2010 AC Audio system

[spad87]

I posted this in the AC forum but it probably fits better in the audio/video forum...

So I have had the 2010 AC for just over two weeks now and one of my favorite features is the audio system. The 4.3" display with the backup monitor is sweet! The system comes with 9 speakers, only 7 are visible... I'm guessing the additional two are subs? Does anyone know if this is true or where they are located?

Also, i was wondering if I could connect my external hard drive directly to the usb input? I saw a video of a guy plugging in a small usb memory disk with songs that were played directly through the radio. Any ideas?

[rjdmmfl1]

I posted this in the AC forum but it probably fits better in the audio/video forum...

So I have had the 2010 AC for just over two weeks now and one of my favorite features is the audio system. The 4.3" display with the backup monitor is sweet! The system comes with 9 speakers, only 7 are visible... I'm guessing the additional two are subs? Does anyone know if this is true or where they are located?

Also, i was wondering if I could connect my external hard drive directly to the usb input? I saw a video of a guy plugging in a small usb memory disk with songs that were played directly through the radio. Any ideas?

I will try to answer these, but it may not be 100% accurate because the audio system in the 2010 is a bit different than that in the 08's and the 09's.

In previous models, they claim of 9 speakers in the cars equipped with BOSE speakers was a slight bit misleading... there are 3 x 3.5" midrange/tweeters in the dash, 2 x 6.5" full range/midbass woofers in the doors, 2 x 6x9" "subs" in the rear deck, and two additional tweeters in the rear deck as well. So yes, there are 9 speakers, but instead of just putting a coaxial or full range 6x9 in the rear, they put 2 x 6x9" and use them as woofers, and then two additional tweeters.

Now, regarding the usb drive, usually, those are only for thumb drives that do NOT require much power from a usb device. Usually, external hard drives pull a lot of power from the computer through the USB cable when attached to a computer.. the usb output in cars do not have the ability to put out that much power, and thus will not power on or recognize an external hard drive. now this is the case with aftermarket dvd/navigation systems such as my kenwood DNX-8120... it has a USB input that will read thumb drives but NOT external hard drives... Furthermore, there is a limit to what types of files the USB drive may be able to recognize/play... for instance, in my Kenwood unit, I just realized that it will NOT read .wav audio lossless files, but will read .wma, .mp3, and .aac files. hope this helps!
Modified by rjdmmfl1 at 4:17 PM 12/14/2009

[spad87]

Wow, thanks that is a lot of info. Answers all my questions too.

What you are saying about the hardrive and power makes a lot of sense. Thanks for your response!

[shortys408]

not 100% sure but if you installed a power inverter I think you would be able to use an external hard drive that does not get power from the USB.

[rjdmmfl1]

not 100% sure but if you installed a power inverter I think you would be able to use an external hard drive that does not get power from the USB.

you mean a hard drive that powewrs on via AC power rather than usb? that's a good point. I have never tried that because my external hard drive powers up via usb.. but what you state makes sense... I don't see why it wouldn't work... someone should try that out

[CoutureCoupe]

you mean a hard drive that powewrs on via AC power rather than usb? that's a good point. I have never tried that because my external hard drive powers up via usb.. but what you state makes sense... I don't see why it wouldn't work... someone should try that out

Hey not to thread jack.... but regarding the 2010 AC model. Now that the bluetooth, back-up camera and XM radio come built in... is there any way to get a DIN and use the those factory installed items with a head unit?

[Infantry1327]

Alot of head units can use the additional factory components. But some may require additional adapters. The new Alpine z110 can pretty much do what ever you want it to. But if i am not mistaken, u will need to buy some adapters. I believe you will need a adapter for the steering wheel controls. Thats the head unit I will probably end up getting and my 08 came with the same built in blue tooth, xm, reverse camera.

[CoutureCoupe]

Alot of head units can use the additional factory components. But some may require additional adapters. The new Alpine z110 can pretty much do what ever you want it to. But if i am not mistaken, u will need to buy some adapters. I believe you will need a adapter for the steering wheel controls. Thats the head unit I will probably end up getting and my 08 came with the same built in blue tooth, xm, reverse camera.

Well that is a relief. Do you know where I can find this unit? I couldn't find it on the Alpine website or eBay.

Which package did the reverse camera come with on the 08'? The dealer made is seem like it was some new great thing, I had no idea

[CoutureCoupe]

ohh just found this... were you referring to Pioneer?

http://signature.crutchfield.c...20212

[Infantry1327]

Yea thats the one.. I am not sure the names or part numbers of the adapters but Doc may. You can hit up Toby Broadfield at [email protected] t if you want a good price. That's who I got my subs and amps from. He gave me a good price and he is a authorized dealer so you wont void your warranty. He will also know what adapters you will need. Some manufactures will void your warranty unless you get it from a authorized dealer, like alot of the discount web sites.