I pulled the trigger...
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Newer version of Symphony II radio...plays MP3...
Better sound quality....<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a4gen2/msgs/1067234.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/a4gen2/msgs/1067234.phtml</a</li></ul>
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Some info you may find interesting,....
I recently upgraded the front door speakers from stock to a pair of Infinity Kappa 52.7i mid range coaxial drivers. The Sym II+ is much improved sound quality compared to the Sym II, and the performance of the Kappa speakers with the Sym II+ (non Bose,) is excellent, and exceeds my expectations considerably. The Kappas are rated 2 Ohm impedance and that was cause for concern, but Infinity assured me that 2 Ohms impedance would not be a problem for the 4 Ohm rated Sym II+. The Kappas base response is much tighter and hard hitting. At the same time, the expanded dynamic range is more accurate and detailed. The sonic accuracy and depth of the output is amazing, for the very reasonable cost, they are an excellent upgrade with the Sym II+. I am going to clip the center fill speaker wire and eliminate that from the sound field, to further improve imaging for the front channels.
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So if I wanted an OEM upgrade, but really don't care for any satellite..m...
I just need a CD player and AM/FM, is Symphony II a solution? How much do one if these boxes run, if you know off hand? Plug and play, or needs an adapter harness?
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A simple (relatively,) adapter harness is needed to transition from the B6 ISO wiring connectors...
to the "Quadlock" harness connector on the Sym II+. It is plug and play with one exception, that is the different FM High Frequency signal diversity arrangement used. Specifically, the FM antenna becomes "fixed", the HU cannot utilize the second antenna array even if that has better reception at any moment compared to the other array. FM signal propagation being very directional, and line of sight etc. Depending on the field strength of the desired FM station, reception quality could be an issue, or not. In my case I use SAT so it's not relevant to me. I don't notice any significant negative impact on local stations in my area. AM reception is provided by only one antenna on the B7 and is not be compromised AFAIK. YMMV.
Prices for the HU range from $250 and up. An adapter harness adds less than $100 approximately, I don't know what HU and adapter harness pricing averages are currently. Typically a II+ becomes available for sale after an RNS-E Nav or other HU retrofit upgrade.
"pr0digy30" posted an extensive and detailed how-to write-up describing this upgrade and install, here on AW.
Prices for the HU range from $250 and up. An adapter harness adds less than $100 approximately, I don't know what HU and adapter harness pricing averages are currently. Typically a II+ becomes available for sale after an RNS-E Nav or other HU retrofit upgrade.
"pr0digy30" posted an extensive and detailed how-to write-up describing this upgrade and install, here on AW.
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The adapter harness connects the B6 DLC K2 aka L line to the diagnostic terminal pin in the ...
Quadlock connector. IE, from the Black B6 ISO connector T8/3 > Sym II+ Quadlock T12m/7.
The wire swap refers to the difference between the retro upgrade ISO <> Quadlock terminal assignments for the ISO <> RNS-E Quadlock adapter when used for the Sym II+ instead. In addition, the B6 ISO terminal T8/2 > Quadlock section D, T8h/14, (note departure from terminal pin ID assignment convention here,) is the terminal connection to ground at the central convenience module T20g/19, and is used for the "installed/not installed state switch for the HU security lock, is needed. Not used with the RNS-E, but implemented hard wired direct on the Sym II+, even though the pin-out on the HU says "not used". Installed in the B6, if T8h/14 is not connected to ground, the HU won't boot up. Finally, for Bose systems, Quadlock T12f/5 > ISO T8/1.
The wire swap refers to the difference between the retro upgrade ISO <> Quadlock terminal assignments for the ISO <> RNS-E Quadlock adapter when used for the Sym II+ instead. In addition, the B6 ISO terminal T8/2 > Quadlock section D, T8h/14, (note departure from terminal pin ID assignment convention here,) is the terminal connection to ground at the central convenience module T20g/19, and is used for the "installed/not installed state switch for the HU security lock, is needed. Not used with the RNS-E, but implemented hard wired direct on the Sym II+, even though the pin-out on the HU says "not used". Installed in the B6, if T8h/14 is not connected to ground, the HU won't boot up. Finally, for Bose systems, Quadlock T12f/5 > ISO T8/1.