My new set-up

[CPT]

After a lot of research on this board and others, I finally made some decisions and did some upgrades.

-New H/U Alpine 9357 w/ full Ipod capability and had Kenwood Sirius PnP hardwired in
-JL Audio 650 series, CSI in back and CXI in front (with extra tweeters set up on door window corners)
-Adapter put in that allows wheel controls to be fully operable
-Had old amp - Sony Explod 800W 4 channel put in

I didn't do the install myself. The pros did it and it shows. The sound is freaking amazing. So clean, with punch that doesn't overwhelm you. I can't say enough about the Alpine deck. If you are looking for IPod functionality in a deck, look no further. I toyed with the Harmon Kardon unit, but the Alpine does all of that as well and I couldn' see springing for the extra $200 only to have another thing on my dash.

Anyway, thanks to all on this site for helping me out immensely!

[bongus]

Originally Posted by CPT

I toyed with the Harmon Kardon unit, but the Alpine does all of that as well and I couldn' see springing for the extra $200 only to have another thing on my dash.

Anyway, thanks to all on this site for helping me out immensely!

Nothing beats a stock look...I don't like having all the accessories and wires hanging out. The more integrated things are the better. I even tuck away my iPod and control everything from the HU. I see some installs and the iPod is on a little holder...the more hidden the better.

[CPT]

Right - my Ipod is in the glove box and you really can't tell any changes to the speakers. The PnP is set in very nice on a tray down below with an easy to read face. As far as the Alpine over the stock H/U, I have to say I really don't miss the stock look. For the sound and functionality that I have now, it wasn't worth trying to accomplish the same with the stock unit with tons of adapters and ad-ons. Also, the new made-for-model kits they have to set aftermarket stereos into a dash seemlessly really make losing the stock look not bad at all.

[c-hawk]

CPT, can you post some pics of your setup?