Vantage Premium Audio iPod/USB/Bluetooth Integration Project
#106
09-25-2015, 10:26 AM
I'm beyond frustrated with this. After unsuccessfully installing the Dension myself (and cutting the hell out of my fingers trying to access the fiber optic cables from the back of the display), I took it to an audio shop to get it installed. They too were unable to get it to work. It would show the discs and the text (ipod UI, Aux), but no sound would come out. We then tried to use the fiber optics that were under the passenger side carpet to see if we could access it there, but we got the same thing. Does anybody have a step by step with images or video on how to install in a 2005 DB9? Anyone experiencing the same problems? I'm ready to send the unit back and attempt something else.
#107
09-25-2015, 02:02 PM
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 2,358
Rep Power: 212 
Hmm. Didn't the 05MY DB9 come with the Linn stereo? Because, if so, I never said the Dension Gateway 500 would work with it. I wrote this thread for those who had a Vantage with Premium Audio as mentioned in the title.
#108
09-25-2015, 11:03 PM
I have the Linn950, as well as an early DB9 ('04) and having exactly the same issues: tried it hooking-up behind the CDC, under the carpet without luck: ghost-mode all the way with no sound.
I'm trying another attempt in the near future but if all without success I'll be ditching th GW500 and try the Grom unit
I'm trying another attempt in the near future but if all without success I'll be ditching th GW500 and try the Grom unit
#109
09-26-2015, 05:27 AM
One of the things that surprised me about my Aston Martin Vantage was the lack of any aftermarket kits that would allow me to connect my iPod to the awesome quality Premium Audio system. Sure, the system has an in-dash 6-CD changer, but that is so 1995. Without the ability to play MP3 files, even six CDs isn't a very large amount of songs before you need to swap out a disc. Aston Martin sells an iPod integration kit that can be installed by the dealer, but reports on the forums claim it costs over $1,500US to get the system installed. I was looking for a solution that I could install myself for a bit less money.
The Vantage uses MOST (Media Oriented System Transport) which utilizes fiber optic cables to carry entertainment system information throughout the car. This means that you can't simply patch in an analog audio cable into the stereo and start playing music. I thought about using a direct-feed RF modulator, but reviews of many of those products mention that the audio quality is not too good.
After doing an exhaustive search on the Interwebs, I came across a company named Dension (from Hungary) that makes a kit to interface to cars equipped with MOST-based audio systems such as Porsche, Mercedes, Audi, Saab, and Volvo. There was no application information for the Vantage and very little in terms of documentation, installation, or instruction manuals. What little information I got was based off a few Youtube videos and a couple of emails I sent to the company's pre-sales support department. Even with this little information, I decided to take a chance and get one of their interfaces and see if I could get it to work.
I had already removed the facia panel over the center console to get it refinished in Piano Black, so I was able to peek inside the center stack and notice that the infotainment display and the fiber optic cables that feed it are very accessible. So I concocted a temporary cable to take power from the 12V outlet in the center console and hooked up the unit per the diagrams. The interface has a series of DIP switches on one side that need to be set up for each particular application. Seeing as there is a large Volvo sticker on the top of the CD changer (visible with the facia removed), I figured that was a good guess for which setting to choose.
The unit comes with a remote switch that has a pair of analog RCA inputs. The switch is used to bypass the unit so that the dealer's diagnostic equipment doesn't detect it and cause any errors. It also has inputs for a USB storage device (thumb drive) and an iPod with Dock Connector. I also purchased the optional Bluetooth Adapter which allows you to stream music wirelessly as well as make phone calls through the in-car audio in some vehicles.
After playing with the settings for a few minutes, I was able to see the interface's menu's on the infotainment display. Once I saw this, I was able to configure the unit to play audio from all the sources and have it come out the car's speakers. It sounded fantastic. To say that the interface is cumbersome to operate would be a MAJOR understatement. It is not easy and, in fact, it might be better to attempt while pulled off on the side of the road, or by a passenger to avoid you being distracted while driving. Once it is set up, however, you can see the artists or song names on the display, and you can use the dash controls to play the next or previous song in the album or playlist.
