Hello from the UK

Last week I purchased a lovely 2000 Jaguar XJR- most of it is absolutely fantastic, but one of the things I'm less impressed with though, is the stereo.

I've asked the following questions on the UK Jag forum but still haven't had definitive answers - can anyone help please?

The key thing I want to find out now is whether the system is fibre optic based, and if so, is it possible to send an optical digital signal to an aftermarket processor and then once the DAC has done its work, to an amp and speakers - quite like the idea of keep the head unit but will replace it if I can't find a solution.


So here goes with a list of things I would love to find out

Head Unit

1. How does the head unit compare with aftermarket units? Since it's already built in, has got basic Sat Nav (which is all I will need), the steering wheel controls are linked and working, and no fascia adapters are available, I might leave it and just replace everything else

2. Double Din units? I can't seem to find definitively whether they will fit or not - I know that the space isn't specifically designed for them, but can you fit one in?

3. Where is the amplifier on the premium audio system? (or is it in the headunit?)

4. Are there pre outs available at the back of the head unit to install my own amplifier (don't have the ability to use speaker level inputs to my amps). If there aren't actual pre-outs, are the connections to the amp at line level rather than speaker level?

5. Aux-in - I would like to just use an old ipod to play lossless audio into the head unit - I'm guessing there isn't a specific aux in, but can I adapt the CD changer (I think it's M-bus rather than AI net?)

Speakers

1. What are the mounting depths available in the front doors - I want to do a stealth install and ideally leave the exisiting Alpine grills in place

2. What size and depth is the sub? (Is there room to put a couple of 6" subs under that grill?

Phone

1. A previous owner has got a car kit (with slave handset) installed for a Nokia 6310i - I tried an old handset in the cradle, and whilst it switched to phone function on the head unit, no sound was available. If I keep the head unit, I would like to either install a bluetooth kit (probably Parrot) or a THB Bury kit for my blackberry phone. Assuming I use the same wiring that's already in place, will it still operate through the head unit, and will the steering wheel controls work?

I know there are a lot of questions here, but if anyone can help me out, I'd be very grateful.

Best wishes

Steve

 

Surely someone must know for sure how the headunit connects to the amp?

If it's line level then I should be able to hack into that and install my own amp.

And if it's fibre optic the would I be able to use an aftermarket processor with optical in to process the raw signal?

Cheers

Steve