I finally managed to get some pics of my stereo installation. I went with the following:

http://houstonperformancedriving.com...ad.php?t=27708

Alpine IVA-W205 with Ipod Cable, Sirius Tuner, Steering Wheel Interface Adaptor and BOYO VTL-400 Camera
DLS UR6S Component Speakers
ARC Audio 4-Channel Amp
Clifford 12.5X 2-Way Alarm

I have also purchased a 4080 box and Image Dynamics ID10 Sub, but I have yet to have them installed!

All work was performed (in Houston, TX) by Rocky at:

www.Rockstardesigns.net

Rocky does great work and his prices are very FAIR! If you live in Houston and need somebody to install your stereo; give Rocky a call at 281-813-7348. I guarantee you that you will not regret him doing the job b/c he'll get it done right the first time!

 

Clean install, did they install any fans for some airflow to the amp?

 

Haven't really seen a need to do anything like that as of yet. The amp stays relatively cool right now. Once I install sub, I may need to add a fan to keep the amp cool, but right now its not really a priority.

 

Nice install. That's a good place to put a small amp. I had my JL 500/5 under that black cover but I had to modify the cover a little bit. I never had any overheating issues. So maybe you won't either.

 

nice how do you like the unit so far? i'm getting mine done soon, but cant seem to decide between the alpine W205 (1800 installed w/ all the other ipod bs) or the kenwood dnx7100 (1600ish installed w/ same bs)

can anyone give a comparison of their own opinions? this will really help me out a bunch, thanks. sorry for the thread jack.

 

looks good very clean install

 

Is the 1800 installed include the Alpine Blackbird 2?

To be honest, If I had to do it over I would probably just buy the Avic D3. The only reason I didn't go with the D3 the first time is b/c i think it looks way too obvious that its aftermarket. With the IVA-W205, DNX7100, etc....properly flush mounted, it looks as though the radio is factory.

 

yea, thats with the blackbird, and steering wheel control, and whatever else for the ipod. i also like the design of it, looks better than the d3 imo.

 

Infinite 636,

I just saw on the forums yesterday that the IVA-W505 will be coming out in the next couple months. Honestly, I think your best bet would just be to wait until that unit comes out and purchase it along with the Blackbird 2. Based on what I've seen on this unit....it is pretty amazing. It is far superior to the W205 IMO and I will probably be upgrading when to it soon after it is released.

Check it out:

http://www.intechnews.com/2007/12/31...-video-cars-3/

I hate Alpine for doing this to me. I knew I should have just waited a year to do my DD install b/c I was sure this was going to happen.

I think if our car had a black dash it would look ok. I've seen a D3 installed in a C6 vette and it looks really good (thought it was factory). However, in our cars the D3 really does stand out as being an aftermarket radio. Just wait....the W505 will retail for $1k....I'm sure it'll be worth the wait.