I have a '04 TL without Nav and would like to repllace the entire system with aftermarket products. The system in the car sounds great, but I've invested over 7K in a system I took out of the '02 accord coupe I replaced. I know that I will loose the Bluetooth and XM functionality in the car, which I willing to sacrifice. Can I replace the headunit (professionally done) without affecting other electronical areas (non-stereo related) within the car?

 

I've search the community far and wide to see if someone has changed the entire stereo system in an '04 TL and I was not able to find one owner who has done so yet. The factory system sounds really great but has some limitations. I would like to replace the entire system with what I took out of my '02 Accord Coupe. The car and system is as follows:

04' Anthracite w/ Ebony Interior (Non-Nav)

Alpine CDA-9835 Headunit
Alpine PXA-H700 5.1 Channel Processor
Alpine CHA-S634 6-Disc CD Changer
JL 500-1 Mono Amp, JL 300/4 Amp and JL 300/2 Amp
Boston Acoustic Z-6 Separates (for front speakers)
Boston Acoustic 6.5 Pros (for rear speaker)
JL 12W6V2 Subwoofer in a sealed box
Tasuami 1.5 Farad Cap
Optima Red Top Battery
Viper 791 Alarm System

I know that it will probably cost around $3,000 - $4,000 to do the entire custom job for, but I think that the system will sound a lot better (cleaner and louder) that the stock system. I plan on doing this is Mid-October but I would just like to know if someone has at least changed the headunit with a aftermarket one. I'm in dire need of technical assistance.

 

i hope somebody replies to this post. i want to know how i should change around the sound system for my car also. i want to change everything except the head unit...i have no idea how i should go about changing the system in the 04 TL also...how exactly to get change the AMP etc...

I haven't heard of anyone changing the head unit either...I mean it is really akwardly shaped and it would be hard to have something there that would make it look ok.

I did not know if I changed the sound system that my XM radio would not work anymore...or are you talking abotu the head unit? Sorry I'm clueless with TL sound systems. I'm good with car audio but not TLs. I changed everything in my 93 Legend and did the whole re-wiring job and after my accident I just sold everything...

 

I have been toying with the idea of adding JL amos, subs and focal speakers to my car but keeping the oem head unit....Post pics when you do it.

I think I am going to dynamat my doors also.

 

There is no real reason to change out the audio unit in the dash. First, it's a unique shape. Second, the output from the unit is pre-amp, so no degradation from factory amp within head unit like most cars. Third, all DVD-A processing is done in the head unit, and why lose your 5.1. Finally, changing out the audio unit will cause a loss in the steering wheel controls. Quality amps and speakers make the difference. I challenge anyone to be able to really tell a difference between head units with external amps. If you keep the factory unit, your system can be stealthy to potential thieves. I kept the factory unit in my '92 Legend, added quality amps and speakers and had a fantastic system. The bad rap on factory head units has to do with the fact that the vast majority use internal amps and you have to use a line level converter to put the signal back to pre-amp before connecting your aftermarket amp, with a real loss of signal quality. No such problem with the TL.

Brew0360:
You have planned a great system, but save the money on the head unit and 5.1 processor. Use the factory unit. Don't forget to upgrade the center speaker. Although the center speaker in this car is subtle, I replaced mine with a quality 3.5 and I can tell the difference, even with the stock system.

 

Hi guys I am new to this forum. I just signed up today and I love it! You guys are great! Anyways I was doing research on www.sounddomain.com and I found a 2004 TL with an aftermarket radio!!! So here is the link and check it out if you can! Its a pioneer CD/DVD player with monitor if I am correct. Here is the link http://www.sounddomain.com/memberpage/635483. Also does anyone have a aftermarket wood kit with the wood pieces that go on the steering wheel? I just ordered those pieces.

 

Check this out. Ask this seller what they're putting in, in its place. see http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=38641

 

I'd think changing out the head unit would also cripple the HandsFreeLink feature and any voice prompting (with or without Navi) as it integrates with the head unit to pause a playing disc/tape and (seamlessly) change over to the telephone call as the input source.

Mike