Once I was convinced the system was going to work priorly, it was time to make the installation and conceal the unit and cables. My car is spec'd without Navigation, so there is a big cavity where the display would normally go that was more than sufficient for the interface and the Bluetooth adapter. Some of my goals with this installation were to make it as invisible as possible as well as making it fully reversible if necessary. Rather than drilling any holes to mount the unit, I chose to use some industrial grade velcro type fasteners to adhere the components to the surface. You can see the location I chose under the facia in the attached pictures. Most people choose to install iPod kits with the iPod itself in the glove compartment. However, the storage space in the Vantage's glove compartment is tiny and mostly occupied by the owner's manual. My idea was to simply have the USB stick and iPod tucked away under neath the rear shelf compartment. That way it is out of plain sight, yet easily accessible without having to make any permanent installation. To do this, I had to disassemble the center console and route the cables for the USB and iPod Dock through it. I also tapped off the back of the ashtray's 12V power plug socket and routed the cables to power the unit.
Some additional notes:
- I am able to place calls from my phone and have them play via Bluetooth through the car's audio system and the supplied microphone, but receiving calls doesn't seem to work as well.
- I don't know of my car already has the phone's microphone pre-installed even though I don't have the built-in phone option. It would be nice to use the car's microphone instead for a truly professional solution.
- Playing the iPhone 4 through Bluetooth is nice, since you don't even have to remove it from your pocket. However, even though the audio quality is very good, it is noticeably better when the phone is plugged into the Dock connector. Also, you don't get song names or other info on the car's display when you use the Bluetooth Audio.
- When you plug in the iPhone 4 a message pops up on the phone's screen stating that it is not compatible with this device, but once you click OK, it works perfectly and charges it while you play!
- The Dension interface cost me about $450US and the Bluetooth adapter was another $80. I also bought a set of longer cables so I could locate the ipod under the rear shelf, far away from the interface. Overall, my savings were substantial compared to the Aston Martin iPod Integration Kit.
- Installation took me 2 evenings.
- If you are not handy with tools, electronics, or working on car interiors, I would definitely not recommend that you attempt this yourself.
- Please feel free to ask questions.
The Vantage uses MOST (Media Oriented System Transport) which utilizes fiber optic cables to carry entertainment system information throughout the car. This means that you can't simply patch in an analog audio cable into the stereo and start playing music. I thought about using a direct-feed RF modulator, but reviews of many of those products mention that the audio quality is not too good.
After doing an exhaustive search on the Interwebs, I came across a company named Dension (from Hungary) that makes a kit to interface to cars equipped with MOST-based audio systems such as Porsche, Mercedes, Audi, Saab, and Volvo. There was no application information for the Vantage and very little in terms of documentation, installation, or instruction manuals. What little information I got was based off a few Youtube videos and a couple of emails I sent to the company's pre-sales support department. Even with this little information, I decided to take a chance and get one of their interfaces and see if I could get it to work.
I had already removed the facia panel over the center console to get it refinished in Piano Black, so I was able to peek inside the center stack and notice that the infotainment display and the fiber optic cables that feed it are very accessible. So I concocted a temporary cable to take power from the 12V outlet in the center console and hooked up the unit per the diagrams. The interface has a series of DIP switches on one side that need to be set up for each particular application. Seeing as there is a large Volvo sticker on the top of the CD changer (visible with the facia removed), I figured that was a good guess for which setting to choose.
The unit comes with a remote switch that has a pair of analog RCA inputs. The switch is used to bypass the unit so that the dealer's diagnostic equipment doesn't detect it and cause any errors. It also has inputs for a USB storage device (thumb drive) and an iPod with Dock Connector. I also purchased the optional Bluetooth Adapter which allows you to stream music wirelessly as well as make phone calls through the in-car audio in some vehicles.
