Dynavin N6 - Photos, video, review

[agentsmith988]

Late last year I made the switch to a Dynavin N6. Now that I've had it for some time, I thought I'd do a quick write-up on my thoughts of the unit.

Before the N6, I was running a Mk2 RNS-E with AMI, OEM Bluetooth, and a newer satellite receiver. It looked good, sounded great, and everything functioned like it should. I was only missing one thing... Good A2DP. I wasn't happy with any available option to get bluetooth streaming on the RNS-E, so I started to look elsewhere.

After shooting some emails back and forth with Jeff at J&T Distributing and browsing some BMW forums (Dynavin is much more popular with them), I decided to pull the trigger. I sold my RNS-E setup and bought the N6 for $749. I even made some money switching, woo!





Here's what came in the mail:
- The box!
- Radio
- Manual
- Stylus (Neat! I've never used it..)
- Removal keys
- Antenna adapter
- CAN box (allows MFSW to work with the HU/radio info to display on the DIS)
- iGo Primo on a MicroSD card along with a full size SD adapter
- Microphone (I just tapped the microphone I had up in the stock location instead of using the included one)
- GPS antenna
- Ground loop isolator (I didn't use this, didn't need it)
- Wiring harnesses for both the Quadlock style and ISO style connectors
- RCA harness for connecting external a/v sources/playback devices and backup cam, etc
- USB cable





I'm not going to do an install DIY because it was easy. Remove old radio, install new one, run wires to where you want them, enjoy. There, best DIY ever.

Here's some installed shots of the unit. I just made a little panel in my glovebox with some couplers I had laying around. I already had a hole cut there for the AMI to sit in there. RIP AMI... Also, a shot of the reverse camera I used (I know it's no longer available at that link, but you can find the same one all over the internet - I paid $15 for that camera and it actually produces some great video and does nicely in the dark). Also, I know my car needs a bath.

















Now here's a video of the magic and a few notes on the video sequence:

- Radio (reception is definitely better than the RNS-E but still not totally amazing, make sure you select phantom power in the radio settings - the little cog on the bottom of the radio screen)
- Bluetooth phone (not much to explain here, it works. You can also set the MFSW left thumb wheel click to activate Siri or Google Now, so voice activation works great)
- iPod (forgot to show this in the video, but it works great and displays album art as well. You can search, list by artist, song, album, playlist, etc - full functionality)
- A2DP (sweet, sweet A2DP functionality. No album art, but the track info and skip buttons work, such happiness)
- Navigation (the unit comes with iGo Primo loaded on a MicroSD, works great! The version they send doesn't have any voices that read out the street names, so I modded the software to do that. I also modded the speech library to say "northbound" or "southbound" for things like "turn left onto I-15 SB." It originally would just say "SB." That's just me being picky though. Other than that, the nav system is waaay more capable than the RNS-E.
- The OBC (onboard computer) screen doesn't display anything, this only works for the BMW guys
- Sound settings
- You can set individual speaker delay times if you want for sound staging, I don't bother with this.
- I found the bass output to be a little weak at the original levels, so you can see everything turned up in the video
- You can adjust the levels on each source, I have them all turned down because I like to have the most versatility with low volume levels for when people are in the car
- System settings
- Brightness can be configured to adjust manually or automatically. I have mine on auto/use built-in light sensor, seems to work just fine.
- SD Card (plays music, video, pictures, pretty straightforward)
- Reverse camera (works great!)
- Second video shows the DIS working





Now for some notes and bugs with the N6:
- Cold boot starts when you unlock the car with the remote, takes about 15 seconds or so. Cold boot only happens when you've been away from the car for awhile. The reverse camera works during boot.
- Bluetooth connects to you phone whenever a door is opened instead of when the car is actually powered up. I have to turn off BT on my phone when listening with my garage speakers, so it doesn't try to start playing on the car when I open doors.
- The "Loud" setting disables itself after making a BT call. The checkbox is still checked under sound settings, but I have to uncheck and check it again to get it activated again. "Loud" isn't needed though - using the equalizer I've matched what my RNS-E sounded like.
- All of the default source levels are a bit high for me (I like more control of low volume levels for when other people are in the car) so I have them turned down all of the way.
- I've modified my iGo navigation software to be able to announce road names, this is just my personal preference.
- There is an Apple CarPlay add-on you can purchase, I don't know much about it but you can read up on it here
- The N6 supports dual zone control (external displays) - I don't use this
- It plays DVDs, also don't use this
- MAJOR NOTE: Dynavin has released the N7. New features include built-in Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Capacitive Touch Screen, etc.

