The SC-816 (and probably most other newer Volvo stereos) has a huge bass boost built into the unit, and it apprently cannot be turned off. I don't like it, and new speakers didn't help. (I've installed the Volvo/Dynaudio "Premium speaker kit.") I'm wondering if the external amplifier jack on the back of the SC-816 does not have that equalization curve on it. Would any of you happen to know???

My speculation is that, if the equalization is built into the pre-amp section of the SC-816, then the external amp output will be equalized. If, on the other hand, the equalization is built into the amplifier module of the SC-816, then there's a good chance that the external amp output will not be equalized. Anybody with experience regarding this?

I kinda like the bass, personally.

Sorry I missed you at the open house. Terence told me you got there around 1:30. Oh well. I was looking forward to hearing your sound system.

Adam

Adam,

It makes sense that you would like the extra bass. After all of the reading that I've done about the Volvo stereos within the past few months, I'm convinced that the agressive bass boost in the SC-816 was made specifically for the wagon, not for the sedans or 2-door cars. The wagon would need that little extra kick to compensate for the lack of subwoofers in the parcel shelf (which the sedan has). I'm still stumped as to why it can't be turned off.