After playing with the settings for a few minutes, I was able to see the interface's menu's on the infotainment display. Once I saw this, I was able to configure the unit to play audio from all the sources and have it come out the car's speakers. It sounded fantastic. To say that the interface is cumbersome to operate would be a MAJOR understatement. It is not easy and, in fact, it might be better to attempt while pulled off on the side of the road, or by a passenger to avoid you being distracted while driving. Once it is set up, however, you can see the artists or song names on the display, and you can use the dash controls to play the next or previous song in the album or playlist.
Once I was convinced the system was going to work priorly, it was time to make the installation and conceal the unit and cables. My car is spec'd without Navigation, so there is a big cavity where the display would normally go that was more than sufficient for the interface and the Bluetooth adapter. Some of my goals with this installation were to make it as invisible as possible as well as making it fully reversible if necessary. Rather than drilling any holes to mount the unit, I chose to use some industrial grade velcro type fasteners to adhere the components to the surface. You can see the location I chose under the facia in the attached pictures. Most people choose to install iPod kits with the iPod itself in the glove compartment. However, the storage space in the Vantage's glove compartment is tiny and mostly occupied by the owner's manual. My idea was to simply have the USB stick and iPod tucked away under neath the rear shelf compartment. That way it is out of plain sight, yet easily accessible without having to make any permanent installation. To do this, I had to disassemble the center console and route the cables for the USB and iPod Dock through it. I also tapped off the back of the ashtray's 12V power plug socket and routed the cables to power the unit.
Some additional notes:
- I am able to place calls from my phone and have them play via Bluetooth through the car's audio system and the supplied microphone, but receiving calls doesn't seem to work as well.
- I don't know of my car already has the phone's microphone pre-installed even though I don't have the built-in phone option. It would be nice to use the car's microphone instead for a truly professional solution.
- Playing the iPhone 4 through Bluetooth is nice, since you don't even have to remove it from your pocket. However, even though the audio quality is very good, it is noticeably better when the phone is plugged into the Dock connector. Also, you don't get song names or other info on the car's display when you use the Bluetooth Audio.
- When you plug in the iPhone 4 a message pops up on the phone's screen stating that it is not compatible with this device, but once you click OK, it works perfectly and charges it while you play!
- The Dension interface cost me about $450US and the Bluetooth adapter was another $80. I also bought a set of longer cables so I could locate the ipod under the rear shelf, far away from the interface. Overall, my savings were substantial compared to the Aston Martin iPod Integration Kit.
- Installation took me 2 evenings.
- If you are not handy with tools, electronics, or working on car interiors, I would definitely not recommend that you attempt this yourself.
- Please feel free to ask questions.
#110
09-26-2015, 09:11 AM
I'm beyond frustrated with this. After unsuccessfully installing the Dension myself (and cutting the hell out of my fingers trying to access the fiber optic cables from the back of the display), I took it to an audio shop to get it installed. They too were unable to get it to work. It would show the discs and the text (ipod UI, Aux), but no sound would come out. We then tried to use the fiber optics that were under the passenger side carpet to see if we could access it there, but we got the same thing. Does anybody have a step by step with images or video on how to install in a 2005 DB9? Anyone experiencing the same problems? I'm ready to send the unit back and attempt something else.
I think since you are already familiar with the connectors and pulling it apart. Buy some gloves and grom and give it a shot. I will be posting pics from my install today soon.
#111
09-27-2015, 11:06 AM
After installing the grom unit today, I can definitely see where it would get frustrating if I had to undo the fibre optics. Thankfully the 6 cd stacker fibre optic connector is plug and play with the grom unit. The hardest part was figuring out where was best to mount the unit. I ended up mounting on top of the six stacker pushed to the back. Finally have Bluetooth streaming!
I think since you are already familiar with the connectors and pulling it apart. Buy some gloves and grom and give it a shot. I will be posting pics from my install today soon.
I think since you are already familiar with the connectors and pulling it apart. Buy some gloves and grom and give it a shot. I will be posting pics from my install today soon.
