Maserati 4200 Audio Upgrade F.A.Q.

• Introduction
  • Caveat: This FAQ is in the early stages. If you have suggestions for improvement, please notify user combi on Maserati Life
  • To many, the "Info Center" system in the 4200 offers marginal audio quality (even with the Auditorium 200 option). It also lacks many conveniences, such as: a modern SatNav system (the factory one is CD based, with poor graphics and no traffic), Satellite Radio support, DVD, iPod/iPhone support, Aux-In, Backup camera, vehicle location (ala OnStar, Lojack, et al) and Bluetooth for mobile phone integration.
  • This document looks at common upgrade paths taken by members on maseratilife.com. It also gives links to "How Tos" instructions, references to example upgraded systems, and aggregates some of the technical data needed by installers.
  • Note: the GranSport (and the 4200 90th Anniversary Edition) come with an easily replaceable standard DIN-sized Becker head unit, which doesn't present the unique challenges of upgrading the "Info Centre" audio system. For this reason, this document focuses primarily (but not exclusively) on models with the Info Centre.
• Description of Factory Equipment
  • The 4200 Coupe/Spyders and the GranSports/90th anniversarys have different audio systems:
    • What audio system do most 4200s have?
      • The so-called "Info Centre", which most visibly consists of the LCD (not a touchscreen) in the center of the dash and its surrounding buttons. This is really a remote interface for Magneti Marelli's "Infotelematic" computer (abbreviated NIT), which is located below the front center arm rest. (The CD slot in the arm rest is also part of this NIT unit.)
        • The Info Centre doesn't offer many modern conveniences, and is somewhat difficult to integrate with or bypass.
          • Some of its displays and controls are either redundant, outdated, or (in North America) inoperable.
            • The climate display panel (on the left side of the main screen) largely duplicates what the physical climate control dials immediately below the display already indicate. The sole unique indicator seems to be the air temperature.
            • The SatNav system is almost universally panned by those who have the option installed. Its display of maps is low quality, its slow, and its data is sourced from out-of-date region CDs. There is no live traffic or reading of street names.
            • The telephony kit doesn't function in North America, so neither do its associated display screen and physical buttons.
            • In sum, this leaves just the stereo and trip displays (and associated controls) as useful for most.
          • The Info Centre can be difficult to integrate with, and tricky to bypass.
            • Bypass issues
              • The NIT is located in the arm rest of the center console. Removing it leaves a hole there.
              • Removing the screen or NIT results in the dash lights below the clock going dark. Therefore, better custom installs keep the NIT and either a) relocate (and hide) the factory screen, or b) keep the factory screen in place, but use a video switch box to be able to route the video signal from an aftermarket head unit to the display. This keeps the display and NIT intact (and thus the dash lights lit).
            • Integration issues
              • There are aftermarket iPod adaptors that can work through the NIT's CDC (CD changing) port, but none display track names. Some prefer to use an audio in port and control the iPod directly.
              • Routing Video signals (RGB and CSYNC cables) from aftermarket head units to the factory display may require changing the voltage of the CSYNC pin.
              • Some report the unit is temperamental with aftermarket speakers which contain crossovers (such as coaxial speaker with a mid and tweeter), because the NIT notices the impedance is too high and will cut off amplifcation. This can complicate selection of replacement speakers when attempting to upgrade sound quality without going to an aftermarket amplifier. (Some installing coaxial speakers disconnected the tweeters in the door in an effort to keep the impedance the same.)
              • Others report success by routing the speaker outs from the NIT to a bypass or line level converter (such as the LC6i). This can filter alternator whine or other electrical noise, before routing to an aftermarket amplifier.
      • Some cars were optioned with a CD Changer (CDC), located in a compartment in the left side of the trunk.
