I have been contemplating a stereo overhaul. I really like the look of the stock unit but I want direct connection for my Sirius PnP unit and connection (with full functionability) of my IPod. (I've already decided on speaker upgrades and the inclusion of an amp). After looking at all the options, I am coming close to the conclusion I am just better off with another headunit entirely: more connections, already set up for IPod (with charging capability) with no adapter, Y cords, or add on controls...
Did anyone else in a similar situation come to the same conclusion? If you did the switchout, are you happy with it? For those of you that did the stock modification, are you happy with it? I am so close to pulling the trigger but I know losing the stock look on a car that has less than 3K miles on it is going to be heartbreaking.
bongus
10-23-2006, 11:31 AM
Well...I'm one that did the complete overhaul. I would not worry about losing the stock look. There are many kits available that integrate an after market system without losing the stock look...of course this is a personal opinion but if you do a search in this forum, you will find many pictures on aftermarket installs. I am very happy with my install. I went with an AVIC Z1 with iPod and Sirius. It also has Navi. There is a lot less clutter with an all-in-one unit. Again...do a search on this forum and you will find what you are looking for.
fredridge
10-23-2006, 12:16 PM
CPT, I have been debating that for a couple months now, but after reading one of the other posts on the usa spec adapter I am going to go with that because I can add a second input. All I am waiting for at this point is a sub for behind the back seat.
I will eaither go with Elemental design's shallow mount with a box built by them or a pro box if they ever gone one done (been promising to release for 4 months)
I have half my wiring done and was holding off doing anything else until I can finish it all at the same time
jcolec
10-23-2006, 02:01 PM
CPT:
Yeah, I gave up on the stock unit from day 1.
In my old Pilot I had everything rigged. Ipod using FM modulator, crappy Best Buy XM radio install - I did not want that again.
So I put in an Alpine Head unit, see my sig for details.
Best move I ever made.
The Alpine Unit is very expandable (sat radio, navigation, bluetooth, HD radio, etc.) and the ipod interface is very good and fast. I did rename some of my Playlists to get them at the top of the alphabet. I said it somewhere before - my 4 year old daughter can navigate to her playlist on the Alpine.
Don't miss the 'look' of the OEM unit at all.
mecrens
10-23-2006, 02:57 PM
i finally gave in and got the alpine 9856 , ipod controller and sirrius tuner. i already had a plug n play tuner bit for some reason i opted for the alpine tuner and everything is controlled via the head unit. i did lose stearing wheel controls and sub woofer. i replaced stock speakers with some pioneer 3 way (about 85 per pair). i am please with the sound for MY listening and most of all i have full control of ipod and sirius thru head unit. i got out for about 700 installed compared to aprox 130 - 150 for usa spec plus either my time to install sirius and usa spec or pay installer to do.
bongus
10-23-2006, 05:01 PM
i did lose stearing wheel controls and sub woofer.
There are modules you can buy that will allow you to use the steering wheel controls. I believe they make 'em for the Alpine units. Do a search for PAC-AUDIO...:cool: