[reneult]

Hello all,
I have a 2002 DM with only the Pilot package, therefore my car does not have the HK audio system.
After months of doing research about the audio system, I learned that the 8 speaker system is very similar to the 8 speaker system on the XC40. To help me guide the speaker diagram, I purchased the information from Crutchfield for the XC40. But I learned that not all the wires are the same color. Also the rear speakers are different size.
I replaced all 8 speaker with Audison primas, based on a post I found on the Volvo XC40 forum about a person that took his to the audio shop and the shop installed that brand. He recommended the brand (new for me) so I went for it.
Polestar website has some inconsistencies about the speaker type (the dash is not a full range as the website states, it is a mid range and the size of the rear speakers is also not the very accurate) because I purchased 6.5" and I had some challenges fitting them since there are not brackets available.
I am very happy with he results and I was able to make the installation plug and play because I was able to find the OEM Volvo housing tab connectors need it to connect directly into the cars's speaker harness, so no need to tap or cut wires.
I also added a 8" JBL subwoofer on the trunk area, I am using the stock amplifier. I will say the sound quality is way way better now. I calibrated the (minimal equalizer settings) using pink noise, an audio tool app and a microphone to get the best audio settings). The new speaker configuration sounds the best using FLAC music files on a thumb drive using audio wagon but Apple Music (wired CarPlay) sounds pretty good compared to the OEM speakers.

I took pictures and wrote some notes about the installation and I included links for the connectors and other parts needed. Since I try to be as detailed as I could. I m including a PDF here for everyone to use. Happy to answer questions. Im not an audio installer (I'm in academics in a biological field), but I have experience swapping speakers in my past cars.

I don't have wiring information from he HK audio system. If you want to figure out the speaker connector type I will suggest to look for some used speakers on eBay. I will happy to help anyone interested on doing the same. I will not able to answer questions if you are installing a different size or type of speakers. Oregon-USA here if you are interested in checking the sound, maybe you can see me around the EA charging stations hehe.


Cheers!

 

[Polestar2ElectricBoogaloo]

Hello all,
I have a 2002 DM with only the Pilot package, therefore my car does not have the HK audio system.
After months of doing research about the audio system, I learned that the 8 speaker system is very similar to the 8 speaker system on the XC40. To help me guide the speaker diagram, I purchased the information from Crutchfield for the XC40. But I learned that not all the wires are the same color. Also the rear speakers are different size.
I replaced all 8 speaker with Audison primas, based on a post I found on the Volvo XC40 forum about a person that took his to the audio shop and the shop installed that brand. He recommended the brand (new for me) so I went for it.
Polestar website has some inconsistencies about the speaker type (the dash is not a full range as the website states, it is a mid range and the size of the rear speakers is also not the very accurate) because I purchased 6.5" and I had some challenges fitting them since there are not brackets available.
I am very happy with he results and I was able to make the installation plug and play because I was able to find the OEM Volvo housing tab connectors need it to connect directly into the cars's speaker harness, so no need to tap or cut wires.
I also added a 8" JBL subwoofer on the trunk area, I am using the stock amplifier. I will say the sound quality is way way better now. I calibrated the (minimal equalizer settings) using pink noise, an audio tool app and a microphone to get the best audio settings). The new speaker configuration sounds the best using FLAC music files on a thumb drive using audio wagon but Apple Music (wired CarPlay) sounds pretty good compared to the OEM speakers.

I took pictures and wrote some notes about the installation and I included links for the connectors and other parts needed. Since I try to be as detailed as I could. I m including a PDF here for everyone to use. Happy to answer questions. Im not an audio installer (I'm in academics in a biological field), but I have experience swapping speakers in my past cars.

I don't have wiring information from he HK audio system. If you want to figure out the speaker connector type I will suggest to look for some used speakers on eBay. I will happy to help anyone interested on doing the same. I will not able to answer questions if you are installing a different size or type of speakers. Oregon-USA here if you are interested in checking the sound, maybe you can see me around the EA charging stations hehe.


Cheers!

Thanks for sharing this information. I wish there were more upgrade/modification posts on this forum(and the Polestar community in general) You certainly are a meticulous man. I find the base sound system to be pretty good, but I'm not an audiophile, and I'm sure if I heard yours I'd be blown away. With that being said, I'm always up for "something better". I would probably do your modifications if I felt more confident in my abilities to carry it out. I could probably end up getting the job done, but I fear it would end up taking waaaay too many hours for me to figure out.

Can I ask what the final cost was for this mod?

 

[reneult]

My final cost was around $900 US dollars it depends on speaker pricing. It fluctuates a bit. I got mine from eBay I found a decent seller from Israel and the shipping to USA was relatively fast. The speaker connectors are relatively cheap (less than $30), if you have time oder on your closest Volvo dealer and save on shipping.
It takes some time to replace all at the same time, however it is doable to complete the swap in parts. I will say easiest is the dash speaker, then front doors, tweeters, and rear doors (due to the wood speaker bracket making) but if you have all parts ready is not too time consuming.

 

[Junathan]

Double thanks for consolidating everything into a PDF! I've ran into the unfortunate speaker installation guide with missing pictures on other car forums before

 

[Polestar2ElectricBoogaloo]

My final cost was around $900 US dollars it depends on speaker pricing. It fluctuates a bit. I got mine from eBay I found a decent seller from Israel and the shipping to USA was relatively fast. The speaker connectors are relatively cheap (less than $30), if you have time oder on your closest Volvo dealer and save on shipping.
It takes some time to replace all at the same time, however it is doable to complete the swap in parts. I will say easiest is the dash speaker, then front doors, tweeters, and rear doors (due to the wood speaker bracket making) but if you have all parts ready is not too time consuming.

900 is fairly reasonable. I may try this in the future. I've downloaded your pdf(really well done). As you said, maybe tackle in parts not to get overwhelmed.

Thanks again for the valuable contribution. This is one of the only times I wish our community was bigger than it is. When something is as popular as say a M3 or MY, there are tons of modifications and aftermarket parts etc to improve upon areas that may need it.

 

[reneult]

900 is fairly reasonable. I may try this in the future. I've downloaded your pdf(really well done). As you said, maybe tackle in parts not to get overwhelmed.

Thanks again for the valuable contribution. This is one of the only times I wish our community was bigger than it is. When something is as popular as say a M3 or MY, there are tons of modifications and aftermarket parts etc to improve upon areas that may need it.

You are welcome! The initial fear of pulling apart a new car is challenging! I think it is one reason we don’t have a lot of modifications. The car is well equipped on the higher trims. I haven’t seat on or listen in person to the HK sound system but I think the Audison speaker are superior that the HK speakers. If you decide to do it and have questions let me know.
I have done another modification, I added the missing interior dash and door lights and I’m super pleased with the results. I finishing writing the PDF. So stay tune!

 

[Bl4ckD0g]

Great write up, just well done Good to hear you are happy with it.

The centre dash speaker looks like a component based full range setup. Did you not change the tweeter to be matched to the Audison? Or did I miss that part

What did you do with the JBL?

Thanks for sharing this information. I wish there were more upgrade/modification posts on this forum(and the Polestar community in general) You certainly are a meticulous man. I find the base sound system to be pretty good, but I'm not an audiophile, and I'm sure if I heard yours I'd be blown away. With that being said, I'm always up for "something better". I would probably do your modifications if I felt more confident in my abilities to carry it out. I could probably end up getting the job done, but I fear it would end up taking waaaay too many hours for me to figure out.

Can I ask what the final cost was for this mod?

There is a mods group on Facebook. I find that one a bit more 'friendly' towards modifications and discussions and sharing. Some cool stuff. But still a few slip through the net who don't seem to realise its a group about mods.

 

[Mrcarr83]

Hello all,
I have a 2002 DM with only the Pilot package, therefore my car does not have the HK audio system.
After months of doing research about the audio system, I learned that the 8 speaker system is very similar to the 8 speaker system on the XC40. To help me guide the speaker diagram, I purchased the information from Crutchfield for the XC40. But I learned that not all the wires are the same color. Also the rear speakers are different size.
I replaced all 8 speaker with Audison primas, based on a post I found on the Volvo XC40 forum about a person that took his to the audio shop and the shop installed that brand. He recommended the brand (new for me) so I went for it.
Polestar website has some inconsistencies about the speaker type (the dash is not a full range as the website states, it is a mid range and the size of the rear speakers is also not the very accurate) because I purchased 6.5" and I had some challenges fitting them since there are not brackets available.
I am very happy with he results and I was able to make the installation plug and play because I was able to find the OEM Volvo housing tab connectors need it to connect directly into the cars's speaker harness, so no need to tap or cut wires.
I also added a 8" JBL subwoofer on the trunk area, I am using the stock amplifier. I will say the sound quality is way way better now. I calibrated the (minimal equalizer settings) using pink noise, an audio tool app and a microphone to get the best audio settings). The new speaker configuration sounds the best using FLAC music files on a thumb drive using audio wagon but Apple Music (wired CarPlay) sounds pretty good compared to the OEM speakers.