      • Cars with the upgraded Auditorium 200 sound system have upgraded (polypropylene, vs paper) speakers, and an external 200W amplifier. The amp is located ~5" in front of the CD changer in cars that have one, and outboard of the battery in the trunk if there is not a CD changer. It may be hard to see without removing the part of the trunk fabric.
        • Some Spyders have a center subwoofer in the rear. See: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=34234&postcount=3
      • Speaker setup [incomplete, unverified]
        • Coupé:
          • Front: Two component ASK speakers on each side, consisting of a 6.5" speaker (mount holes are 6 1/8th") and 1" tweeter.
          • Rear sides: Coaxial speaker in each door. Technically 5x7", but unusual mounting hole arrangement accommodates 6.5" (?) Source Thread
          • Rear deck: Two 5.25" speakers(?)
        • Spyder [incomplete]: Same up front as coupe, and has a dual-coil 5.25" "subwoofer" speaker between the seats, and two 5.5" speakers in the rear deck?
          • The 5" speakers (mounting holes 5.5") in the rear deck of the Spyder have a 100 uF capacitor acting as a high pass filter to keep the speakers from bottoming out on low frequency. http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/coupe-spyder-gs/19928-speaker-upgrade-succesful.html#post185392
      • The CD Changer (CDC) --for those with the option installed-- is a Blaupunkt IDC-A09, located in the left side compartment of the trunk. (This could be optioned separately from the Auditorium 200.)
        • http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=953&postcount=1
        • Manual with pinouts: http://www.blaupunktusa.com/NR/rdonlyres/50586F91-9BDE-4D8C-A298-2B3036F48429/0/IDCA09.pdf
  • What about GranSports, and the 90th anniversary edition of the 4200?
    • GranSport (and 90th anniversary models) have a standard DIN sized head unit from Becker. This unit can be easily swapped in and replaced with a wide variety of aftermarket head units, and eases the installation of an external amplifier as well.
    • http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4107&postcount=16
    • Gransport Speaker setup [incomplete]:
• Upgrade Path Overview
  • There are a few commonly pursued upgrade paths:
    • I. To address sound quality:
      • Level 1. Upgrade (some or all of) the speakers. (not super effective, but not that labor intensive)
        • Note that speaker efficiency (Ohm and dB rating) are both highly relevant to how your system ultimately sounds. For the front door speakers, especially if not replacing the amplifier, be sure to get a high efficiency (> 90 dB/W) speaker that also has a wide range (hits a low frequency, i.e. < 50Hz), otherwise speakers may sound tinny (missing bass) and not very loud. (One writer recommends Morel Tempo 6Cs for this purpose Source Post) Several Spyder owners report replacing the back speakers have a much greater effect (since they're so close to one's head).
        • 1. For Coupes, the easiest upgrade is to replace the front speakers in the doors. (For Spyders, some say the rear deck speakers are more important to sound).
          • In each door there's a midrange speaker and a separate tweeter (with a builtin crossover). So which to replace, and with what?
          • option a) You can replace the midrange 6"x5" with a "coaxial" speaker.
            • Note: many report this results in a less than imprsive sound
            • A coaxial speaker contains both a midrange driver and a tweeter (with a either a simple passive builtin crossover --often just a capacitor), or an external crossover. Installing the former is easy to do, and may provide you a sufficient improvement in sound quality for minimal effort and cost.
            • The depth for the midrange speaker in the door is rather shallow. Your aftermarket speaker may not fit, require spacers, or require modification of the door panel. See "Speakers" below for insight.
            • Note: If installing a coaxial speaker (in place of the stock midrange speaker), many recommend disconnecting the factory tweeter, both for sound quality and to keep the load on the amplifier within spec. This is a simple matter of disconnecting its plug.
          • option b) You can replace just the midrange with another midrange (so-called "component" speaker).
            • This option is likewise easy, and allows you to upgrade the tweeters at a later point. Also, for a given price, component speakers are generally higher quality than coaxial speakers, perhaps allowing you to select a higher quality midrange speaker (if budget is an concern).