Overall:
I've been happy with the N6. It does everything I want it to and most of all A2DP works perfectly. Now I can stream/control Spotify from my HU and steering wheel. Life is good. I initially had more issues with it when I got it, but Dynavin was good about responding to emails and fixed pretty much everything in new firmware updates. The "Loud" setting is the only thing that I haven't seen fixed yet. With my current sound settings, it sounds pretty much the same as my RNS-E did. Low volume bass levels are a bit lower (because I have the "Loud" setting is disabled) but this is by no means a deal-breaker for me and I'm hopeful that they'll get it fixed in a firmware revision. The N6 looks at home in the A4, not quite as OEM looking as the RNS-E, but most people think it's the original HU when they get in my car. The buttons click nicely, and everything runs smoothly. If anyone has questions, feel free to ask them here!

I'll finish out with the specs for the N6 from Dynavin's website.

Tuner
Memory Presets: Preset Stations (FM:15 / MW: 15)
Memory: Auto Memory
RDS Functions: AF, TA, TP, PTY, NEWS, RADIO TEXT

Bluetooth
Built-In Parrot Bluetooth Module
Hands Free Calling
Phone Book Transfer
Phone Book Search: Alphabet Search
Favorite contacts
Wired Microphone Included
Redial Function
Call History Display
Adjusting the volume when receiving a call

Made for iPod/iPhone
USB Connection
Compatibility with iPod / iPhone / iPad with 30Pin or lightning connector
M.I.X. (Shuffle) Capability: Song, Albums, All
Music Control: Song Up/Down, Fast Forward/Backward, Repeat
Available Selections: Playlist, Artist, Album, Song, Podcast, Genre, Composer, Audiobook
Alphabet Search Function
Information Display: Album Art, Song (Title, Album)
Direct iPod/iPhone Control Function
Disc Player

DVD/CD Player
Disc Playback Type: DVD Video, DVD Audio (2ch mix down), CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+-R/+-RW, DVD-VR
Compressed Media Playback: MPEG/ AVI /RM/ FLV/ ASF/ WMV/ MP4/ MKV/ OGM/ DivX/ MP3/ WMA/ AAC Playback
24bit-DAC
Sensor: Music Sensor Scan, Repeat
Playback Control: Play/Pause, Fast Forward/Backward
DVD Direct Menu Control
M.I.X. Mode: One (Folder) / All (Random Play) / Random (CD Only)
USB / SD Media Connection

USB Connection (USB Cable Included)
Cover Art Display
Music Playback: MP3/AAC/WMA Playback
USB Class: Mass Storage, Play from device
Available Selections: Playlist, Artist, Album, Song, Podcast, Genre, Composer, Audiobook
Alphabet Search Function
Information Display: Album Art, Song (Title, Album)

Sound Tuning
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
Dyna-Bass level adjustment
Bass Level Adjustment
Treble Level Adjustment
Source Tone Memory
Time Correction Adjustment
Equalizer: 5-Band Parametric Equalizer Feature

General
Power Output: 4 x 50 W High Power Amplifier
High Grade Audiophile Design
SD Card: Video Playback
PreOut: 2 PreOuts (4V) and 1 AV Output
PreIn: 2 PreIn (Front / Rear) Ready
AUX-In: 1 AV Input
Steering Wheel Control Ready (Adapter Required)
Auto Dimmer
Power Antenna Output
Amplifier Remote Turn-On Output
Audio Interrupt
Camera Guide Line Adjustment
Dual Zone Control

Connection
Power & Speaker : ISO 16pin
Radio: Single Fakra / Dual Fakra
GPS: Fakra
Steering wheel control: Universal Analog steering wheel control

[Moparnum5]

Wow, that really looks great. Thanks for the write up.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[ShogunR32]

That looks great. I recently made the switch from the RNS-E to an aftermarket unit. I like how your unit has a "rubberized" look to the face plate, more OEM looking. Your D1S displays info which is also great. For some reason with mine my D1S stays blank even though I have a canbus decoder installed. I do love the rear camera though.

