To be or not to be? Digital DSP or not digital DSP?
 

Folks,

I am puzzled but I am sure it is simply due to lack of knowledge.

I have '02 4.6is with factory NAV and the other works. It has DSP, the DSP settings seem to work - as I change the settings, the sound of the radio or CD or whatever else, changes as it should be. In other words, business as usual.

The funny part is, that I have a CD changer that has 3-pin, 6-pin and a coax "pin" (so, is it digital or analog?), and I also have the DSP module that has bunch of connectors and also has a coax "pin". And the strangest of that all, the is NO coax cable between the two.

So, at this point I am totally confused - it seems that I have "digital" version of the DSP, since I have the coax on both the CD changer and the DSP. But they are not connected, and I still have the DSP functioning.

Any idea, what that setup is? Is it a normal setup? I got the car used, so I do not discount the possibility the coax was lost in the previous life - but why is the DSP still working? Check this link from the EAS about the way it should be http://www.europeanautosource.com/su...mod_id=2&id=11

Thanks,
:)

02's do not use the co-axial cable between the CD changer and amp - your setup is correct! My DSP amp is from an 06 and it still has the co-axial connector!

Thanks for reply, Luke.
So, if I want to use BMW/PIOX converter to connect to an IP-Bus (not an I-Bus) DVD changer to replace the stock CD changer, I would or would not need a digital to analog converter? Check these threads http://www.xoutpost.com/search.php?searchid=816142.

I wanted to use the DVD changer for the MP3 playback ability and to connect the video out to the TV tuner and the rear screens with the stereo audio chosen as an alternative audio source (TV in motio harness allows this choice). I am not sure if my radio unit supports an AUX input, so i am not going this route yet.


Anyway, I have just ordered the BMW/PIOX converter, so I will try it out and see if the proposed setup works or not. Then I'll post the findings to the forum FYI.

Thank you,
:)

Not true - we're seen X5 as late as 2005 with Digital DSP.

You've got an OEM CD Changer - this is your best diagnostic tool at the moment. Play a CD in the changer and pull either the coax or 6-pin connector to see which drops the audio signal.

If the coax drops the signal, the DSP adapter is needed. If the 6-pin is the live connector, no DSP adapter is needed.

Tom,

I am at work right now but will do it later on today - thanks for the info and the tip.

:)

It was raining cats and dogs last night (and the night before, and before too, and the night prior to that as well), as it will for the next several months until we hit the dry season again, so I did not pull anything out of the car, as it was water everywhere.

From the looks of my setup and from what the folks are telling me, I have the "analog" DSP (no coax cable and signal is still there). I thought this is an oxymoron - "analog digital" sound processor but I am probably wrong, everything is normal.

So, "analog" DSP will allow me to test my theory about some of the equipment changes with the parts that are on the order.

If it works (I keep my fingers crossed), I will post the parts needed and setup that I had in my car, for you guys to try out for yourselves. It takes longer time for the shipments to arrive here as we are at the mercy of the military mail services... :) And I am growing more and more inpatient... :)

BTW, what is the technical difference between the "digital" and "analog" DSP? If I did not know any better to ask around here, I would probably go - "Gee, I am missing a cable", and would've stuck a coax between the DSP module and the CD changer. Would that break anything? Improve anything? Have no effect? (I was fishing for some wires in the engine compartment for a different project and found one connector disconnected from it's plug. I plugged it in, and did not notice any changes, so I have no idea, what the heck it was)... lol...

I wonder if there are any more loose or disconnected cables in that car...

:)

The coax port is not live, it will not serve a purpose.

CD Changer and DSP
 

Ok, I have been searching and reading and am finding contradictions.

I have a 2004 X5 4.4 with DSP. I am hooking up a CD changer. I found the 6 pin and 3 pin. I do not see a COAX cable back in that area. I hook up the 3 pin and 6 pin and can control the cd changer and switch cds, but I get no sound.

I did happen to find another harness that has a 3-pin and a coax, but I am guessing that is for the NAV that I do not have. The coax plug wont fit the one on the changer anyways.

Do I need the so-called coax jumper cable? 61 12 8 386 402? Or is the coax cable hidden somewhere and I am just not finding it?

Any help is appreciated!

thanks,
Jason

If you are getting no audio with the 3/6 pin adapter, you will need the coax also.