          • option c) You can replace both the mids and the tweeters.
            • Upgrading both speakers should provide the best sound improvement. This can be more difficult to install*, because the crossover circuitry for higher quality tweeters is typically external, and has to be mounted somewhere in the door, perhaps necessitating disassembly of the door.
              • (*) There are other ways to filter the signal to the tweeter than by installing a single-channel crossover for each tweeter. Examples include using a multichannel crossover or signal processor. We won't discuss these options here.
        • 2. For Coupes, the second most effective (upgrade seems to be to replace the coaxial speakers in the rear side panels.
          • While these have less effect on the sound you hear, install is just a matter of swapping in quality aftermarket coaxial speakers. This is a matter of popping of the grill with a thin flathead screwdriver, and unscrewing the mounting screws, removing the factory speaker, and fitting in the new one.
        • 3. The third step would be to replace the rear deck speakers. These are the most difficult to replace and perhaps the least important speakers in the Coupes.
          • The rear deck speakers are midrange components (just like those in the doors). But unlike in the door, there's plenty of depth to install large drivers.
          • In the Coupe, these speakers probably have the least effect on sound quality, and are also the most difficult* to replace. Removal requires removing both the rear seats and much of the trunk lining.
          • In the Spyder, accessing the rear deck speakers appears somewhat less difficult. Also, they're much closer to the front, so their sound has a bigger impact -- perhaps even more so than replacing the front door speakers!
          • See "How To" section below for instructions for accessing the rear deck speakers in both the Coupe and the Spyder.
        • [What about replacing the subwoofer in Spyders? --editor]
      • Level 2. Upgrade everything, starting with an aftermarket amplifier or head unit. (effective, but more labor intensive)
        • While replacing the speakers -- especially the front ones (and/or rear deck speakers in a Spyder) -- can give a modest improvement in sound quality, many say the stock amplifier (in either a base or Auditorium 200-equiped car) is simply not up to the task of effectively driving higher quality speakers. There are several upgrade routes here:
        • 1. Install an aftermarket amplifier.
          • Popular locations for an aftermarket amp include the spare tire well, or the left compartment of the trunk (in place of --or near-- where the CD changer goes).
          • In order to get the sound signal to the amp, the speaker level outs from the the "Info Center" computer (the so-called "NIT", located under the front center arm rest) need to be routed to a line control unit (such as the AudioControl LC6i) to step down the signals to line level outputs, and this signal needs to be run to the aftermarket amplifier, often located somewhere in the trunk.
            • Note that while Auditorium 200 equipped models have cables already routed to the OEM amplifier located in the trunk wheel well, it appears that these cables do not carry line-level outs, but rather speaker-level outs (unfortunately), thus still requiring the use of a line countrol unit to get line-level inputs to feed to an aftermarket amplifier.
          • Routing cables from the NIT (and sometimes to a line level control and then) to an amp located in the trunk may well entail deconstructing the center console and removing the rear seats, which is rather labor intensive.
        • 2. Install a high quality aftermarket head unit that offers both better amplification and all the modern conveniences (SatRadio, iPod, etc) the "Info Center" lacks.
          • This usually involves either routing the aftermarket head unit's video output to the factory display, or to a custom-installed touchscreen display that takes the factory's display place. Installing a new screen often requires custom fabrication of the factory display surround, not a task for most amateurs. An external amplifier can also be added in this scenario if needed.
          • Note: Installing an aftermarket head unit still requires leaving the Info Centre's two main components installed (the NIT computer and LCD on the dash) and connected to each other -- even if they're hidden or relocated. This is because neither can be disconnected without disabling all of the dash lights below the clock. [this may not be correct, see: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/coupe-spyder-gs/7132-complete-stereo-upgrade-gransport.html#post60098 ]
    • II. To address the lack of modern conveniences:
      • Choice "Less Expensive": Add features ad hoc
        • Some people choose a more economic piece meal approach to adding features that they like. This doesn't result in an integrated system -- for example, aftermarket devices, such as iPod, Garmin, or external XM/Sirius controller, may each have separate displays and control surfaces. While this doesn't, in general, provide as clean a look or easy a user experience, it can be far simpler to install.