[DarkoNova]

Nice. I was looking at these for a while because I know they're pretty popular on the BMW side. Pretty awesome that the DIS actually displays info.

Kinda jealous of that, lol.

[Kevin C]

Thanks for the great write up!

[agentsmith988]

That looks great. I recently made the switch from the RNS-E to an aftermarket unit. I like how your unit has a "rubberized" look to the face plate, more OEM looking. Your D1S displays info which is also great. For some reason with mine my D1S stays blank even though I have a canbus decoder installed. I do love the rear camera though.

Is that an Android or WinCE unit?

Nice. I was looking at these for a while because I know they're pretty popular on the BMW side. Pretty awesome that the DIS actually displays info.

Kinda jealous of that, lol.

I'm really happy with how well it works. I was worried about it interfacing with the Audi because of the emphasis on BMW from Dynavin.

One of the other great things is I don't have to dial in addresses or names like I did with the RNS-E. When trying to setup a nav route on that thing it felt like I was using a rotary phone.

[ShogunR32]

My radio is an android 5.1 unit. Im happy with it, only thing I think the rns-e has better is the oem sound quality. I may run my door speakers off an aftermarket amp to resolve this though.

[orangelmo]

GTRChop88, your unit looks like mine. I've gone through 3 different iterations of the Dynavin unit. I didn't go for the N6 as mine was still going strong until recently. My reverse camera doesn't work for some reason though

[BruceR]

Hey can I ask what brand/model the camera is?

[agentsmith988]

Hey can I ask what brand/model the camera is?

I got it on Amazon. Here's the link. The video quality is light years better than my wife's Touareg. Not bad for $15!

[texasboy21]

Good info!

[BruceR]

Thanks for the link. Do the brackets move when you turn the steering wheel? I'm guessing not in a $15.00 camera. But it beats not having one, which is my situation right now .

[oaybar007]

Wow great detailed info and thanks for sharing it. I've gone back and fourth on Dynavin for years and still just haven't gone for it. It definitely seems well done and a solid upgrade.

I'm still rocking my Audi Symphony listening to XM radio!!!! I have to hand it to Audi on the sound quality though. Not even being the Bose system, the sound is incredible in my car and sort of why I'm hesitant to do anything in the car. I still remember back in 2007 putting the XM modulator in and thinking it was so great.

I may have missed it, or maybe it isn't so, but if you put Dynavin in a car with a SAT module, can it remain active or is there a way to set up SAT radio on the system?

[agentsmith988]

Thanks for the link. Do the brackets move when you turn the steering wheel? I'm guessing not in a $15.00 camera. But it beats not having one, which is my situation right now .

Nope, the brackets are static. I think I actually prefer it that way. I use them solely as a way to determine distance. I've never seen much use for the ones that turn other than it looks neat-o.

Wow great detailed info and thanks for sharing it. I've gone back and fourth on Dynavin for years and still just haven't gone for it. It definitely seems well done and a solid upgrade.

I'm still rocking my Audi Symphony listening to XM radio!!!! I have to hand it to Audi on the sound quality though. Not even being the Bose system, the sound is incredible in my car and sort of why I'm hesitant to do anything in the car. I still remember back in 2007 putting the XM modulator in and thinking it was so great.

I may have missed it, or maybe it isn't so, but if you put Dynavin in a car with a SAT module, can it remain active or is there a way to set up SAT radio on the system?

You'll lose the OEM satellite module going with the Dynavin. There are external inputs available that you can use, but you'll have to use an external receiver/tuner.

