[SWRocket]

Originally Posted by SilverCamaroVert

I also have this unit. I had a long conversation with their CEO after I complained loudly to an accounts receivable rep trying to collect on multiple advanced units I was hanging on to.

They are working through the toslink issues. It is a bit frustrating but they promise they are committed to fixing it and they are actively releasing firmware so they are doing something.

The hardware issue is a dumb one. Personally, I feel they rushed the product to mass production prior to proper field testing. As such, they have had to rework all of the boards at least 2 times. I have had 3 separate revisions. The original, an intermediate that had extra stuff soldered only to the top of the PCB and a third (and final according to the CEO) which has stuff soldered on both sides of the PCB. The gist of this issue (as I understand it) is that GM doesn't properly follow the AVB protocol and therefor it has been a bit of a challenge to architect a solution that integrates with it. They also have a tendency to make changes with OTA firmware updates to the car.

The unit currently in my car has been working fine but I have been using RCA because of the toslink issues. I updated to the most recent firmware a few days ago and the toslink appears to be completely dead now.

I can confirm unequivocally, that the rear backup sounds are missing without the rear channels plumbed in.

Final thought. I spent 1 year with just an audiocontrol dm-608 high to low converting the factory bose amp. This unit is a whole different league and worth the issues.

Thank you so much for the detailed response!
I have considered using a LC8i or even my BitOne.1 for integration but I hear there are issues with chimes and stuff.
Although I was planning to do my install now (have all the equipment), maybe I'll wait for next summer and buy the Zen at that time when, hopefully, the issues are resolved...
I am using high end amps and speakers and skimping on the integration does seem silly.