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New head unit - worse audio

Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 6:11 pm
by allthebuttons
My 2013 Polo Match came with the standard factory RCD 310 audio system and I've been very happy with the sound quality - bass isn't perfect but music is crisp, clear and present.

I recently had a Sony XAV-AX100 head unit installed so I could get smartphone integration. It's a pleasure to use, but the audio quality has nosedived. The problem is not in a specific area (not missing all the bass or anything like that) so I don't think it's phase - it just feels generally soft and a bit indestinct. I've made it a bit better with EQ, but it still lacks presence and clarity.

The new system has a more powerful amp than the old one (and I would assume it's a higher quality amp in general).

Any ideas what could be causing this? Impedance mismatch? Odd speakers that were sound-matched to the head unit? Installation error? Or does this £500 Sony just have a worse amp than the factory system?

thanks

Re: New head unit - worse audio

Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 11:52 pm
by alexperkins
Try setting DSO to high in the sound settings

Re: New head unit - worse audio

Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2017 5:33 pm
by allthebuttons
alexperkins wrote:Try setting DSO to high in the sound settings
Thanks so much - this works! A combo of high DSO with medium "added bass" (EQ flat) has put it back the way it should be. :P

Re: New head unit - worse audio

Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2017 5:36 pm
by alexperkins
You're welcome 8)