        • iPod / Aux in
          • Direct plugin via CD Changer port -- only works with cars that have a factory CD Changer installed
            • via LoudLink.
              • http://loudlink.eu/webshop/products_all.html
              • See discussion comparing this to DeloreanPilot's product. http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8949&highlight=ipod
            • via iPod link, made by "DeloreanPilot" on Maseratilife.com (boltron98@yahoo.com. also see seller "eboltron" on eBay).
              • Offers his own iPod adaptor that connects to the wiring harness that goes into the Compact Disc Changer. Requires that your car came with a CDC to have the necessary cabling. Offers a set of (large) switches that allows you to toggle between the CD Changer and the iPod for an extra $25.
                • But, you can get the cable. See this post: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=65680&postcount=7
            • via Dension iPod interface. [Do we know if this really works?]
              • Use a Dension iPod interface and connect it to the CDC (Compact Disc Changer) connector of the NIT. The standard cd controls can be used to move through tracks, but the integration is not very good. Does not display names of tracks, only playlists?
              • All three units emulates and takes place of CDC.
                • Gateway 100 (GW16AF8): iPod & Aux.
                • Gateway 300 ( GW33AF8): iPod, Aux, & USB
                • Gateway Lite ( GWL1AF8): iPod & USB Control
              • CDR (CDR2AF8), compatible with Gateway 100 & 300, allow retention of CD changer unit.
            • Note: Blaupunkt's iPod interfaces are incompatible.
              • Source: DeloreanPilot. http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2623&highlight=ipod
          • FM Modulators -- lower sound quality than direct plugin, but works on cars without the factory CD Changer
            • Griffin iTrip - FM modulator for iPod.
              • http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/itripauto
        • SatNav
          • You can either use an aftermarket standalone SatNav unit (such as TomTom or Garmin), or use a GPS app on your smart phone.
        • Bluetooth
          • LoudLink
            • [link: LoudLink|loudlink.eu/webshop] offers a bluetooth module that plugs into the NIT (under the center arm rest) in the CD changer slot to provide a bluetooth connection to the car's interface. An external mic can be routed into the system.
          • Generic Bluetooth Speaker/Mic Units
            • Various aftermarket products from Parrot and Jabra, some that clip onto your sunvisor, provide a speaker/mic connection to your mobile phone.
            • Examples include:
              • Parrot CK3000
                • For the BT adapter I chose the Parrot CK3000. Its got all the cables as well -- more than I expected! To install it I unplugged the connection from the head unit to the speakers (2nd from the top). This cable gets plugged into the CK3000 and the CK3000 plugs into the head unit. On my head unit, the telephone mute is pin 2 on the top connector. This is passed thought the CK3000 as well. Again I mounted this unit in the space behind the head unit in the center arm rest. There's lots of space. In place of installing the mike somewhere in the car, I stowed it and some cable in the arm rest. I clip it to my shirt when I'm on the road. This is the quietest place when the top is down. Net/net BT works great with my Blackberry. (I can even control the volume using the BB's volume control.)
                  • http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=12011&postcount=1
              • Jabra bluetooth device from Costco
                • http://maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9978&highlight=bluetooth
        • Satellite Radio (XM/Siirius)
          • Add Satellite radio (XM) via Skydock to your iPhone: http://www.xmradio.com/skydock/index.xmc
          • Use a Terk Commander (XM) -- attaches to the NIT via a jumper (topmost connector). See http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1032&postcount=10
          • There are several other products that connect via FM Modulators. See Google.
        • backup camera
          • [It may be possible to take a backup camera that outputs RGB and CSYNC, and connect it to the factory LCD (perhaps via a video switchbox) --editor.]
