Another problem has arisen. The SC-710 head unit in my 850 died completely today. I'm looking at installing an aftermarket head unit this weekend (either kenwood, pioneer, or sony). How exactly do I go about doing this? Do I need to remove the dashboard to pop out the radio or is it less involved than that? Thanks very much for the help.

 

To get the factory radio out is very easy,Next to the preset buttons on each side is a little bar looking thing that is vertical.Push them in to get them to pop out.Then pull out more and the radio will slide out.

Remember to buy the dash kit and the wiring to make your install a breeze.

 

Yes, use a wiring conversion harness from

Scosche http://www.scosche.com
Metra http://www.metraonline.com

You can buy them thru Crutchfield -- also, Circuit City and Best Buy.

Also, hardware mounting kits are available.

 

Thanks for the replies. I ordered a Sony unit from Crutchfield with an Ipod adapter.

 

For lowest prices on headunits, wiring harnesses, and dash kits, check eBay. You will need a compatible dash kit or pocket to replace the dash part that you will be taking out. The wiring harness (specific for your model and year) will be used to connect the stock output into the new headunits input. After that, you're set to go. If you need any further assistance, I can help guide you through the process as I got my HU installed a couple months ago.

 

Thanks, Crutchfield sends the wiring harness and a compatible dash pocket (I think it's a nissan or honda dash pocket) with the head unit free of charge.

 

I don't think its really free of charge. The obviously raise the price of the HU itself to compensate for the 'free' dash kit and harness. When you install them (or if you need help), let us know how it sounds!

 

I also just ordered from crutchfield and shopped around for the head unit.... I didnt find it cheaper anywhere else and like NAND12 I also got the wire harness and install kit "free." I usually stay away from Crutchfield because they are overpriced, but in this case for $129, free shipping, free install kit, and free wires... It seems like a steal over the factory OEM CD units that are selling on ebay for over $150.

 

Seems like a good, reasonable price. What HU did you get?

 

Sony CDX-GT200
SONY
I really just needed a CD player... wasnt to picky about anything else.. but it comes with remote and will play MP3 files

 

The signal to noise dB is good at 120 but the preamp output voltage at 2 volts is not. Well, it all depends what kind of sound you want. If you just wanted a decent mp3 player with decent quality (nothing extraordinary), you got the right one.

 

I just wanted a decent CD player... MP3 was just gravy

 

Gravy!?! It's 350 songs on a CD. Much better than your standard, 20-track CD.

 

maybe "icing on the cake" would work better
I'm not so techno savy... a plain old CD is good enough for me.. I only like 10 songs anyway.
So your saying that the playback quality wont be as good as if I got a higher voltage unit?

 

This is the output voltage the stereo preamp output rating. This is only important if you are planning to add an external power amplifier now or in the future. Higher preamp output voltage (preferably over 2.0V) is better because it lets the amplifier produce its maximum output.

If you have (or are planning to get) an amplifier, sub, and insane speaker setup, it would've have been better to get a 5-volt preamp output. Then again, I have a Kenwood X979 with 5 volts output and I don't use them so...

 

My HU arrived today. The install was a breeze and sound quality is fantastic. The 100 bucks for the Ipod adapter is well worth it and you'll never have to bring cd's again. The unit I bought was the Sony XR-F5100X Cassette unit.

 

Congradulations! Do you change songs using the ipod or HU controls?

 

I change songs using the HU controls. The Ipod screen is too difficult to see in the daytime and you really need to take your eyes off the road to be able to use it.

 

Ok, thats what I thought. I'm thinking of getting an iPod adapter for my HU as well, but then I don't really want the iPod to drive around with me all of the time, seeing as the car often gets hot and what not.

 

Can you all post pics of your new stereos etc.? I'd love to see what it looks like without the factory system. Thanks