rmd0311

iTrader: (4)

Hey Guys...

So after a week of deliberation I decided that getting the Valentine was not the right move and will go forward with an Audio upgrade.

To be honest I enjoy the sound from my current Stock Bose system but the HU itself is not acting well (I am by FAR not an Audiophile). The volume works when it wants to and I really want the flexibility of playing MP3 Cd's and having a direct link to the iPod.

Money as always is a concern. I had an extra $400 laying around. I can kick that up to maybe $600. I was thinking of a Single DIN unit like a Pioneer or Eclipse.

I have searched in regards to the sound but only found one pertinent thread of someone using that OEM Amp Integrator thingy and the reply was better than stock. At the end of the day, as long as I get somewhat better sound I am happy. I would love to keep my steering wheel controls as well.

Thoughts???

shur

I would give Don a call. His prices are great.

I went to his shop over the weekend and he installed Eclipse cd4000. The install was very clean. I am going back to him for component installs, hopefully, very soon.

BTW - I have a non-Bose stereo on my 2k2.

HTH,
Scott

mattj10

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=508762

plenty there to choose from.. the cd7000 would be awesome, but if you got a chepaer one then you could get an amp and some comps maybe later..

rmd0311

iTrader: (4)

Anyone else????

LoMaximA96

Eclipse, just do it.

mattj10

cant beat eclpise... very easily anyway. for the price nothing comapres

rmd0311

iTrader: (4)

But what about using the PAC adapter to keep the Bose Speakers/Subs/Amp...
I'm happy with the sound output now... Will the PAC provide me with a better or worse audio quality.

kpr10is

iTrader: (9)

^^
Car Audio FAQ sticky. Page 2. Post by yours truly.

mattj10

with the high-voltage outs on that deck you can get away with the metra 70-7551 for about 20 bucks.. or make one for a little less

rmd0311

iTrader: (4)

I have seen the FAQ's... But only one person really comments. I was hoping to get reviews from people that have it...

mattj10

the metra is perfect for a higher voltage hu. it also allows you to keep your speaker outs off if the deck allows instead of having them converted to signal, which should give better sound quality as long as you have high enough voltage pre-outs, which you would with an eclpise.

kpr10is

iTrader: (9)

Ive done each of those methods on multiple different nissan, plenty of maximas, as well as a few different make vehicles with the Bose system. Theyll all work and there are people here who will swear by each method, either because they have it in their own car or because theyre a newb...but the safest, cleanest, and easiest bet though is a good headunit with good preout voltage and the 7551 harness. And yes, itll sound better than with an adapter.

rmd0311

iTrader: (4)

So this would not be good???
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-pYH2WI5...sp?i=142C4NN03

fast97maxse

I'm in same position.
Little bucks and want to replace Bose with an inexpensive unit
- something that has CD plus iPod input in front of unit.
Was thinking of a Sony @ around $120.
Was told voltage would be a problem...

So Pearl96max is Don?

Any thoughts on which box to put in the opening below the new unit - and source for same?

Aren't all the adapter / harness things the same difference?

rmd0311

iTrader: (4)

Yes Pearl96Max is Don... I sent him a PM and am waiting for a reply. I'm thinking about an Eclipse CD3100, comes out on Feb 8th... But if Don gets back at me and is not that far from me, would take one of his CD3000s and have him install.

Has anyone purchased from Crutchfield? If so, how is their fitment KIT... Does it flow well with the rest of the design???

fast97maxse

Not bought from Cfield myself but have heard good things.
Good customer service.
Thought I might use them to pick their brains.
But might as well buy from and support a fellow org member...

So Eclipse looks OK - but no iPod input in the front.
I'm sorta handy. How hard is it to do the "optional eclipse ipod adapter"?
3100 is already on the Cfield site.

Is there a 2100 coming?

mattj10

i have the crutchfield kit in my 2k and its fine. nothing incredibly special but i dont really notice the trim so i figure its all good.

as far as that scoche adapter.. you dont need it.

metra 70-7551 is chepaer and will give better quality too.

mattj10

what eclpise lacks in looks or options they make up for in sound quality many times over.

and the ipod adapter is simple plug and play.. you just gotta buy it. (sorry if thats obvious)

LoMaximA96

[QUOTE=mattj10]what eclpise lacks in looks or options they make up for in sound quality many times over.
QUOTE]

+1

zgendron

Hey All,

Not trying to hijack. I just can't start my own threads yet since I'm still under the post count. Anyway, I've begun my HU search and have a few questions.

I have a 02 SE without a Bose Radio.

First off, what is required to make a Double Din fit in the 5.5 Gen Max? I've got a non-bose radio, but haven't seen any info about what I need to make one of these fit.

I'm not getting a Nav, but am considering a Double Din HU. Thoughts? Is it a waste?

Next, I've been looking at getting one of last year's radios on Ebay. They seem to be pretty cheap if you're not getting the latest and greatest. I've seen Eclipse CD5000 NIB for under $200 shipped. Any reason not to buy a HU on Ebay, especially if it's NIB?

If I don't go with the Double Din head unit, it sounds like my best bet is to get a GXE Kit from a 5th Gen with a 4th Gen door on the extra tray. Also, it sounds like I should contact DaveB about these, but I'm curious about the price before I move forward.

Next, Crutchfield suggests I get an antenna adapter. Do I need this? My past radio installs haven't required these. It's always just been a plug and play thing with existing antennas.

What else would I need for an install: In-Dash Kit (GXE or other In-Dash Kit), Wiring Harness, Antenna Adapter (do I need it?).

Finally, I'm looking at some Kenwoods since they have the USB inputs. Any thoughts?

Thanks All,
- Zack

fast97maxse

zgendron - Sorry, I don't have answers for most of your Qs.

But why anybody would want a double DIN unit?
My car came with one (stupid Bose)
At the time I didn't think about it much (small detail in large purchase).

If you can get all the functionality you want in a one DIN
PLUS a little more storage for the iPod or sunglasses whatever
- doesn't that make more sense?

To my way of thinking a double DIN is just using up space for no reason.

Maybe others have a different opinion...