when you guys have put systems in your car. what do you typically do with the factory head unit? i know i will loose nav if i replace the factory unit. do you guys usually put something else in. if you got any pics post some id like to see what it looks like. i am stereo and rim shopping at the moment.

 

I was in the same quandry...looks like there are a lot of options using line output converters to have a great system with the stock headunit. I think I'm going that route. I don't want to lose steering wheel controls and ipod integration into stock HU. Go into the "garage" area of the electronics section. LOTS of good info there.

 

i dont think i have those menus due to the waiting period or i am just not sure how to get there.lol.

 

Well what kind of customizing are you thinking about doing. It just all depends.

 

If you have the money, i highly recommend the 3sixty2

 

the signal from the stock HU is pretty good. Use a High/Low converter and send the signal to the amps then to new speakers.

if you feel a need to alter the signal a bit, tune it with the 3.sixty or 3.sixty.2.

 

Alpine makes a great unit as well PXE-h650...self eq and time alignment for novice or lazy people...another great product is the Audison BitOne...and that unit is the shiznit!

-Jason

if you need further help post the following.

Taste in music,desired volume,wow factor....and most importantly BuDgEt!

 

I am not an audiofile by any means but I do like decent clarity. I currently have an entire system from a previous car. I was told that the stock speakers are operating at 25 watts and can handle up to 70 without a problem. That said, I have a davidnavone 4 channel LOC on the way. Boosts stock signal to up to 9.5V. That will be enough to get the stock speakers to liven up a bit and go loud enough to turn the bass boost up a bit (have a 2 ohm load on a 1000 watt Hifonics now with gain almost off)

I just want to be able to hear crisp, clear music at highway speeds with the window down...IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK!?! lol.

 

the problem with it is that you can only have 2.1 audio, the 3.sixty lets you create and retain 5.1 surround sound.

 

I really doubt you will hear the real notes of the music going 80 with the windows down with all the wind noise without going deaf.

 

i was looking at putting a kicker solobaric, amp, some mids and tweeters to go with all that. and have been looking at tv's for my head rests. so u kinda have an idea of what im looking to do. would u all keep the stock radio in that case or switch it out?

 

What?

Sorry, couldn't hear you.

Lol...yeah, I know. I had a VERY loud system before...mids and highs were so low 2 12's were needed to balance it out. Now that I've matured, I'm down to 1 12, but I still feel like the stock amp isn't giving me that little bit more loudness I'm looking for. Just the ability to crank it up a little more without pushing the listening comfort limits. Maybe I'm deaf already...

Anyway, I have the amp, wiring, and basically all I need to try this out. For 40 bucks shipped for the davidnavone LOC, I figured I'd give it a whirl and see if that little extra power puts me where I want to be.

 

I think I'm going to be running the Audison BitONE or the 3Sixty.2 for OEM integration. I've heard lots of bad things about the Alpine PXE-H650...

 

The neat part about keeping your factory nav head unit is that it isn't as attractive to would be thieves. I did a full system in mine and used the RF 3sixty.2. I like it. I've used other pieces like this in the past but I like how small it is, and you can hide it and have to access through bluetooth. That way you don't have to see it to adjust it. Once installed, all tucked away, no muss no fuss. Another thought: if you don't have the money, and don't plan on using an RTA on yoru system once installed, just go with the 3sixty.1. Less equalization but once again, unless you're gonna use an RTA, you won't need it. 15 bands should be enough for most people. Plus, like that other guy said, if you really want to maintain 5.1 you can with these units, although I could care less about 5.1 Good Luck in your choices!

 

5.1 is a waste of time in a less than optimal vehicle setup...if your so concernced over 5.1 you should really take the time and place all speakers on axis to the listening positions...that means molding the rear speakers to the rear c pillars and point them forward...otherwise you're goin through all of that extra work for zero credible gain... 2 channel audio is the way to go...a quality subwoofer system will give you the best bang for the buck...as will adding quality front speakers and amplifier...do not try and install speakers onto your current OEM installed amplifier...it's throwing money away...the biggest key to having better sound...is good clean power and alot of IT!! take your time build everything in pieces and have fun with it...if you don't have the money for quality equipment...trust me...JUST WAIT!! build the funds and do it right the first time...

and btw...do not waste your money on expensive LOC's...really don't...the TL has a very good...totally clip free signal all the way up to 40 on the vol knob...cut the low level signal from you factory radio to amp and warm up that soldering iron...the less in your signal path the better....

-Jason

 

What is a 3.sixty? or 3.sixty.2? where do you buy it?

 

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_5753SIX...te+360&tp=6870

 

I myself have the 3Sixty.2 and love it, but another option would the JL Audio CLeanSweep. I heard one the other day for the first and was surprised by how good it sounded.

 

what about the Alpine PXE-H650.. anyone every used these? or know anything about them. i think i am def gonna use my factory unit just to make it look less attractive to someone who would want to break in and overall looks. if that fails hopefully my gloc will change their mind.lol.

 

the cleansweep is no match for the 3sixty2

 

Good choice. I wouldn't change out our head unit, especially if I had navi.

 

Google PXE-H650 reviews...I've heard some bad things about them (more than the other processor units out there). Also when using the auto-setup mic, I've heard that following the placement instructions will not return good results. There is a VERY good review of this unit on diymobileaudio.com , where he explains how he used the mic to set his up. This guy is a BIG audiophile, and knows what he is doing. Something that was a moderate difficulty to set-up could be TOO-HARD for your average person.

I've been researching OEM processors, and I'm leaning more towards a LOC and a seperate EQ device. I'm going to be running my components active...so I need some tuning abilities.