so after doing the searches all over the forums, I still have a couple questions. I really want to get the phatbox but on a couple conditions:

1. assuming the phatbox is connected in the trunk with the SAT wiring, can you press the SAT BUTTON on the head unit to start using it? or do you HAVE to use the DISC BUTTON. i heard that you can get firmware to do one or the other?

2. does it, or can it display the song name and artist on the head unit? or do I HAVE to use the voice announcement?

3. where can i get an adapter to plug the phatbox directly to the SAT prewire? i don't want to do personal mods.

 

From what I understand in SAT mode you get track titles, in CD mode you don't. Since I have sat radio I want to connect to the pass-through (CD changer) output of the sat tuner, but they haven't gotten back to me about whether or not that's feasable.

 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

where can i get an adapter to plug the phatbox directly to the SAT prewire

<hr></blockquote> your request it instead of the standard cable in the comments section of your order.

03 6MT coupe, red/willow, premium, aero, splash guards, alum pedals, clear corners, double 15% tint

 

is there an alternative to the phatbox for cheaper?

also, how is this different from the kenwood music keg

 

Whether you use the DISC or SAT button, it does the same thing...activate the Phatbox, so it's really no big deal.
I believe you can get the display to show artist and song name, but I heard that the software is really buggy. The one that the Phatbox comes with is very stable. You don't want to be looking at the display while you're driving anyway, so I find the voice announcements very helpful and convenient.
I think the main difference between the Phatbox and the Kenwood keg are the head units they use. Stock for Phatbox, and Kenwood head units for the keg.
When you order your Phatbox, make sure you request the special cable for our G35. Best mod ever

99 Supercharged Civic Si sold
03.5 DG 6MT Coupe
AIM: Ken99Si

 

the phatbox is essentially a kenwood music keg.
an alternative is the Neo car jukebox by ssiamerica.com, its $300

<font color=green>-Rambo</font color=green>
G35c-6MT-DG/Willow/HyperGround/BorlaExhaust/350Z-intake/AVIC-N1-double-din

 

i looked some other phatbox like units....Best i can tell, they do not support steering wheel controls or integration with the existing head unit. They use an add on controller that dangles from your dash somewhere...also fm modulation for sound. But they are cheaper.

03 6MT coupe, red/willow, premium, aero, splash guards, alum pedals, clear corners, double 15% tint