[Beyond 25 Years] The Achievements and Current Status of the Avenir-Exclusive "KENWOOD Sound Cruising System," [With Future Prospects]

Hello! Thank you for always watching. This is Re:NISSAN from Re:Tech Japan.

After my beloved Avenir was delivered, I spent the first weekend busy with tasks that needed to be done, such as ETC replacement and adding a dashcam. (I'll leave the details to Minkara) Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I'll be able to spend much time with "Abe-san" this weekend.

Actually, I don't have a particularly refined ear for audio. However, a friend's car has a 10-speaker (factory) + aftermarket subwoofer setup, and it produces a truly enjoyable sound. On the other hand, how is my own car...?

A Masterpiece from 25 Years Ago: The Sound Cruising System

This time, I was overjoyed to find the factory option "KENWOOD Sound Cruising System" installed in the Avenir.

The "KENWOOD Sound Cruising System," standard on models like the Avenir GT4-Z, was a crystallization of Nissan and KENWOOD's thorough commitment to sound quality as the latest feature 25 years ago.

The 7-speaker (6 speakers + 1 woofer) configuration, including a 240W high-output power amplifier and a super woofer, was extremely innovative for its time and was a wonderful system that deepened the enjoyment of driving. Although my system is a 1DIN type and differs, the DSP and 9-band graphic equalizer installed in the 2DIN type strongly convey the passion for technology at that time.

The particular appeal of my 1DIN model is that the deck has a built-in 3+1 MD changer, and a large-capacity 10-disc CD changer was installed in the trunk. At the time, this solution for bringing many music sources into the car was an innovative and luxurious feature, and it dramatically increased the enjoyment of long drives. (There were rumors, or maybe not, about "taking the high ground with 10 discs!" compared to the existence of "6-disc" changers...)

While I respect that this was the highest-grade system the manufacturer should be proud of, to be honest, audio technology has evolved dramatically in the 25 years since. Compared to the overwhelming presence and clear sound brought by today's high-performance aftermarket woofers and speakers, it is a fact that there are limits to its potential by modern sound standards.

Whether to cherish the best sound of that time or to update it with modern technology. I think this system is a troublesome yet fun point for classic car owners that makes them feel the history of their car and the evolution of technology.

I want to add speakers

I also reconfirmed the current speaker configuration.

Front interior: A total of 4 speakers: tweeters in the A-pillars and MID-to-low range speakers in the doors.

So, where are the remaining two speakers?

Rear interior: A total of 2 speakers: KENWOOD speakers (likely MID speakers) in the D-pillars.

These six make up the 6-speaker sound system of the 25-year-old Avenir GT4.

You can hear the sound if you sit in the rear seats, but because of the distance and the fact that they are mid-to-low range speakers, high-frequency expression is lacking. In the front seats, the sound from these rear speakers is almost inaudible.

As expected, my friend's car (tweeters + aftermarket woofer) is the ideal. Even though they are paper, the factory speakers are mid-leaning, but high frequencies are covered by tweeters and low frequencies are reinforced by the aftermarket woofer. This feels like my ideal and goal.

Aiming for 5.1ch, 10 speakers + 1 woofer!

My dreams are expanding, but I'll calm down here for a moment.

It has a factory monitor

I want to display images here

If at least the TV button worked (even if it were analog), it would seem like there might be an external input function, opening up possibilities for the future, but I cannot tell.

Should I give up on the genuine monitor!?

That might be the case. The image quality is also not good at all by today's technological standards.

But a display audio unit won't fit there!

Since the genuine monitor is too small and a 2DIN-sized DA won't fit in the upper section, I think it would be logical to install it in the lower section where the CD navigation and KENWOOD deck are currently located.

This vicious cycle

For now, should I just go ahead and install something that is 2DIN-sized?

I'll prepare a 7-inch tablet for the top and connect it via Bluetooth.

Speakers should be replaced, not just added!

You should start by replacing them (lol)

Conclusion: Head unit or speakers?

For someone like me whose car audio knowledge stopped about 20 years ago, this is a start from zero. The more I research what to choose, the more overwhelmed I become by the sheer number of options.

1. The options I initially considered
Initially, I thought that if I had a "memory navigation system from around 2015 + BT + external input/output 5.1ch," that would be enough, and I could probably buy one used for around 20,000 yen.

2. The modern trend: "Display Audio (DA)"
However, as I researched, I learned about the existence of "Display Audio (DA)."

It is an era where "if you have a smartphone, you don't need a navigation system." Google Maps is always up to date, and there are no update costs. Furthermore, being able to link a DA with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is extremely attractive in terms of convenience.

3. The Barrier of the Factory Monitor
The problem is the factory monitor unique to the Avenir.

• The factory 7-inch monitor only displays entertainment content. The image quality is not good either.

• The navigation-related button panel does not function. If at least the TV button worked, it seems like it could open up a future for external input, but I don't know how. The lack of a coaxial cable at the very bottom is also suspicious...

→ Should I give up on the factory monitor!? That might be the realistic approach.

And, a 2DIN-sized DA cannot be installed in the factory monitor position at the top. Logically, it would be installed in the 2DIN space at the bottom, where the CD navigation and KENWOOD deck are currently located.

What should I do about this vicious cycle?

• For now, should I just go ahead and put something 2DIN-sized in the bottom?

• Since it's too low to easily operate a DA, is the idea of preparing a 7-inch tablet for the top and connecting it via Bluetooth also an option?

• If so, wouldn't an older high-end model have better audio capabilities than a DA??

A tentative conclusion

While the consideration of the head unit continues, the issue I am most acutely feeling right now is the "lack of sound quality."

First, I should start with not "adding" speakers, but "replacing" them (lol). Paying respect to the factory system, I will first swap them out for modern speakers to draw out their maximum potential. This seems like it will be my first step!