Looking at replacing my HU, keeping the stock speakers, car is a 03.5 with Bose. The HU mentioned has what i'm looking for in addition to the navigation, here are my priorities:
1. HD Radio tuner built-in
2. Bluetooth
3. iPod ready

http://www.crutchfield.com/s_105NT3H....html?tp=20212

I'm looking at pro/cons of this unit. it's hard to find a HU that has the built in HD and the other items mentioned. Since i'm keeping the stock speakers, i will need the PAC ROEM-NIS2.

Unsure about the Metra DD kit, but for what i read from Wrathernaut, that provides the best fitment being a true DD conversion kit compared to the JDM kit?

Are there other HU out there with the features i mentioned that possinbly outperform this one? TIA.

 

also, Crutchfield provides a wiring harness to connect the HU, is this wiring harness the way to go? this is the one included if i wer to buy the HU from Crutchfield. i know they are usually very good to deal with and do provide a lot of good install instructions, etc. So with that said how does the PAC ROEM-NIS2 play into this?

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1207075...ab=other_items

 

The specs on the headunit look fine, and seeing the interface in action, it looks very responsive: - not pretty, but very quick.

No idea on sound quality and stuff, but I wouldn't mind getting my hands on one and giving it a test-drive.

 

thanks for the input, but what about the second question on the wiring harness?

 

You can try to use the 70-7551 equivalent harness that crutchfield will include for free before picking up the ROEM-NIS2. I've had good luck with the 70-7551, some others have, but most others haven't had any luck with the 70-7551 sounding correct at all, while everyone's reported positive results with the PAC ROEM-NIS2 when keeping the Bose amplifier.

 

i see. what about the metra kit? they have it for $99 on sale through them, not a bad price i figured for that but the paint does chip easy for what i read.

 

hey i really appreciate your input, you seem to be the source on this forum but the 70-7551 i believe the issues with it are in the 03-04 models correct? whereas the 05 and beyond seem to have no issues. When you say "sounding correct at all" what exactly are the issues with this harness in our vics? just no sound period?

 

The match on 05-07's is close in color, but it's painted plastic, not metal. The match on 03-04s is very close, but the paint isn't nearly as durable. I'd consider using one in an 03-04, but not 05-07. You can see comparison photos in this portion of my DDin install/resource sticky.

03-04s seem to be more affected, but it certainly affects 05-07s as well. I have used the 70-7551 in two different 05's (Sedan and Coupe) with bose, and it sounded fine in both.

The sound is extremely quiet, and the bass not scaling properly with volume is even more pronounced. Basically exactly what you'd expect when you send an unbalanced signal to an amp that requires a balanced signal - half the audio signal is interpreted as noise and thrown out.

 

They also offer two types of steering wheel control units the PAC-SWI Jack which is referenced for JVC model HUs and the Axxess ASWC. You mentioned in your thread to use the Axxess kit instead to maintain the steering wheel control. Just want to make sure since the other one was labeled as the one to use for the brand model i am getting.

 

The Axxess ASWC is a much easier install, no resistors are required, and it auto-programs, and it's about the same price, within a few dollars up or down, depending on the market.

 

Thanks for all the help.

 

You should reach out to kricci. He just recently had this installed in his coupe. I must say it's very nice. I'm also looking to get this installed as well in the future. What sold me is the detachable face. And the bluetooth connectivity to your Iphone/Ipod so you can stream Pandora.

 

I ordered a headunit from crutchfield, along with the Metra adapter. Matches my black interior perfectly. However, the gray buttons are a real turn off. They're kind of cheap looking and feel a bit "mushy". I'm satisfied for now, but can see myself opting for the JDM trim in the future. Although it's not cheap, you get a quality product that will last and a true OEM look.

 

I got quoted $939 for all parts n labor on this unit. Good deal?

 

Sounds fair? I know the unit runs about $800 some places. Are you getting the JDM double din kit or the Metra kit?