Hello,

I just bought a 2011 FL2 and, like many others, I want to upgrade my Alpine audio system (to wireless Android, hands-free phone use, USB music playback, DAB is no must ). Apparently, there are two options:

1 Completely replace the complete head unit with a Pioneer SPH-DA77DAB or similar.

2 Install an Xtrons unit in place of the storage compartment (which I think is the neatest solution).

Losing steering wheel controls isn’t a very big deal for me, but I’ve heard that with a Pioneer, it’s relatively easy to retain them (is this true and also for the phone controls ?). When installing an Xtrons, you need an adapter kit that’s almost as expensive as the unit itself ! Not going that way.

If I go with the Xtrons , will I always have to play audio through the Alpine unit’s AUX input ( and loose the subwoofer ) ?
Do you have to manually select AUX every time you start the car, or does it stay on AUX when you turn the car off and restart?

I’d appreciate your advice!

Patrick

I have one of these and the aux stays on once selected.

With the Xtrons you keep the original radio... Very convenient. 2006 FR2 Diesel manual, now 2006 FR2 Petrol auto and a Series 3 109 SW.

Mel wrote:

I have one of these and the aux stays on once selected.

Monza wrote:

With the Xtrons you keep the original radio... Very convenient.

Control is still on the steering wheel, not sure what you mean by the aux cable but everything is done with the loom provided.

Just use a DAB dongle FM is out dated, the model I have is 1Q72DLRP, it also does carplay and android auto, I suggest you Google my model type and look at install videos for Freelander 2 the process is similar.

I have the regular Freelander 2 model Xtrons.
Everything provided, the glasfiber loop to end the original satnav is a extra.
Install was easy, connect the looms and go.

The original radio works like it did before with steering controls.
Best upgrade possible, since I like the form format of the old satnav. 2006 FR2 Diesel manual, now 2006 FR2 Petrol auto and a Series 3 109 SW.

Ok. I have no satnav in the car now. Just the little storage box. I always use Waze, hence the upgrade.

The phone can either work from steering wheel controls or from the Xtrons but not both.

Thx. I have no phone controls on the steering wheel. Hence the upgrade