#112
10-07-2015, 05:17 PM
Has anyone used this product?
http://store.millermotorcars.com/Ori...3-37-10142.htm
I am planning to pick up 2009 Vantage V8 next week and thinking about upgrading the bluetooth system as my first step. Please let me know if you have tried it and your experience with this upgrade. Thank you.
http://store.millermotorcars.com/Ori...3-37-10142.htm
I am planning to pick up 2009 Vantage V8 next week and thinking about upgrading the bluetooth system as my first step. Please let me know if you have tried it and your experience with this upgrade. Thank you.
#113
10-22-2015, 08:17 AM
G'day Alex, do you have yet pictures to share? I've spend another 4hrs in the past 2 days without luck: i'm going to ditch the Dension GW500 and go for the GROM-unit instead. Pictures and instruction-tips would be usefull!
#114
10-22-2015, 09:43 AM
Thought I would share a quick update on my audio situation. As mentioned in earlier posts, I was unable to get the Dension to work on my 2005 DB9 950w Linn. I had tried following others recommendation and even brought it into an audio shop to see if they could install it. I ended up assisting the installer and we still could not get it working. I packaged everything up with the intent to return it and try something different.
After some helpful advice from Paralight over on the AMOC and realizing that I was not going to be able to install it exactly like the Vantage Premium installation, I attempted to install it again. This time I took the entire center console out along with the CD changer. I attached the Dension to the CD changer and used both the car in cable and CDC cable that came with the Dension unit. As I needed a constant power source I was able to tap into a line under the carpet on the passenger side. After putting it back together, I finally had audio!
I am using the Dension lightning connector adapter. There are a few hiccups I have noticed using my iphone 6, such as the occasional restart of the Dension unit, especially when trying to use the SiriusXM app or Spotify. I find that it works best to let everything boot up and then have the music ready to go on the phone before connecting it. I am debating getting the bluetooth dongle as I do like the ability to charge the phone and I am not sure if any of the audio quality would be lost changing to bluetooth (anybody know?).
Anyway, thanks for everyone's advice on here and hopefully anyone else having issues with the install in an early DB9 can know that the Dension option can work.
Ethan
After some helpful advice from Paralight over on the AMOC and realizing that I was not going to be able to install it exactly like the Vantage Premium installation, I attempted to install it again. This time I took the entire center console out along with the CD changer. I attached the Dension to the CD changer and used both the car in cable and CDC cable that came with the Dension unit. As I needed a constant power source I was able to tap into a line under the carpet on the passenger side. After putting it back together, I finally had audio!
I am using the Dension lightning connector adapter. There are a few hiccups I have noticed using my iphone 6, such as the occasional restart of the Dension unit, especially when trying to use the SiriusXM app or Spotify. I find that it works best to let everything boot up and then have the music ready to go on the phone before connecting it. I am debating getting the bluetooth dongle as I do like the ability to charge the phone and I am not sure if any of the audio quality would be lost changing to bluetooth (anybody know?).
Anyway, thanks for everyone's advice on here and hopefully anyone else having issues with the install in an early DB9 can know that the Dension option can work.
Ethan
#115
10-22-2015, 09:05 PM
.. I attempted to install it again. This time I took the entire center console out along with the CD changer. I attached the Dension to the CD changer and used both the car in cable and CDC cable that came with the Dension unit. As I needed a constant power source I was able to tap into a line under the carpet on the passenger side. After putting it back together, I finally had audio! Ethan
You've just given me hope again! Now, on the hooking-up topic:
- Your description suggests you have used Diagram 2A (see below): can you confirm that?
- What DIP-Switch-settings have you used?
Thanks in advance, Simon
#116
10-26-2015, 09:25 AM
This really helped from Paralight on the AMOC.
"The only way to do it is to add it straight after the CD Changer. For this you'll need to remove the top (Sat Nav Cover) centre console and the radio display. Then remove the changer behind and re-route the Fibre cables from there. The switch settings are 2 and 4 up with everything else down. Power needs to be permanent NOT ignition, it takes the control from the fibre signals."
I used the installation type 2a with 2 and 4 up. Not sure if I had to do it, but I also used the inline connector as shown in the other installation diagrams. I put it inline from the CD changer out to the Dension unit. It really was a matter of just following the light path.