I really tried to like XM... but they've gone with quantity over quality... Their transponders have limited bandwidth and instead of using it for a selection of good stations at a decent bitrate, they've gone with a ton of stations at varying levels of low bitrates.

Spotify/Pandora/etc is where it's at. Paired with the N6 they kick XM's butt. Spotify is really all I use now. I can control it via the HU or the MFSW and the audio quality is great (also get track info on the HU and DIS)!

[BruceR]

I'd like to hear how you updated the nav software to do street names and 'southbound' instead of SB

[agentsmith988]

I'd like to hear how you updated the nav software to do street names and 'southbound' instead of SB

It was pretty simple. I just followed the file structure on the iGo SD Card down to where the speech library was located, opened the ini in notepad, and changed a few lines. I'm out of country at the moment but when I get home I could pinpoint the specific lines/file structure for you. Adding the street name functionality was as easy as adding the TTS/voice files to the card. More easily, TTS can also be added by purchasing it from iGo in their update app.

[WeenieHut]

I do not intend to shit on your install as you did an amazing job but the whole "DynOS" looks janky at best to me. Why didn't you just build a low power micro ATX computer that uses a x86 low power desktop processor. The total size would still be the size of a ultra-book except you'd have exponentially more horse-power. Those ARM mobile chips have maybe 5-8 TFLOPS of single threaded processing power whereas their Intel and AMD counterparts are closer to 12. Sure the power drain would be closer to 100 watts but who cares. You could run a full Windows, Linux, Android, even iOS at rediculos speeds. That's what I'm going to do at least.

[DarkoNova]

Cool, then make a detailed thread about it and list the cost of every component.

I get where you're coming from.

I've built multiple gaming PCs and know how easy it really is, but buying multiple components from different vendors and putting it all together AND getting it to look OEM isn't an easy task.

I originally planned on building an in-car PC to have the best of all world's, but I don't have the time with two kids, a house, and a project car.

There's something to be said for the simplicity of installation of something like the Dynavin. Plus it integrates with the cluster, which is a whole different headache you'd have to deal with when building an ICPC.

[WeenieHut]

Cool, then make a detailed thread about it and list the cost of every component.

I get where you're coming from.

I've built multiple gaming PCs and know how easy it really is, but buying multiple components from different vendors and putting it all together AND getting it to look OEM isn't an easy task.

I originally planned on building an in-car PC to have the best of all world's, but I don't have the time with two kids, a house, and a project car.

There's something to be said for the simplicity of installation of something like the Dynavin. Plus it integrates with the cluster, which is a whole different headache you'd have to deal with when building an ICPC.

I've already looked up the wiring. The only thing that looks to be a PITA is the canbus, but I'll just adapt the Enfig adapter. The rest I can wire from scratch pretty easy. The rear sub just needs the remote on from the head unit ran to the individual speaker amps. As far as the computer hardware all you'd need is a proc that has an integrated GPU like an AMD APU or anything by Intel. After that all you need is a touch screen display, some RAM, an SSD, and a passive heatsink. But yeah I'd probably forgo the OEM look. I'd probably just have a moderately large touch screen display in the center console ala Tesla.

[agentsmith988]

I do not intend to shit on your install as you did an amazing job but the whole "DynOS" looks janky at best to me. Why didn't you just build a low power micro ATX computer that uses a x86 low power desktop processor. The total size would still be the size of a ultra-book except you'd have exponentially more horse-power. Those ARM mobile chips have maybe 5-8 TFLOPS of single threaded processing power whereas their Intel and AMD counterparts are closer to 12. Sure the power drain would be closer to 100 watts but who cares. You could run a full Windows, Linux, Android, even iOS at rediculos speeds. That's what I'm going to do at least.

It's simple, it works, does a decent job of matching the interior, no PITAs involved, and is easily used by anyone that gets in the car. The interface is just as fast/faster than the MK2 RNS-E that I came from.

