berfles

Since my stock system doesn't read CDs, I was looking for a new one that will let me plug my flash drive into it since that's easier than using CDs.

I was looking into this one somewhat:

http://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-KDC-MP...3670983&sr=1-2

Are there better ones than that for under $200? I'll be using the stock speakers since those still work.

berfles

I guess this Alpine is in the mix as well though initial review checks aren't that great:

http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/cde-102

Hell, any of the Alpines listed for $250 are being considered now.

http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/ida-x303
http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/cda-105
http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/cde-103bt

Though this sounds annoying, are all USB compatible head units like this?

GtiKyle

iTrader: (5)

This is going in my car in a month or so - http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-2010-Kenwood...#ht_4176wt_939

Kenwood KDC-x794 Great deck, controls are better than alpines IMO...

berfles

That one looks nice, seems like it would match the interior well without all those crazy lights all over the place. I'll look into it more, thanks.

I've never put one of these in a car before, is there a write-up anywhere? Do I just need the wire harness?

GtiKyle

iTrader: (5)

Install is super simple. Decks come with the mounting cage, super simple instructions. Usually there will be a harness on the back of the deck, and all you have to do is just butt connector those wires onto the stock wires in the dash. Pretty straightforward. Google it if you have any troubles.

berfles

Cool, thanks. So far this one is definitely first on my list, but no point ordering now since it's the middle of the week. I'll make my mind up for sure and order over the weekend.

GreatShamanGT

iTrader: (9)

I've heard some good things about Eonon head units. Might have to google it.

berfles

I went with the Kenwood:



Just trying to figure it all out now

GtiKyle

iTrader: (5)

From all the reviews i read, you should be happy. It shouldn't be too hard of an install...Let us know how it works out for you.

berfles

Well, I think I'll be ok once I figure out how to get the stock one totally out...



Do I have to cut the cable or is there a way to get it off?


As for wiring, I think I have it situated since the wires didn't seem to match the diagrams:

berfles

Ok, since I can't edit, found a mistake, re-posting in a minute...




Does that look right? What about the Illumination?

berfles

Alright, so it appears that the harnesses are connected to the tape/radio deck, and the CD player just connects to that, so I have to remove both... I guess by putting a new head unit it I lose the function of the cassette/radio unit (which makes sense if that's where the harness is), but for now I'll leave it in there physically. It looks like I can yank the DIM cord from the back of the cassette/radio unit just to get the CD player out of the way, so I'll try that when I get home.

So for now I just need someone to double check my last wiring list and see if it's right.

berfles

Ok I made everything harder by overthinking the hell out of the whole process, but aside from that, once I figured out what to do, it was pretty easy. Everything works, I have the wires held together with wire nuts right now because it got too late to do it properly. When I get home today I'll put the butt connectors on, put everything back the way it belongs, and take some pictures.

Newsome79

iTrader: (3)

looking at these pics looks like you have a bose system. which means headaches if you dont read alot about this. Here is what I have done I have a few post on various Bose related stereo replacement and speaker replacement. I did this recently so most of the parts should still be available.

https://www.rx7club.com/interior-exterior-audio-26/snake-dead-828107/

https://www.rx7club.com/interior-exterior-audio-26/bose-amp-diy-repair-guide-885516/

https://www.rx7club.com/interior-exterior-audio-26/fd-component-speaker-subwoofer-amp-install-889764/

https://www.rx7club.com/interior-exterior-audio-26/found-someone-make-fd-front-speaker-brackets-replace-bose-need-core-893416/


I noticed that the Kenwood preouts are only 2V which means you can not drive the Bose amps with them they need about 4V-5V preouts to drive them to get any meaningful volume.

Can you return that for another model with higher level line outs.
Here is the current JVC model that replaced the one i have with 5V preouts USB Ipod control and built in HD radio. That is if you Antenna is working.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...+KD-AHD69.html

your other option for keeping the Kenwood Stereo is using an adapter to lower the output signals from speaker level to Bose amp input levels. There is a sticky at the top of this forum about that subject.

https://www.rx7club.com/interior-exterior-audio-26/bose-schosche-adapter-42023/

Newsome79

iTrader: (3)

Correction you have 4 V pre-outs which may not drive the Bose wave thing in the rear to full volume but the front speakers will sound fine with that.

berfles

I definitely don't have the Bose system, no snake tubes in the back and nothing says Bose anywhere... Looking back at the first owner's papers, he had the CD player installed after he bought the car, so I'm not sure what went on with that.


It's installed all the way now with butt connectors (had wire nuts just to test) and I put the cassette deck back in to fill the hole. Sounds good, though I need to keep tweaking the EQ. I find it funny these 16 year old speakers sound much better than the aftermarket ones I put in my daily driver a few years back.