Hope that helps.
Ethan
"The only way to do it is to add it straight after the CD Changer. For this you'll need to remove the top (Sat Nav Cover) centre console and the radio display. Then remove the changer behind and re-route the Fibre cables from there. The switch settings are 2 and 4 up with everything else down. Power needs to be permanent NOT ignition, it takes the control from the fibre signals."
I used the installation type 2a with 2 and 4 up. Not sure if I had to do it, but I also used the inline connector as shown in the other installation diagrams. I put it inline from the CD changer out to the Dension unit. It really was a matter of just following the light path.
Hope that helps.
Ethan
#117
10-26-2015, 11:47 PM
This really helped from Paralight on the AMOC.
"The only way to do it is to add it straight after the CD Changer. For this you'll need to remove the top (Sat Nav Cover) centre console and the radio display. Then remove the changer behind and re-route the Fibre cables from there. The switch settings are 2 and 4 up with everything else down. Power needs to be permanent NOT ignition, it takes the control from the fibre signals."
I used the installation type 2a with 2 and 4 up. Not sure if I had to do it, but I also used the inline connector as shown in the other installation diagrams. I put it inline from the CD changer out to the Dension unit. It really was a matter of just following the light path.
Hope that helps.
Ethan
"The only way to do it is to add it straight after the CD Changer. For this you'll need to remove the top (Sat Nav Cover) centre console and the radio display. Then remove the changer behind and re-route the Fibre cables from there. The switch settings are 2 and 4 up with everything else down. Power needs to be permanent NOT ignition, it takes the control from the fibre signals."
I used the installation type 2a with 2 and 4 up. Not sure if I had to do it, but I also used the inline connector as shown in the other installation diagrams. I put it inline from the CD changer out to the Dension unit. It really was a matter of just following the light path.
Hope that helps.
Ethan
#118
11-02-2015, 08:00 PM
I got the system working as per Ethan's instructions from AMOC last night. Proof again that forums are key in sorting such issues: there isn't simply a better way of sharing knowledge. A big thanks again.
To add on the information from AMOC, below the schematic to be used when you have the LINN950W system on your early DB9.
#119
12-26-2015, 06:47 PM
Question for you guys with Vantages and premium audio that connected your gateways to the display unit fiber optics instead of to the back of the CD changer - are you still able to use your CD changer if you flip the switch on the AUX box?
#120
02-15-2016, 10:35 AM
Dension 500 Gateway Installation - 2007 Aston Martin Vantage
Karl,
Great writeup! My installation was also a few nights and half of a Saturday. My car has a Navigation system, and there was plenty of space above the radio head, however, I decided for ease of access and given the slack on the MOST fiber optic cables to place the Dension unit on the passenger side's (left side, behind the carpet and tie wrapped to a thick cable harness. The installation was fairly smooth.
I followed several videos from YouTube on the matter. The first video shows a CRUDE way to remove the Piano Facia - please make sure you protect (I used painter's tape) the leather and the piano facia to protect from scratches. Also worthy of note, the Navigation Screen does not need to be pried apart as show in the video, this video shows a Nav screen with BROKEN gears. DO NOT pry the Nav screen as shown in the video. Simply and BY HAND, pull apart the top side tabs from the Nav screen as it retracts, this will separate the Nav screen from the facia cover. The facia Nav screen top is attached to the rest of the piano facia. I did use a Nylon moulding prying tool to pull the facia out. Here is the referenced video:
For the MOST fiber interface connection I followed Enfig's Car Stereo YouTube videos. The installer was very detailed and thorough. I recommend that you watch both videos. Here are the links:
1.
2.
Keep in mind that the stereo system in the Aston Martin Vantage 2007 is the same as the Volvo XC90. My stereo system has a 6 CD changer and Navigation. I used the Dension installation option 2B and dip switches settings as described by Karl. TEST everything before you put it back together! When putting things together, I tested the sound system and other car switches at every major step.