      • Choice "More Expensive": Install an aftermarket head unit
        • An aftermarket head unit (popular ones include the Kenwood Car Hub and the Alpine Vehicle Hub Pro) can provide all the modern conveniences that are lacking in the factory system within a single unit.
        • The head unit should support a remote display, since it can't be placed in the dash (there's little room behind the factory display).
        • Some head units can output their video to the factory display (see Tech background below on the NIT), and controlled using a remote control. One user (Buzz) even installed a video switch box, in order to switch between the Info Center and the head unit.
        • Other people install a touch screen in place of the factory display -- but they lose the ability to view the trip computer and climate control readout (a small sacrifice for some).
• Equipment [suggestions welcome]
  • Amplifiers
    • JL Audio amp (3 channel)
  • Bluetooth
    • http://loudlink.eu/webshop/bluetooth-handsfree-car-kits-c-7/loudlink-bluetooth-handsfree-car-kit-for-maserati-4200-p-144.html
  • Crossovers
    • Simple crossover using just a capacitor: http://www.davecompton.com/CarAudio/tweetercrossovers.htm
    • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_crossover
  • CD Changer Emulator
    • http://loudlink.eu/webshop/
      • Replaces CD Changer with a SD card reader. Interface still works.
  • Head Units
    • Alpine Vehicle Hub Pro
    • Kenwood Car Portal
  • Speakers
    • Discussion of Coaxial vs component speakers, see: http://www.caraudiohelp.com/newsletter/coaxials_versus_components.htm
    • Speakers that fit, and discussion of dB and efficiency: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=95583&postcount=28
    • See the Maserati 4200 & GranSport Speaker Database and Form
    • 6.5" Midrange Speakers that fit the front door:
      • Note: Even slim mount speakers -- 60.5 and 61 mm mounting depth (~2.4") -- fit very snug. Also, some report only minimal or no improvement in sound, and a weaker bass response than with the stock midrange speaker installed. Advice is to get a very efficient speaker (>= 90 db/W), that doesn't demand much from the built-in amplifier (so, 4 rather than 2 ohms), and has a good response at low frequencies. If using the factory amplifier, there's no need to purchase a high power speaker unless you're planning to upgrade your amp later. source: crutchfield
      • Reviews:
        • Car Audio Now Best 6.5" Coax Speakers [I don't have much confidence in this site. Reviews are brief, articles don't list authors, nor does website have any owner information). --editor]
      • Speakers
        • Alpine SPE-6000 - fits with OEM grill - ~$50 (Amazon). 60W RMS @ 4Ohm. Mounting depth: 61mm. Sensitivity: 88.5 dB/W Frequency Response: 68Hz - 20kHz
          • http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/coupe-spyder-gs/19928-speaker-upgrade-succesful.html#post184597
        • Boston Acoustics SX65
          • depth 60.5 mm. slim mount design. fit very snug. required shop to put them in.
          • http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=38997&postcount=30
        • CDT Audio ES 62iM (includes tweeter and crossover) - fit easily. 190W RMS @ 4Ohm. Sensitivity: 91.7 db/W. 1.9" (48.26mm) mounting depth. Source Thread
        • Focals 165CA1 - fits very tight. 60W RMS @ 4Ohm. Sensitivity 92dB
          • Mounting depth 2.6 inches (= 66.04 mm). Coaxial. Installer disconnected factory tweeters in door.
          • Fits very tight.
        • Focals 165CV1
        • Morel Tempo Coax 6L: 90 dB, 40Hz - 22kHz
          • Source Thread
        • Polk Audio DB651s ~$58/pair on Amazon. Popular and highly rated on Crutchfield and rated 4th place coaxial speaker by caraudionow.com. 60W RMS @ 4Ohm, 92 dB, 35Hz-22kHz, 60.3mm (2 3/8") depth. Be sure to get "s" version, which is slim mount.
