[Acoustic Analysis] Why did the 'pinnacle' of 25 years ago lose to the 'cheapest' of today? The truth about the Avenir audio upgrade.

Hello! This is Re:NISSAN from Re:Tech Japan. Thank you for always reading. I've had a lot to write about lately, so the update frequency has become quite high. Even so, having you read it is my greatest joy.

Well, I succeeded in capturing the in-car cricket noise that had been bothering me for two months, and the Avenir has regained its silence. Riding that momentum, I carried out the 'modernization of the audio environment' that I had been planning for a long time.

What I removed this time was the 'Kenwood Sound Cruise System' which reigned as the pinnacle of Nissan genuine options at the time. In contrast, what I welcomed was a 'Chinese-made Android navigation system with a built-in panoramic view monitor' that I bought on Amazon.

This new versus old showdown spans a quarter of a century. The moment I actually played sound, I was confronted with the cruel reality of the evolution of digital technology.

1. The hidden power of 'modern amplifiers' that overwhelm with power

What is particularly noteworthy is the overwhelming change in the low-frequency range. Compared to the output of the 25-year-old genuine deck (which was still excellent for a genuine unit with a total output of MAX 240W), this Chinese navigation system is equipped with a built-in amplifier in the 50W class (likely rated). This difference in 'driving force' literally 'awakened' the 25-year-old genuine speakers.

'You guys... you can sound that good...'

The front mids, which couldn't be fully driven by the old system, are now stroking powerfully due to the modern high-power signal, and depending on the song, they are producing deep bass that makes the interior trim rattle. This is not just because the volume is high, but can be said to be the result of improved 'braking power' that controls the speaker cones.

2. The benefits of YouTube Music and digital processing

The fact that the sound source has switched from 'CD' to 'YouTube (streaming)' also seems to be a major factor. Modern music often seems to have mastering with a wide range intended for playback on digital devices, and combined with the DSP (digital processing) inside the Android navigation system, subtle sounds that were previously buried have started to reach my ears as 'resolution'.

The 'analog-like thickness' (which was actually digital since it was a CD) that the pinnacle of 25 years ago protected is likely to yield its seat to the 'overwhelming amount of information and power' of the modern era.

3. The light and shadow of DIY: The price of a non-illuminated backlight

However, there is rarely a 'complete victory' in DIY for old cars. As a price for the intense? removal and installation work, a trouble occurred where the backlight of the air conditioning panel (right side) went out. If you gain something, you lose something. This is the real thrill and hardship of DIY facing an old car.

I decided to leave this small defect as homework for the next 'operation'.

4. Conclusion: The joy of turning your commute into a 'live concert'

The cricket noise is gone, I'm leaning into the Recaro seats on the left and right, and I've acquired 'modern acoustics'. Tomorrow's commute will likely be wrapped in a vivid tone that I couldn't have imagined 25 years ago. All that's left is the rattling sound that seems to be coming from the front upper area. (However, perhaps thanks to the noise-canceling effect of the high-power Chinese amplifier, this rattling sound has also settled down to a level that doesn't bother me as much.)

Connecting to infinite music with just a smartphone and playing it out with high power. The modernization of the Avenir was more effective than expected. I want to enjoy various things in its current state for a while.

5. Challenge: Speaker capability

I have described it as 'great sound' so far, but if you think about it calmly, this is nothing more than doping at the expense of the speaker's lifespan.

The allowable input of the speakers for the Avenir genuine option Kenwood Sound Cruise System was, if I recall correctly, about MAX 40W. In contrast, the output from the Chinese navigation system that has acquired modern power is an intense energy that exceeds that. For the cone paper and edges that have hardened and become brittle over 25 years, this high-power drive is in a state of 'breaking the limit' where it wouldn't be strange if it collapsed at any time.

Ideally, replacing them with the latest speakers that have plenty of headroom for power input would be an urgent priority. However, on the other hand, I also think this.

"If these speakers, which have been playing quietly for a quarter of a century, could play their best sound one last time before burning out, wouldn't that also be a kind of aesthetic?"

The moment of exhaustion delivers the greatest emotion in any scene.

Until the moment the cones and edges blow out and it physically falls silent. I am agonizing over a new agenda: whether to fully enjoy this "melody that whittles away at its lifespan" while sinking deep into the Recaro seats on the left and right.

List of songs listened to

The ones I was too scared to endure were (if I recall correctly...)

■Hashtags

#Avenir #W11 #CarAudio #AudioReplacement #AndroidNavigation #ChineseNavigation #SoundQualityComparison #AcousticAnalysis #DIY #ReTechJapan #Kenwood #DigitalAmplifier #MaintainingOldCars

The equipment introduced on this blog was mainly purchased, installed, and verified by Re:NISSAN. *As an Amazon Associate, Re:Tech Japan earns income from qualifying purchases.

*Warning: Always follow the instruction manual for correct usage. The challenge known as DIY is always carried out at one's own risk. #DIYisAtYourOwnRisk