Most important.. it has a touchscreen AND actual knobs, buttons, etc. My job has me working in an aircraft cockpit where I use muscle memory to toggle switches, controls, twist knobs, etc. I hate the idea of having everything on a touchscreen. It's definitely nice to have to augment control, but personally I prefer tactile input. When I'm on short approach, I can't be looking down to make sure I'm tapping the right section of the screen, and I like that same security transferring over to when I'm driving. Different strokes for different folks...

A shot from the other night to demonstrate said switches just because (and my airframe is OLD so I get extra toggly switch/button goodness ):

[WeenieHut]

It's simple, it works, does a decent job of matching the interior, no PITAs involved, and is easily used by anyone that gets in the car. The interface is just as fast/faster than the MK2 RNS-E that I came from.

Most important.. it has a touchscreen AND actual knobs, buttons, etc. My job has me working in an aircraft cockpit where I use muscle memory to toggle switches, controls, twist knobs, etc. I hate the idea of having everything on a touchscreen. It's definitely nice to have to augment control, but personally I prefer tactile input. When I'm on short approach, I can't be looking down to make sure I'm tapping the right section of the screen, and I like that same security transferring over to when I'm driving. Different strokes for different folks...

A shot from the other night to demonstrate said switches just because (and my airframe is OLD so I get extra toggly switch/button goodness ):

fuck that's awesome. Airbus 380?

[agentsmith988]

fuck that's awesome. Airbus 380?

Nah, KC-135. I don't fly them fancy jets!

[Cousinphil]

I'm sold. But I've been throwing so much money at my 05 Avant lately. I'm going to have to wait for the royal coffers to fill up again. But the Dynavin is a must when my ship comes in. And if you think one A4 B6 is a money sink, try maintaining 2!

[DarkoNova]

It's simple, it works, does a decent job of matching the interior, no PITAs involved, and is easily used by anyone that gets in the car. The interface is just as fast/faster than the MK2 RNS-E that I came from.

Most important.. it has a touchscreen AND actual knobs, buttons, etc. My job has me working in an aircraft cockpit where I use muscle memory to toggle switches, controls, twist knobs, etc. I hate the idea of having everything on a touchscreen. It's definitely nice to have to augment control, but personally I prefer tactile input. When I'm on short approach, I can't be looking down to make sure I'm tapping the right section of the screen, and I like that same security transferring over to when I'm driving. Different strokes for different folks...

A shot from the other night to demonstrate said switches just because (and my airframe is OLD so I get extra toggly switch/button goodness ):

Ditto.

I was looking at head units from the big companies and none of them had knobs. I hate volume "buttons". Ever try to turn the volume up or down in a hurry with a button?

I started looking at smaller companies and found a unit with a touch screen, hardware buttons and an actual volume knob.

It's frickin glorious.

Also, cool picture!

[jkeetz]

Hi OP, Do you have the bose speaker package in your car? I recently installed the N7 and am getting some popping from speakers when the head unit powers on/off or i change the radio station. Assuming i need a ground loop isolator (not included with the N7) or a high low line converter. Only reason i can think of why i'm running into this issue when you didnt would be Bose vs non-Bose.

Thanks

[agentsmith988]

Hi OP, Do you have the bose speaker package in your car? I recently installed the N7 and am getting some popping from speakers when the head unit powers on/off or i change the radio station. Assuming i need a ground loop isolator (not included with the N7) or a high low line converter. Only reason i can think of why i'm running into this issue when you didnt would be Bose vs non-Bose.

Thanks

I've got the Bose setup. I'm not getting any popping with the N7, just low-level white noise. I'm working with Jeff at J&T and Dynavin to try and get the filter/ground loop issue figured out (whether it's a possible software fix or requires physical hardware installed).

I hope we can get it figured out... I'm loving the N7 so far otherwise!

[cjbechtel]

Hi OP, Do you have the bose speaker package in your car? I recently installed the N7 and am getting some popping from speakers when the head unit powers on/off or i change the radio station. Assuming i need a ground loop isolator (not included with the N7) or a high low line converter. Only reason i can think of why i'm running into this issue when you didnt would be Bose vs non-Bose.