    • Shallow Mounting Subs
      • Focal iBus 20: ~$500 8" 75W RMS powered subwoofer that may fit under passenger seat. Height: 71.5mm.
        • Review
        • Thread
      • MTX Audio TT6512-04 ~$140 12" 400W RMS @ 4Ohm unpowered subwoofer, no enclosure.
      • Pioneer TS-SW2501S4: $200 10" Shallow-Mount Softwoofer (unpowered, no enclosure)
        • Source Thread
    • To be Refactored:
      • http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=59826&postcount=7
      • Advanged Audio 79 speaker advice: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=41387&postcount=5
      • MB Quarts
      • http://www.audison.eu/
  • Line Out Converters
    • Audio Control
      • LC6i
        • http://www.audiocontrol.com/t34/17612/222456/OEM-Integration/Line-Output-Converter----LC6i.html
      • LC8
        • http://www.audiocontrol.com/171360/products/LC8-Eight-Channel-Line-Output-Converter.html
• How Tos
  • How to remove the door panel
  • How to remove the rear deck speakers in a Coupe.
    • "The speakers are attached to the deck and I don't think you can remove the speakers without removing the deck. Its a pain but here goes - we needed to do this to tint the rear window.
      
      1. Remove the panel behind the rear armrest - it just pulls away but you have to pull hard. You'll see the bolts holding the rear seat back. Remove the bolts and then unlatch the seatback and remove from the car. You'll then see the screws holding the front of the rear deck. Out comes the screws. This has been the easy part.
      
      2. Now you have to get to the screws holding the rear of the deck down. To get to all the screws you have to remove most of the trunk liner. Remove the spare and start removing the trunk liner resting against the rear trunk wall but to get to all the screws youl need to remove the side walls as well - or at east partially. Once the rear trunk liner against the back wall is free, you'll see the remaining scews holding the rear of the deck to the frame.
      
      3. Now the whole rear deck should come out with some wiggle."
    • [source: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=35360&postcount=11 ]
  • How to remove the rear shelf in a Coupe
  • How to remove all the speakers in a Spyder (also applies to removing the front speakers in a Coupe). Discussion of general speaker issues as well.
    • http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3758
  • How to remove the display screen, it's surrounding plate, and all of the center console buttons.
    • https://acrobat.com/#d=IOb5KK9yO3VrNVh2caS4mA
    • Removing the HeadUnit: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1647&highlight=removing+head+unit
    • http://stickynomore.com/resources/Center%20Console%20Radio%20and%20Control%20Removal.pdf
  • How to remove the NIT.
    • "The NIT (main unit) is under the center console between the seats. To remove it, you need to remove the screws in the center console tray (you have to peel back the rubber mat). Once the plastic tray is removed, you have to remove the backseat air vents, the 2 rear bolts and the 2 front bolts (hidden under the carpet). This frees the entire center console."
      • [source: Buzz on http://maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9878&highlight=auditorium ]
    • Caveats of permanently removing NIT unit:
      • Maserati's (Magneti Marelli/WindRiver) designed the climate controls to be monitored (and partially controlled) by the NIT. The climate control back lights are controlled by the NIT, so unplugging the NIT causes the entire lower console to go dark; you can't see anything below the clock.
      • The plastic front of the console (the piece with the CD slot) is part of the NIT. Removing the NIT leaves a hole in the arm rest/center console.
        • [source: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=59879&postcount=11 ]
  • How to upgrade your vehicle's stock system (Generic advice from Crutchfield)
    • http://www.crutchfield.com/S-aDcrnHvDHF5/Learn/learningcenter/factory/system_upgrades.html
  • How to add on the (much derided) factory SatNav
    • Install the SatNav antenna, get the CD(s) that cover your region, and have a Maserati dealer reflash the EPROM on your NIT with the SatNav software. ( Or, read this for a possible way to flash the EPROM yourself: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-1502.html ). Note that the factory SatNav system is not highly regarded among those who've used it.
