View Full Version : Audio upgrade
Cupramax
01-08-2001, 14:49
Hi all,
Love the forum. Anyone got any ideas on upgrading the standard Aura CD audio on my Leon Cupra without shagging the dash. Are there any audio outputs on the system so you can hook an amp on? Could you use the headphone outputs which have been carefully ommited by SEAT!!! I know you can get a BOSE system in an Audi A3 which has the same dash. Cant find any info on BOSE in the UK though... helppppp!
------------------
Really easy, i've already upgraded my Stereo to a Panasonic Single MD Player, which is soon to be replaced by a new JVC MP3 AV Headunit.
The Aura stereo in the Leon is misleading in the fact it is still a normal single DIN fitting stereo, it just has slightly longer endplates to fill the gap.
Using the stereo removing tools, availble from a SEAT Dealer, you unslot the Aura, bearing in mind if you change the headunit you must change your disc changer too.
Panasonic are great cause they are exactly the same fitment as the standard disc changer in the Leon anyway, but any changer of comparable size should be quite comfortable in the glovebox, the JVC changer is a 12disc changer but is the same size as the Panasonic 6 disc system.
Using an ISO connection for the stereo, most manufacturers now supply ISO cables, so no need to do dodgy soldering, just plug it in the standard factory connection you unplugged the AURA from, all your speakers will be taken care of.
The only drawback is you have 2 small holes either side of where the AURA was, this i covered using a special blanking kit, for AUDI's, this fills the gaps with small plastic covers.
If in doubt about any electrical work get an expert fitter to do the work instead, its not worth setting your car on fire just for saving a few bob to get a stereo place to do the work.
But the Leon's stereo is very easy to replace, i've also had a custom fibreglass sub box made for my Leon that goes in the left hand side of the boot, you can see it here in this photo.
http://www.seatcupra.net/images/zboyd/Phat_Bass.jpg
The sub is a PolyKevlar series Focal 500w, its being powered by a Dragster 1202 2ch Amp.
I'll grab a shot of my stereo later tonight and ask Lee to bang it up, if you want a good system in the car then this is the only way to do it, my custome box was manufactured by ICE Meisters SQ Plus in Manchester (www.sqplus.com).
I've spoken to SQ about making an improvement to my dash, mAybe customise the fittings to be more flush, they are going to look into it for me and see what they can suggest that would be better than the method im using.
To be honest it works and its ok, but it doesnt look as tidy as i'd like it.
Im thinking of having certain panels of the dash done in a brushed Aluminium effect to match my new JVC Stereo, JE Design do a dash kit for the Leon that replaces certain panels and looks quite nice i may go for that.
------------------
Mark
Chips are nicer in Engines than with Fish.
HOW MUCH IS YOUR MP3 PLAYER.
I HAVE A GOOD CONTACT FOR THEM
LET ME KNOW THE MODEL No AND I WILL CHECK PRICE
GRAHAM
AMETHYST
------------------
Any good contacts for SATNAV?
------------------
Lee Shand
www.seatcupra.net (http://www.seatcupra.net)
I've sourced one via LetsBuyIt.com, its the JVC KD SH99 R AV Multimedia Controller.
http://kiki.tte.be/JvcCons/Products/ProductDetail.asp?ProductID=KD-SH99R&Country=Gbr&Lang=En
Should be arounf £400 retail, got it as part of a CoBuy for £293, bargain i thought, just takes ages for them to deliver stuff, but i dont mind waiting for that kind of saving.
I do need to source the changer for it though its this one the X1000:
http://kiki.tte.be/JvcCons/Products/ProductDetail.asp?ProductID=CH-X1000&Country=Gbr&Lang=En
Ive seen it priced at £214.99 for the changer from Car Audio Direct.
I was meaning to ask SQ Plus too, but not had chance, if you've got a contact and can get a favourable price i may source the changer from you. http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/smile.gif
------------------
Mark
Chips are nicer in Engines than with Fish.
Cupramax
01-08-2001, 16:20
Awesome,
Love the Bassbin. Have you got an equally large dent in the wing caused by the speaker....Ha! Seriously thanks for the ICE info. I'll be off down the local specialist to see what they can do. Just out of interest did the standard unit have phono jacks on it?
Max
------------------
Cupramax
01-08-2001, 16:28
Just out of interest has anybody actually chipped a Leon. I know there's loads on the other forums about tuning the VT motor but nobody that I could see has actually gone ahead and fitted one.
Max
------------------
Hehe it pumps out enough sometimes i think it'll dent the rear wing.
but they are solid cars and because of that it generates good clear bass frequencies, with no vibration.
The original AURA Headunit had no RCA input/outputs for Amps or anything other than the CD Changer Bus and the ISO Speaker /Power connects.
Thats why i changed mine, cause as stereos go as standard the AURA i found was good package, but i like my bass clarity so i had to get a new headunit to have the sub and amp.
Though all the doors are still running the standard stuff, and sound great and really can handle the thrashing, but me being a Audiophile eventually they'll get the kick too http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/biggrin.gif
Glad i could help, i'll chuck up that picture later so you can see what i've done with regards to the headunit.
