Hi guys
I thought I would write to Jaguar Cars for their help/advice in respect of the upgrade from base to premium sound as it was an option....got a curt response and wondered if any of you would like to comment on this:



JAGUAR XK - CU04 NPZ - A42041


Thank you for your email of 5 February.


I appreciate your reason for contacting us with your request but regretfully, our Technical Engineers are not in a position to assist or offer advice on taking a vehicle away from its original specification.


Whilst the audio unit, does not in itself affect the car's driving performance, changing it may or may not have an effect on the associated components eg, the wiring harness.This in turn could lead to other difficulties. As our Engineers have not tested your particular model year car with other audio units, they have no basis on which to offer advice and I am sure you will appreciate they would not wish to provide unsubstantiated information that may in the long run, cause major electrical problems.


We cannot confirm or deny that it may be feasible to make such a change but Jaguar Cars cannot be party to any involvement should you decide to modify your vehicle.


I hope you can appreciate we respect your request but regret that on this occasion, we are unable to assist.



Yours sincerely

Helen Cripps
Customer Relations ExecutiveJaguar Customer Relationship Centre (CRC)
Tel: +44 (0)1926 691511

 

Jaguar has long ago lost any interest in your 9 year old car and anything they advise is a potential liability.

If you are not technically inclided, if you want an upgrade, go to a reputable car audio shop and have them upgrade and warrantee a new system.

 

Were ever able to upgrade your system? I'm looking to do the same for a 2003 XK8 covertible

 

Haven't taken it further at this point.
Comments are that the premium is not all that good, so I wondered whether to bother.

 

I upgraded the head unit, speakers, amps, nav., etc. about a year and a half ago. When I first got the XKR, the sound system was the best I'd ever had in a car but it does not compare to the aftermarket system I had installed. I have been very pleased with this mod and if you do a lot of driving, it is a must have.


Mark

 

Our 2005 S-Type has the standard Alpine system. My wife's 2006 XK8 Victory Edition has the premium Alpine system. It doesn't require much listening to realize that the premium system is indeed superior....

 

According to the sales sheet with all installed options on my 2003 XKR convertible. I've got the premium sound system.
I wanted a Bluetooth, iPod headunit which could connect to my phone. I found out during the install that I don't have the premium system. So I upgrade front speakers to two way components and put a small under seat sub behind drivers seat.

Massive improvement.

 

I actually have my orriginal stereo, cd changer, and amp from my 2002. I kept it just in case but now I'm used to my new unit so I was planning on selling it. I honestly miss the sound but my new JVC has all the Bluetooth and streaming, screen capture and everything.

 

Does anyone have the part number for the radio associated with the premium system? I have the base packaage and it does not have the F-R fade selection. If I upgrade, I assume I will need a new radio

 

Do you still have your old premium system? I would be interested

 

I have the premium sound system in my car but it is made by harmon kardon and I think it sounds great, h.k are a very well known and respected a.v company this side of the pond. Could it be that the newer premium sound systems were not as good as the older ones? Maybe changed because of cost? Alpine is not a brand name Imho that is synonymous with great sound, however h.k is. Just wondering what others think?
Artyh

 

I'd respectfully disagree.

Alpine is synonymous with premium car audio sound systems. HK has always been home based audio and now really Ipod/iphone goodies. Just like Alpine has gone mainstream too.

 

With respect to time of fitment ( over 14 years ago ) when H.K was a market leader and lusted after by any and all a.v enthusiasts, I respectfully disagree that at that time Alpine held the same esteem. Its only my view and thoughts based on a lifetime of having exclusively top end audio equipment and high end motors, it may be different in the u.s. The point I was trying to make was I am happy with the H.K system in my coupe which I think is every bit as good as my 2010 merc cls, having said that, my ears are not as good as they were a few years ago lol's .
Anyway it was just my humble opinion, each driver to his or her own.
Respectfully,
Arty H.

 

Is the premium Alpine system state-of-the-art? No....

Does it provide a damn good listening experience? Yes....

I spend my money and my time on my home audio system. A dedicated music room in a home is an ideal listening environment. No automobile, regardless of how costly, can ever become an ideal listening environment. When I really want to listen, I always opt for my music room....

 

Agreed. I find that when I drop the top on the blue cat it has a significant impact on the quality of sound. Never have that level of acoustic change in my living room.