I took pictures and wrote some notes about the installation and I included links for the connectors and other parts needed. Since I try to be as detailed as I could. I m including a PDF here for everyone to use. Happy to answer questions. Im not an audio installer (I'm in academics in a biological field), but I have experience swapping speakers in my past cars.

I don't have wiring information from he HK audio system. If you want to figure out the speaker connector type I will suggest to look for some used speakers on eBay. I will happy to help anyone interested on doing the same. I will not able to answer questions if you are installing a different size or type of speakers. Oregon-USA here if you are interested in checking the sound, maybe you can see me around the EA charging stations hehe.


Cheers!

Great write up sir. Wow! Way to help out the community.

 

[Polestar2ElectricBoogaloo]

You are welcome! The initial fear of pulling apart a new car is challenging! I think it is one reason we don’t have a lot of modifications. The car is well equipped on the higher trims. I haven’t seat on or listen in person to the HK sound system but I think the Audison speaker are superior that the HK speakers. If you decide to do it and have questions let me know.
I have done another modification, I added the missing interior dash and door lights and I’m super pleased with the results. I finishing writing the PDF. So stay tune!

Omg...I seriously can not believe you just said that. I just finished looking at @Kraka thread about the very cool aftermarket Polestar door lighting and I LITERALLY just came on here to ask you if you thought it was possible to do in non plus cars. Once again your rock(and read minds)

 

[reneult]

Great write up, just well done Good to hear you are happy with it.

The centre dash speaker looks like a component based full range setup. Did you not change the tweeter to be matched to the Audison? Or did I miss that part

What did you do with the JBL?


There is a mods group on Facebook. I find that one a bit more 'friendly' towards modifications and discussions and sharing. Some cool stuff. But still a few slip through the net who don't seem to realise its a group about mods.

Hi, thanks. There are two speakers on the center dash. The big speaker is a midrange. Based on what I was able to see on the oem speaker. The small speaker is not a tweeter and it is not connected to the amp. I read that on the volvo xc40 forum. And how replacing it would create problems. The wires are thinner and if it is a component set up I would assume it would share the same circuit with the dash speaker, but it doesn’t after testing for conductivity. The front door speakers and the tweeters on the A Pilar shared the same wiring. Therefore, I didn’t replace it. I think it is for the safety communication system.
I installed a JBL bass pro sl2 right next to the cigarette lighter, I made a wood bracket that holds it vertically and I can still lift the trunk floor. I tapped into the air woofer wires for signal and I am using a 12v cigarette lighter as a power for now. There is another guy that just installed the same sub under the trunk floor ( he just posted last week here). He has the HK sound and he tapped to the speakers. I had issues tapping to the front speakers kissing sound in the front side of the car. Therefore, I tapped into the front air woofer. It has two cores and there are only 4 pairs of wires ( 2 positive and 2 ground) one for each core. I tapped into core one. And I don’t have any issues and it sound pretty good. The subwoofer turns onNd off automatically once it detects signal from the subwoofer.

 

[Bl4ckD0g]

Awesome. But now I’m curious as to what that extra speaker is for 😂

 

[andreantunes]

Great guide! Thank you for sharing!
I am waiting for my P2 with Plus and Pilot and I'm already thinking about the audio upgrades. With the HK package I find the center speaker too present, the mids really muddy, bass not well defined and highs with poor detail. Sound is overprocessed by the DSP, equalizer is very limited and the fact that you don't have control on the speakers levels doesn't help.
I have Infinity Kappa speakers from my E300 Mercedes but the only speakers I can recycle are the tweeters. My woofers are 165cm wide, with amazing performance even with no added amplifier but the Polestar speakers are just small, 10cm speakers.
Would love to know some more details also on the HK system but I thing your guide is great!