  • "Spyder Speaker Installation for Dummies"
• Example Installs
  • 4200s
    • GranSport [incomplete]:
    • Alpine Vehicle Hub Pro
      • Alpine Vehicle Hub Pro - lose trip computer and a/c readout
        • http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=12742&postcount=7
      • Quentic's Alpine & Focal upgrade: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=27253&postcount=43
      • Buzz upgrade path using Alpine vehicle hub pro: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=60098&postcount=18
        • Buzz's photos: http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg254/hansen972/?action=view¤t=DSC00941.jpg#!oZZ1QQcurrentZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fs250.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg254%2Fhansen972%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3DDSC00943.jpg%26
        • Summary of Buzz's setup: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=65134&postcount=55
    • Kenwood
      • Kenwood Car Portal - Custom Radio/Nav for Coupes & Spyders
        • http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7591
      • Jalpa's Kenwood install: http://maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=61277&postcount=9
        • WPMXBOO01 XM Mini Tuner
          CCD-2000 Kenwood Backup Camera
          KCA-BT200 Kenwood Bluetooth Phone Adapter
          KNWUSBAV USB IPOD Interface
          KDC-C719 Kenwood 6 Disc CD Changer (Mounted in the trunk, but it wouldn't fit in the usual spot our A09 Blaupunkt units go).
          KOS-L702 6.95" Kenwood Touchscreen Monitor
          KNA-G510 Add on GPS System (Kenwood/Garmin)
          KOS-V500 Kenwood External Media Controller
      • metrorx's kenwood install: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=77392&postcount=14
      • n2euro's kenwood install: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9123&highlight=ipod
      • Sprocketmensch Kenwood touch screen, custom plate: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=65143&postcount=56
        • also see: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6445&highlight=ipod
    • Parrot
      • http://www.parrot.com/usa/products/bluetooth-hands-free-car-kits/parrot-mki9200
        • suggested in this post: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/coupe-spyder-gs/14307-4200-sound-system.html#post146823
    • Other
      • LC8 to Memphis amp & speaker upgrade, see cardiffGiant's post: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=20663&postcount=32
      • expensive, adhoc solution. see dipakp's post: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=20406&postcount=24
  • GranSport and 90th anniversary edition
    • Overview of various Becker head unit replacements: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10736&highlight=ipod
    • (older) Becker Cascade Pro 7941: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8424&highlight=ipod
    • See Spyder13's: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=60688&postcount=3
    • See Fiercsm's: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=74414&postcount=7
    • See: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9409&highlight=ipod
• Glossary
  • Auditorium 200 (aka "Powered Hi Fi System", at least on GranSport "Parts Contents Information" sheets)
    • From marketing materials, it's a "hi-fi system with six speakers and a 200 Watt RMS (400 Watt musical) amplifier." In cars without the Auditorium 200, the amplifier is built-in to the NIT.
    • The system consists of the same speaker layout (but polypropylene cones instead of paper) as in the base system.
      • 2 x tweeters and 2 x mid (the component speakers in the front doors), 2 x 2 ways (that is, coaxial speakers in the rear side panels), 2 x "woofers" (mid ranges speakers in the rear deck).
      • The spyder evidently has a subwoofer in the center rear of the car. [Is this only part of the auditorium 200? --editor]
  • CDC - Compact Disc Changer - an option in some cars.
  • Crossover - Filters out an audio signal. For tweeters, a "high pass" crossover is needed. For a subwoofer, a "low pass" crossover.
  • Info Centre - Marketing name for the NIT and its remote in-dash LCD screen and associated buttons. In short, the car stereo (and sat nav, trip computer, and climate control display.)
  • NIT - InfoTelematic system - onboard computer that controls the center console display and handles the user input from the dashboard. The NIT is located within the center arm rest.
  • OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer - refers to stock equipment.
• Reference
  • Audio Control Support Videos.
    http://www.audiocontrol.com/t34/c298/1029/Support.html
  • Technical details of the Info Centre [courtesy of Buzz on maseratilife.com]
    • The navigation/radio/GSM phone/speech recognition, and so forth is a Magneti-Marelli unit located in the arm rest of the center console. It's a single unit known as an Infotelematic system. It communicates with the nav screen via a proprietary CAN bus and RGB interface.
    • Magenti-Marelli chose the very simple Blaupunkt control interface for the trunk-mounted CD changer (nothing else in the car uses this protocol).
    • Various iPod integration methods (such as the Dension iPod converter) connect to this Compact Disc Changer (CDC) connector and emulate the CDC.
    • There is no way to display text via this interface so CD/track numbers is all you get. This means for satellite radio integration you can only get channel number (but you'd still get the dash controls and direct audio connection).
      • source: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=16932&postcount=6
    • One person reports NIT is "sensitive." "Outboard speaker crossovers, for example, can fool it into thinking there is more of a load than there really is, which shuts it down."
      • source: http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2385&highlight=ipod
    • The Magnetti Marelli unit does have ISO speaker connectors in the back of the unit in the arm rest so amp upgrades ARE possible using a bridge. The coupe/spyder has an upgrade amp option (Auditorium) that mounts somewhere in the back [reportedly 5" in front of the CD changer, in the back left of the trunk -- editor]. I believe there is a connector there.
      • http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=20836&postcount=5
    • The display in the console is an RGB unit so RGB lines exist between the console and the dash. A G-NET unit should work but there is NO WAY to intercept the in-dash controls. At best a cludge of remote controls and hidden switches to control everything.
    • The connector in the front of he NIT is the one that carries R, G, B, CSYNC and control data to the dash display unit. As for data, there are 2 separate data links with associated ground wires. I haven't attempted to decode the data yet but it is 12 volt, single ended NRZ 9600 baud (line normally high, start bit = low). There is an idle pattern present and pressing any radio/nav button produces data. I believe the 2 data links are transmit and receive (full duplex) channels; one from the NIT to the display, one from the display to the NIT. Should be easy to tap and decode since it's just 9600 baud serial (UART) data. Maybe another day........
    • The video is standard .7 V analog RGB. The SYNC line is composite sync (CSYNC) and also runs .7 V (not TTL). R, G, B and CSYNC are carried on thin shielded coax cables. This means the display should be easy to interface if you can produce these signals (especially the CSYNC).
    • The speakers, power, and CDC are all on the standard ISO A, B and C1, C2, C3 connectors (plenty of reference on Google). There is a strange connector on the back, which I believe connects to phone accessories such as an interior (hidden) microphone, etc. Unplugging this connector has no effect on radio, CD or static NAV operation. Not sure, but if there are wheel pos./speed sensors for the NAV then they're probably in there.
    • Finally, knowing what I know, I'm going to replace the NIT with an Alpine Vehicle Hub Pro. This unit has 4x50 watt amps, AM/FM tuner, KILLER iPod integration and tight integration for Sirius/XM, digital radio, Alpine NAV, Alpine CDC, DVD player, backup camera, etc. The unit is controlled by the tiny "orb" remote, which looks like the BMW iDrive unit.
      • http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3472&highlight=ipod
  • Pinouts
    • LED screen and NIT pinouts.
      • http://maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2820
    • iso pinouts
      • http://www.isham-research.co.uk/quattro/wiring/Typ85/isopin.html
    • NIT pinouts
      • http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=64751&postcount=3
      • http://www.pinout.net/browse.php?catid=19&conid=378
  • GranSport's SIM's only reads cards formatted in FAT16, up to 2GB in size
    • http://www.maseratiforum.co.uk/tm.asp?forumid=5&m=36728&mpage=1&key=mp3轺