Thanks

Try going to the sound settings, scroll down to the bottom and check the "factory amp" box. With that selected you can adjust the output level of the Dynavin. Hopefully that helps.

[jkeetz]

Thanks for getting back to me guys. I updated the software and tried the factory amp fix but still have the popping issue. I've been working with Jeff as well so hopefully we can get it figured out soon.

[ohecht]

Steve, thanks for this write up. It helped me decide to install the N7 which I love so far...totally plug and play (except the additional camera) and Inlobe how it modernizes the car and integrates perfectly into the existing systems.

I got the same camera you used but that wiring has me a little confused. Could you confirm how you connected yours? I bench tested it before running the wires to the hatch (which was by far the hardest part of this install, including getting the BT mic into the factory location) and it worked fine but now I’m getting the guidelines but no picture after running the wires and soldering the connections. I’m hoping it’s something simple so i don’t have to pull the hatch trim again as that’s always a risky procedure.

Thanks in advance.

Olivier

[egovreau]

@agentsmith988

Just pulled the trigger on the N7 and the Chinese backup camera... largely as a result of stumbling this thread. Just waiting on the HU to arrive. I did the same...chucked the entire RNS-E setup.

What direction did you go with your camera wires? Did you install to a sedan or Avant?

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[agentsmith988]

@agentsmith988

Just pulled the trigger on the N7 and the Chinese backup camera... largely as a result of stumbling this thread. Just waiting on the HU to arrive. I did the same...chucked the entire RNS-E setup.

What direction did you go with your camera wires? Did you install to a sedan or Avant?

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

I'm in a sedan and I ran along the drivers side of the car under the trim. I used the amp turn on feed from the N7 to power the camera.

If you bought from Jeff at J&T I'd ask about getting a couple of PAC LC1's included with your N7 if you have a Bose setup. It allows you to get rid of low-level noise associated with the high output voltage of the N7 (this is usually a better thing unless you're mating it to a Bose amp).

[egovreau]

I'm in a sedan and I ran along the drivers side of the car under the trim. I used the amp turn on feed from the N7 to power the camera.

If you bought from Jeff at J&T I'd ask about getting a couple of PAC LC1's included with your N7 if you have a Bose setup. It allows you to get rid of low-level noise associated with the high output voltage of the N7 (this is usually a better thing unless you're mating it to a Bose amp).

Awesome. Thanks!

I'm running a non-Bose system. I do have an extra sub, but it's been tapped into the wiring back when the original head unit was a Symphony II.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[egovreau]

I'm in a sedan and I ran along the drivers side of the car under the trim. I used the amp turn on feed from the N7 to power the camera.

If you bought from Jeff at J&T I'd ask about getting a couple of PAC LC1's included with your N7 if you have a Bose setup. It allows you to get rid of low-level noise associated with the high output voltage of the N7 (this is usually a better thing unless you're mating it to a Bose amp).

Okay, second question....did you have to do any coding with VCDS? Mine should still be coded for the RNS-E I had.

TIA.

[fR3ZNO]

Looks like the N7 A4 Pro is due to ship mid August of this year. The nice thing about this model, is it has truly built-in Apple CarPlay, the N7 required an additional module, it only had built-in Android Auto. I'm still on the fence, I mainly want it for the A2DP functionality to stream from my phone and the CarPlay would be a nice way to update the sound system. The OEM+ aspect of the RNS-E is cool, but to get halfway decent function by 2019 standards you have to spend a lot on additional OE parts.

Currently running a Symphony II+ with a cheap bluetooth dongle which is less than stellar. I figure instead of spending money on the Dension GWP1AC1 for $200, to put that towards a N7 with way more functionality.

Anyone here have the N7 A4 Pro?

[Codiac]

Anyone here have the N7 A4 Pro?

Mine is on order and due to ship here shortly. Once installed, I'll circle back with some updates.

[fR3ZNO]

Mine is on order and due to ship here shortly. Once installed, I'll circle back with some updates.

Cool! Your review will probably be enough for me to finally pull the trigger!