

Hope that helps

[Ali-E90]

Originally Posted by ctuna

does the eonon have pre outs?

Yes, but they are very low voltage relative to the big audio brands (those are typically 4V), which is a huge contributor to the audio quality problem. Adjusting amp gain for the lower voltage obviously helps, but as we all know, the higher the voltage the better (and this is a lot of what you're paying, better quality hardware that's been properly tested etc. with a focus on audio quality)

Originally Posted by ctuna

All the good head units cost 500 to 1000 how can a 250 dollar or less cheap unit do the same job.

You're absolutely right, but the "right" $250 unit can certainly be good enough for most, especially if they're just looking for some newer tech/features without compromising sound (at least from stock, not vs. other aftermarket avenues).

Suppose it all comes down to what your goals are for the HU upgrade, and doing the research to find the "right" cheaper deck (i.e. NOT the Eonon 9365 vs. the 9165, etc.).

ctuna not at all disagreeing with you, just expanding
You're always such an amazing resource in these threads, THANK YOU!

[Canuck335]

So I wonder if adding a line level converter would help.
eg the Scosche SLC4 Line Output Converter
https://www.scosche.com/car-stereo-output-converter

Edit: found something better
http://www.metraonline.com/part/AX-ADCT4


It seems to have adjustable gain so it might be able to boost the output of the Eonon enough. Doubt it would be balanced output though.

[Ali-E90]

Originally Posted by Canuck335

So I wonder if adding a line level converter would help.
eg the Scosche SLC4 Line Output Converter
https://www.scosche.com/car-stereo-output-converter

It seems to have adjustable gain so it might be able to boost the output of the Eonon enough. Doubt it would be balanced output though.

It might help, but often those introduce additional noise also.

Would be curious to see what others think, might help me out too!

[Canuck335]

Originally Posted by ctuna

1. Do I need to relocate the OEM head unit?
Only if you take it in to a BMW dealership for something
that requires them doing diagnostics or updates.

(c) MOST ring: this is where I'm stuck... does my car's HU provide MOST functionality that I need to keep?
No

Since I've decided to keep the OEM head unit connected do I need to run the MOST optical cables for diagnostics or updates? Or will the CAN wires suffice?
The optical cables are kinda pricey (~$90 CDN each) so I'd like to avoid that if possible.
Alternatively can I install a MOST loop cable to bypass the OEM head unit?

[ctuna]

Cars built before 09 used to have pre wiring for options which
included spare most cables. I would look to see if there are
any for a cdc player or sat module that could be possibly used.
I would also look into second source optic cables.

The official BMW diagnostic setup hooks up to both the can bus
and the Most Bus.

[Canuck335]

Originally Posted by ctuna

Cars built before 09 used to have pre wiring for options which
included spare most cables. I would look to see if there are
and for a cdc player or sat module that could be possibly used.
I would also look into second source optic cables.

The official BMW diagnostic setup hooks up to both the can bus
and the Most Bus.

You sir, are a genius (or really patient answering what must be the same questions over and over again).

I had a look in the trunk and see the TCU is there with MOST cables.
My MOST block is very simple - only the OEM head unit and TCU are connected (the block doesn't even have a lower section for spares). I'm off to the MOST threads to go bug them

I did find a listing on ebay for $34 USD for a 4 meter MOST cable (both Tx and Rx).

[ctuna]

There is no such thing as a TMU its a TCU.
Yes I'm a very very stable Genius just like our
President.

[Canuck335]

Originally Posted by Ali-323i

What I can say is that multiple people I know who added the 9165 (A or B) to their HiFi system either said audio quality was the same, or improved.

@Ali-323i, I did a test fitup and connection today on my GA-9165B.
Sounds better than stock.
Can't thank you enough!

Going to finish most of it tomorrow. Still waiting for my reverse camera and need to sort out keeping the OEM headunit connected.

[Ali-E90]

Originally Posted by Canuck335

@Ali-323i, I did a test fitup and connection today on my GA-9165B.
Sounds better than stock.
Can't thank you enough!

Going to finish most of it tomorrow. Still waiting for my reverse camera and need to sort out keeping the OEM headunit connected.

Glad it worked out! Good luck with the rest of the wiring etc.! And agree, you should sort out the constant power wire issue now while it's all open

Are you on BMW True North? They have a big Season End meet coming up in 'Sauga on Sept 29th, @ Pfaff BMW.
Worth attending if you're available