 

[stevelup]

Awesome. But now I’m curious as to what that extra speaker is for 😂

Maybe it's for e-call (although I thought that speaker was in the roof panel)

 

[nostraduckus]

Hello all,
I have a 2002 DM with only the Pilot package, therefore my car does not have the HK audio system.
After months of doing research about the audio system, I learned that the 8 speaker system is very similar to the 8 speaker system on the XC40. To help me guide the speaker diagram, I purchased the information from Crutchfield for the XC40. But I learned that not all the wires are the same color. Also the rear speakers are different size.
I replaced all 8 speaker with Audison primas, based on a post I found on the Volvo XC40 forum about a person that took his to the audio shop and the shop installed that brand. He recommended the brand (new for me) so I went for it.
Polestar website has some inconsistencies about the speaker type (the dash is not a full range as the website states, it is a mid range and the size of the rear speakers is also not the very accurate) because I purchased 6.5" and I had some challenges fitting them since there are not brackets available.
I am very happy with he results and I was able to make the installation plug and play because I was able to find the OEM Volvo housing tab connectors need it to connect directly into the cars's speaker harness, so no need to tap or cut wires.
I also added a 8" JBL subwoofer on the trunk area, I am using the stock amplifier. I will say the sound quality is way way better now. I calibrated the (minimal equalizer settings) using pink noise, an audio tool app and a microphone to get the best audio settings). The new speaker configuration sounds the best using FLAC music files on a thumb drive using audio wagon but Apple Music (wired CarPlay) sounds pretty good compared to the OEM speakers.

I took pictures and wrote some notes about the installation and I included links for the connectors and other parts needed. Since I try to be as detailed as I could. I m including a PDF here for everyone to use. Happy to answer questions. Im not an audio installer (I'm in academics in a biological field), but I have experience swapping speakers in my past cars.

I don't have wiring information from he HK audio system. If you want to figure out the speaker connector type I will suggest to look for some used speakers on eBay. I will happy to help anyone interested on doing the same. I will not able to answer questions if you are installing a different size or type of speakers. Oregon-USA here if you are interested in checking the sound, maybe you can see me around the EA charging stations hehe.


Cheers!

Thanks for the write up! Do you think it would be possible to install decent 6x9's as rear speakers into a custom parcel shelf, leaving the rear door speakers in place (but disconnected). Would this help with the low volume of the factory rear speakers?

 

[reneult]

Thanks for the write up! Do you think it would be possible to install decent 6x9's as rear speakers into a custom parcel shelf, leaving the rear door speakers in place (but disconnected). Would this help with the low volume of the factory rear speakers?

Thanks ! I think that would be possible, but placing the custom parcel shelf would be the challenge. There is not a lot of free space in the trunk area. I guess some place hanging near the rear seats but they would be on the way when you need fold the seats for cargo. Also, you would need to tap into the rear speaker wires and disconnect the door speakers. Another possible thing if you have the base sound system is to add a component apelar and tweeter instead of the coaxial rear door speaker. That would bring more sound up into the ear level. The HK system has the two c pilar speakers and there might be replaced by the 6x9 but you would need to create a bracket to hold them up. I guess that could be a potential spot for the 6x9 but their sound would be blocked by the trunk liner.

 

[beenkernico]

I have a Polestar 2 with the HK audio Upgrade, but the sound is disapontingly poor. I'm looking to get a serious upgarde somewhere in the Netherlands, does anybody have a suggestion where to go?

 

[Artem92115]

I have a Polestar 2 with the HK audio Upgrade, but the sound is disapontingly poor. I'm looking to get a serious upgarde somewhere in the Netherlands, does anybody have a suggestion where to go?

Check on facebook your car audio local group

 

[EspenPL]

Hi Reneult. Thank you very much for all the advice here. I have the same High Performance system in my P2, and bought a Musway D8V3, an 8-channel DSP amplifier to power existing loudspeakers + a new external sub for the trunk. In my car, the wiring is a little different than in your wiring chart. I live in Norway, it's a 2022 long range, single motor model. When locating the speakers with a 1,5V battery, I found this:

Front speakers:

• Left front speaker, pin 3 and 13 (-)
• Right front speaker, pin 4 and 14 (-)

Rear, center and sub:

• Sub 1: Pin 1 and 9 (-)
• Center: Pin 2 and 10 (-)
• Sub 2: Pin 3 and 11 (-)
• Left rear door: Pin 4 and 12 (-)
• Right rear door: Pin 5 and 13 (-)

I am not sure about the polarity as I did not remove speaker covers, but I tried to be consistent in regards to harness placement/order.

