Calling all VE owners

[HCVP]

I am considering buying a VE Omega early next year.

Aside from contacting Holden ( i'd rather not have to) i would like to know what integrated sound system options are available. I'm only talking about the head unit and navigation sources not the speakers.

I've noticed the Blaupunkt source units change between different models.

Are they all interchangeable between the VE range ?

Is there any audible difference as a source is concerned ?

Any help is appreciated.

[APV_Special_Vehicles]

I believe the head units are interchangeable.
But they dont have a great output even when puting in amps and better speakers to them.
We have installed after market head units into the VE and amps and speakers. To elimenate the CRAP head Unit supplied.
MUCH MUCH better. As the stupid idiots at ford have made the car obsolete when the head units are dead the car is dead. WHAT A JOKE.
We are planing to talk to a Chinese company about fixing this problem To F@#* of the head Unit.
We will let every one know as soon as we do.
We also contacted HOLDEN about this and they could not care less.
We are just fodder to them to get money out of. AND NOTHING ELSE.

[HCVP]

I understand that the integrated Blaupunkt units are not a good base for any sort of SQ install, but i woudn't be willing to install a seperate source and still retain the entire centre fascia without it's factory functions.

Still, i would be interested in seeing what source units you have installed in the VE range.

[UFO]

most people keep the standard head units not by choice, but because its so damn hard to install aftermarket and still keep steering wheel controls and the like.

headunits between the ranges have no difference in sound quality in my opinion, but people change them because a) they look better, and b) have an intergrated screen which can be used for multimedia.
they arent cheaply and easily convertible however, as one headunit from one car needs to be 'reprogrammed' to work in another due to the security features of the car being interwoven with the headunit. and this costs $$$. plus dealer or wreckers charge an arm and a leg for the replacement. just look on ebay and you'll get an idea.

if SQ is your main goal, im afraid your best option would be to go for a completely isolated headunit (like in the glovebox or customising the center console to incorporate a new head unit with the old one). It will mean rewiring and basically making the stock unit unusable (a problem if you want bluetooth and again steering wheel controls).

unfortunately the only logical way to go is to use a LOC off the standard headunit. ve's are not very accomodating to user friendly aftermaket audio setups.

[Ryzie.]

Well said, UFO

[HCVP]

Thanks UFO. I've looked around a little bit and i've been able to put together a rough price of what it would cost to replace the factory unit with the colour display model.

I understand the basic LOC options, and i've also been looking into external processors. I'm completely against using a processor to a factory unit though as i'm not willing to take an analouge signal that i'm unhappy with and rely on added EQ capabilities to try and improve it.

I've been talking to some other people about modifying the unit with an optical output so i can run a better quality DAC.

However it's looking like even if the DAC option could be done, the cost would still outweigh any gains when weighed up against a complete replacement source. I think the best plan if i'm willing to spend a fair amount would be to modify the centre console to house a decent double DIN unit.