I ran into the following issues during the install (iPhone 6 connected and music sounded great from initial testing!!!):
1. The Dension firmware was not updating - use a legacy USB thumb drive and try it again (my legacy USB thumb drive was circa 2005). The firmware installation was unsuccessful with a newer USB thumb drive. Also make sure the drive is formatted with default FAT or FAT 32 format in Windows. Follow Dension's steps for the Firmware upgrade - it works if you have the right USB thumb drive.
2. iPhone device data not displaying (no text) on the radio display. There are two things to check, the Aston Martin CD settings and the Dension Gateway setting for GW mode (this will broadcast the music information to the Aston's radio display). Deselect Dension Gateway and make sure that you are connected to your car's CD changer. Use the "Menu" button on the radio, select CD settings, and turn on your "Text" option. Back out of the menu, and then connect the Dension Gateway. Also, your Dension GW must be in GW mode to display music info, by default, the Gateway will be in UI mode, which does not display your music title as it plays. I did this with an iPhone 6 connected and playing. Select CD #6 and track 3 (with the tuner radio **** - opposite to the volume ****). Once selected you should see the GW mode display on the radio display. Press the music/track forward button for 3 seconds, and this should set the Dension Gateway to GW mode going forward. In this mode you see the song title playing on your iPhone for about a minute, and then the display switches to the track number.
Hope these notes fill in any gaps!
Great writeup! My installation was also a few nights and half of a Saturday. My car has a Navigation system, and there was plenty of space above the radio head, however, I decided for ease of access and given the slack on the MOST fiber optic cables to place the Dension unit on the passenger side's (left side, behind the carpet and tie wrapped to a thick cable harness. The installation was fairly smooth.
I followed several videos from YouTube on the matter. The first video shows a CRUDE way to remove the Piano Facia - please make sure you protect (I used painter's tape) the leather and the piano facia to protect from scratches. Also worthy of note, the Navigation Screen does not need to be pried apart as show in the video, this video shows a Nav screen with BROKEN gears. DO NOT pry the Nav screen as shown in the video. Simply and BY HAND, pull apart the top side tabs from the Nav screen as it retracts, this will separate the Nav screen from the facia cover. The facia Nav screen top is attached to the rest of the piano facia. I did use a Nylon moulding prying tool to pull the facia out. Here is the referenced video:
For the MOST fiber interface connection I followed Enfig's Car Stereo YouTube videos. The installer was very detailed and thorough. I recommend that you watch both videos. Here are the links:
1.
Keep in mind that the stereo system in the Aston Martin Vantage 2007 is the same as the Volvo XC90. My stereo system has a 6 CD changer and Navigation. I used the Dension installation option 2B and dip switches settings as described by Karl. TEST everything before you put it back together! When putting things together, I tested the sound system and other car switches at every major step.
I ran into the following issues during the install (iPhone 6 connected and music sounded great from initial testing!!!):
1. The Dension firmware was not updating - use a legacy USB thumb drive and try it again (my legacy USB thumb drive was circa 2005). The firmware installation was unsuccessful with a newer USB thumb drive. Also make sure the drive is formatted with default FAT or FAT 32 format in Windows. Follow Dension's steps for the Firmware upgrade - it works if you have the right USB thumb drive.
2. iPhone device data not displaying (no text) on the radio display. There are two things to check, the Aston Martin CD settings and the Dension Gateway setting for GW mode (this will broadcast the music information to the Aston's radio display). Deselect Dension Gateway and make sure that you are connected to your car's CD changer. Use the "Menu" button on the radio, select CD settings, and turn on your "Text" option. Back out of the menu, and then connect the Dension Gateway. Also, your Dension GW must be in GW mode to display music info, by default, the Gateway will be in UI mode, which does not display your music title as it plays. I did this with an iPhone 6 connected and playing. Select CD #6 and track 3 (with the tuner radio **** - opposite to the volume ****). Once selected you should see the GW mode display on the radio display. Press the music/track forward button for 3 seconds, and this should set the Dension Gateway to GW mode going forward. In this mode you see the song title playing on your iPhone for about a minute, and then the display switches to the track number.
Hope these notes fill in any gaps!