January 11, 2021

Pioneer AVH-G115DVD (Part 2) Capacitor Upgrade

On the previous post, I talked about the internal of this Pioneer AVH-G115DVD here. This is quite surprise for me that this low end car multimedia is using a dedicated DAC IC from Wolfson WM8761. Although this type of DAC is not superior but think again, when all others cheap multimedia player mostly using all in one IC for handling all the  job in the player including the DAC, but Pioneer has more elegant approach by using separate DAC. This is for one reason, is the better sound.

So, in this post, I will replace few capacitors that I think will improve the sound quality of this unit. I bought several capacitors for this upgrade, not much, only 2 pieces Elna Silmic 0.47uF for signal and 3 pieces Nichicon FW 3,300uF for power supply filter.


The cover photo above is telling everything. I already replaced 2 pieces SMD capacitor on the bottom of the board near the power IC. Those capacitors are marked FR and FL for front-right and front-left channel. The original capacitor using the SMD type which is well known for low quality sound. There are all 4 capacitor for 4 channel, for the front and rear, left and right. But since I am only using the front speakers only, so replacing 2 capacitor is enough for my current car audio setup.

The replacement capacitor is Elna Silmic with the same value as the original is 0,47uF. The negative polarity of the capacitor should facing to the power IC.

The next capacitor upgrade is at power supply filter on the top of the board. The OEM capacitor using good quality industrial capacitor. Upgrading to the audio capacitor will also improve the sound quality. My choice for this capacitor replacement is the Nichicon FW.



After this simple capacitor upgrade, then I re-assembly all parts together.


I am installing the DVD mechanism into this unit. The installation procedure is backwards from the disassembly process.




This capacitors upgrade doesn't change any appearance on this unit at all. It is just like an OEM but the sound is now get better. I notice the sound after this capacitors upgrade is smoother and clearer.

Disclaimer: Any statement and photos in this article are not allowed to copy or publish without written permission from the writer. Any injury or loss from following tips in this article is not under writer responsibility.

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