The front sub (airwoofer) is a 2x4 OHM woofer with two coils, so it's necessary to feed it with two channels. So I had to sacrifice the center speaker, which doesn't add much anyways. I also found that I got a better bass performance when switching the rear door speakers 180 degrees in the DSP. I am no audio expert, but maybe that helps to reduce sound wave cancellation with the subs in the front and the trunk.

The result is about as expected - much better than before, but the speakers, especially those in the front door, are the limiting factor. I will replace the front door midrange speaker, maybe with the Audison AP4, and expect the result to be quite good and an affordable alternative to buying the P2 with the Plus package if the sound system is the main reason fro upgrading.

 

[reneult]

Hi Reneult. Thank you very much for all the advice here. I have the same High Performance system in my P2, and bought a Musway D8V3, an 8-channel DSP amplifier to power existing loudspeakers + a new external sub for the trunk. In my car, the wiring is a little different than in your wiring chart. I live in Norway, it's a 2022 long range, single motor model. When locating the speakers with a 1,5V battery, I found this:

Front speakers:

• Left front speaker, pin 3 and 13 (-)
• Right front speaker, pin 4 and 14 (-)

Rear, center and sub:

• Sub 1: Pin 1 and 9 (-)
• Center: Pin 2 and 10 (-)
• Sub 2: Pin 3 and 11 (-)
• Left rear door: Pin 4 and 12 (-)
• Right rear door: Pin 5 and 13 (-)

I am not sure about the polarity as I did not remove speaker covers, but I tried to be consistent in regards to harness placement/order.

The front sub (airwoofer) is a 2x4 OHM woofer with two coils, so it's necessary to feed it with two channels. So I had to sacrifice the center speaker, which doesn't add much anyways. I also found that I got a better bass performance when switching the rear door speakers 180 degrees in the DSP. I am no audio expert, but maybe that helps to reduce sound wave cancellation with the subs in the front and the trunk.

The result is about as expected - much better than before, but the speakers, especially those in the front door, are the limiting factor. I will replace the front door midrange speaker, maybe with the Audison AP4, and expect the result to be quite good and an affordable alternative to buying the P2 with the Plus package if the sound system is the main reason fro upgrading.

Hello,
Thanks for the information. It is interesting to see that you find some differences even when our cars are supposed to have the same system. My car is a dual motor long range. I found some wire color inconsistencies for one of the rear speaker, I did tested continuity from the rear speaker to the amp connector. I am not a car audio expert here either, and it crossed my mind to add a DSP but since I never installed one before and the speaker replacement did a great job I decided not to do it.
Now I’m curious about your set up. Did you split the wires to install the DSP? Or it is install with a harness adapter? I would like to see more of how you did it.
I am happy with the stock air woofer, you are correct on those specs. And I am also super happy with the JBL SL pro bass. I tapped on one of the subwoofer coil wires, and I’m getting more than enough bass even with the sub using the cigarette lighter as power source.
About the speakers, I am happy with the replacement. However, I tested thr system using a calibrated mic and thr REW system using pink noise, and it was skewed to the low frequencies. I did my best with the limitedequalizer settings that the car has. I’m guessing all that is gone once you install the DSP and all the fine running is done at the DSP? Did you use a mic to tune your system after the DSP install?
When I first got my car, it had a TCAM issue that make the center dash speaker muted. I think that speaker contributes to the overall stage in the front cabin.
I look at the installation instructions for your DSP. Don’t you have enough channels to add the center speaker ? The tweeters are shares with the front door speakers. Taking 5 out of the eight channels. As I said I never I stalled one so I’m probably making non sense here. Can you only connect one of the coils from the airwoofer?
I am happy with the Audisons so far.
i had the opportunity to drive a car with the HK system for a couple of days during a service appointment and my car Audio is very comparable now even with less speakers. The added subwoofer in the trunk is better than the HK system.
Question, how did you run the power and connect the DSP? Did you tapped into the wires of the main amp harness?
thanks

 

[andreantunes]

Hi guys,
I have the Plus and Pilot with HK sound.
I replaced my rear door woofers and tweeter with the Infinity Kappa 60.11cs lit I had from my previous car.
Had to buy adaptors to fit the 165mm woofers.
However, I get distortion from the door when lower frequencies kick in. Anyone experienced this?
I kept the upgraded tweeters in placed but had to switch back to the stock HK/Volvo woofers