Let me know if you come up with something better though http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/smile.gif
------------------
Mark
Chips are nicer in Engines than with Fish.
Cupramax
01-08-2001, 16:38
Yep,
I think we come from the same mould. I have just chopped in my beloved Toledo V5 for the Leon Cupra and the sound system was the only thing that bugged me about it (apart from various bits which SEAT discontinued on the new Leon). Even so the 80 watts that the standard system kicked out surprised quite a few people.
Max
------------------
Graham@Amethyst, can you get your hands on the autochanger for the Ibiza 20vt, and if so how much it would be including brackets??
Cheers .......Simon.
------------------
Max mine is also chipped. It has just been done with an Oettinger chip from RSD (Road & Sport Developments) they are near Banbury.
Its running in the region of 205bhp now, the car still drives fine, except its very quick of the mark now, and the turbo really does work now. http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/smile.gif
The most amazing transformation is the level of torque its delivering, it pulls and pulls now in every gear solid acceleration.
Good investment if you want that little bit more out of your motor. http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/smile.gif
RSD are the UK's sole Oettinger outlet (apologies if thats incorrect) they offer a 3 year warranty on their chip installation, which gives you good piece of mind i suppose.
AmD another great VW/AUDI tuners also do a chip of similar performance arguably better, but slightly cheaper than the Oettinger but with only a 12 month warranty.
Either will give outstanding performance and come from well trusted tuners.
RSD (www.roadandsport.com)
AmD via John at www.sjbsport.co.uk (http://www.sjbsport.co.uk)
------------------
Mark
Chips are nicer in Engines than with Fish.
Cupramax
01-08-2001, 23:29
RSD sounds interesting. Banbury is only an hour and a half from me as the (standard) Leon flies!!! How much did it cost out of interest and have they got a rolling road?
Max
------------------
Nope they use Oettinger chips from Germany, Oettinger are a very old and well respected tuning company from Germany, they are to VW what Cosworth are to Ford. The chips they produce have been configured to give at least 195bhp TUV approved.
They dont use a rolling road at RSD, they trust the Oettinger boffins they just plug em in and thats it done after some simple tests using a VAG 1551 computer. But AmD do have a rolling road, but produce their own chips to SEAT/VW specifications as do Oettinger but some say under a more clinical environment. or should i say more german environment http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/smile.gif
www.oettinger.com (http://www.oettinger.com)
As standard with the Oettinger chip you will get 195bhp at least maybe more, i've seen the AmD chip deliver 200bhp on a standard car, whether the torque is the same im unsure and its pretty much arguable which one of the 2 develops the greater torque.
The Oettinger is around £800 fitted but comes with RSD's 3 year warranty, that will cover you if something goes bang as a result, not that, that will happen, they are confident with the product so thats why i guess they offer the warranty, but it comes with a premium.
The AmD chip has a warranty for a year, but again its highly unlikely anything will go wrong these guys are pros, as a result they offer their chip at £550 + VAT which includes the rolling road time.
Either as i say will give great results and are far superior to the other chip manufacturers.
I personally have spent and done a bit more than a chip, to increase my overall output to over 200bhp, i've also had a Forge Recirculating Dump/Retun Valve fitted, an OettingeR Cat Back exhaust and a improved intake pipe on the turbo, all carried out by RSD.
------------------
Mark
Chips are nicer in Engines than with Fish.
By the way getting back to the threads actual subject. http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/smile.gif
The pic of my headunit is now available to see.
http://www.seatcupra.net/images/zboyd/2/16.jpg
You can see the small blanking plates either side, just about anyway http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/wink.gif
------------------
Mark
Chips are nicer in Engines than with Fish.
Cupramax
02-08-2001, 21:26
Mark,
Looks smart but you need to get the brushed Ally look dash to go with it. Not sure I'd be so daring with mine!!! Did U get the blanks from Audi or one of the SEAT parts guys?
Max - soon to be maxpower :!)
------------------
gilmors ::Graham@Amethyst, can you get your hands on the autochanger for the Ibiza 20vt, and if so how much it would be including brackets
GIS A CALL , £200+vat with all that ya need http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/smile.gif
------------------
DAZ the AMETHYST partsman
As far as im aware there is no part for the Leon this may have changed though i'll check with Flapper http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/wink.gif
Way ahead of you mate been looking into a JE Design dash kit in brushed aluminium, just waiting for a check on the quality of the product.
The panasonic is coming out soon as i menetioned above with the brushed Aluminium effect on the JVC, should look quite striking.
I may ask SQ Plus to fabricate me some better blanking plates though, possibly with chrome allen head nuts holding them in http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/smile.gif
The blanking plates which are there at the moment are for an Audi.
------------------
Mark
Chips are nicer in Engines than with Fish.
Mark
If u need any metal, let me know (its my thing afterall), and let me know wot size u want it cutting to.
I know a place in trafford park that do any size sheet of any metal dirt cheap.
I got the ally shield plate for my exhaust for £3.
I also work next to a fixings shop, so i can get any bolts/screws u need, they even get gold ones (bit OTT in price tho)
Saul
------------------