07 EX-L RES - Receiver replacement

[cntrle]

hello,

First post!

I'm wondering what aftermarket replacement options are available for the seemingly proprietary head unit (receiver) on my 2007 Honda Pilot EX-L RES
I obviously need to retain all of the functionality of the original head unit such as powering on the rear system, and handing over control to the remote.

I'm sure one of you has solved this, let me know whats available!

Thanks,

cntrle

[cntrle]

really?
Not a single response?
Should I assume that i'm just up a creek then?

[ED27]

Originally Posted by cntrle

really?
Not a single response?
Should I assume that i'm just up a creek then?

This has been a topic discussed in the past. Did you try a search? Unfortunately nothing exists in the aftermarket world that can control or integrate with the factory RES. Is your OEM head unit defective or are you looking to get better sound/more options hence the desire to replace it?

[cntrle]

thanks for the reply.

Thats what I thought. I haven't been able to find anything.

My goal is simply to get better sound quality - I guess i'm stuck.

Thanks,

Eric

[cech]

"cntrle", considering you have the exact same model and year as I do, I have a question for you.

Did you ever notice sound volume differences between DVD vs any other function (fm,cd, etc)?

When I play a movie with all speakers on, without headphones, the volume is much lower than if I were to play a CD or have the radio on. I noticed this while driving on a highway playing a movie, I had to set the volume at 40 for it to be loud enough, considering the road noise etc... As soon as I switched function to FM, the volume was extemely loud as it probably should be at max 40.

I just want to confirm if this is either a surround processor issue, or that I have a defective system.

Thanks,

[ED27]

Originally Posted by cntrle

thanks for the reply.

Thats what I thought. I haven't been able to find anything.

My goal is simply to get better sound quality - I guess i'm stuck.

Thanks,

Eric

You can still get a new unit and use your OEM system - just feed the AUX input of the new head unit with the audio output of the factory. It won't be completely integrated but you get to keep OEM RES functionality with the sound quality improvement of an aftermarket head unit. The new unit will have to be a single DIN mounted above the DVD player.

[cwa107]

Have you looked at swapping the speakers? A good set of coaxial speakers can make a world of difference.

[ED27]

Originally Posted by cech

".......
When I play a movie with all speakers on, without headphones, the volume is much lower than if I were to play a CD or have the radio on.

Most DVDs will allow you to listen to either 5.1 DD or 2-channel. Try changing the audio output to 2-channel via the setup menu of the DVD and see if it makes a difference.

[cech]

Originally Posted by ED27

Most DVDs will allow you to listen to either 5.1 DD or 2-channel. Try changing the audio output to 2-channel via the setup menu of the DVD and see if it makes a difference.

I tried that, doesn't make a difference.

Does it change for you? I need a solid answer so I can bring it in to get it checked if no one has the same effect as I do.

BTW, the pre 2008 RES models are not full surround, it's left, right and SUB. Volume output is equal on each speaker of left or right.

[ED27]

Originally Posted by cech

I tried that, doesn't make a difference.

Does it change for you? I need a solid answer so I can bring it in to get it checked if no one has the same effect as I do.

My system is all aftermarket but even playing a DVD in 2-channel mode (either via the DVD setup or forcing the unit to downmix) the sound level is lower than the other sources.

What about using the AUX A/V input? Do you experience the same result? You mentioned trying a CD in earlier post - was this in the DVD player or the head unit?

[cech]

Originally Posted by ED27

What about using the AUX A/V input? Do you experience the same result? You mentioned trying a CD in earlier post - was this in the DVD player or the head unit?

Yes, I did this test. A CD in the DVD slot is louder than a DVD movie. It sounds the same as the cd player.

I have tried the AUX using my smartphone and it seemed OK, didn't really do a comparison test with the DVD but I didn't notice lower volume.
Edit: Tried the AUX tonight, and it is at normal volume.