I just got everything I had accumulated installed and I have to say I absolutely love it. I did this for really cheap, total cost just under $1500 installed, but I got a break on the install from a friend of my brother's who owns a shop (did all the work for $350 cash!!) and a really nice job.

I got the HU off ebay for a steal with the nav module. Then I got everything else off ebay cheap.
I installed a pioneer sub with a zenclosure box, polk components for the front, Kenwood DDX 1715 with nav, ipod, steering wheel controls, bluetooth, and an amp for the fronts and a separate amp for the sub.

Obviously the HU is not the sexiest, but I got it for the improvement in sound over the stock HU, plain and simple. And $400 for this HU including the kenwood nav module is a steal no matter what.

The idea was never any bling, just great sound for as cheap as I could get it, and I love how it came out. Sounds awesome to me! To me the screen looks stock (already got the question if it was) and there's just enough show to be proud of it. Check out the pics.

 

A few more pics showing the bluetooth mic, the bluetooth unit which is a universal clarion add on (mutes the HU and sound comes from speakers, but call is not displayed on HU or anything) and IR for the steering wheel controls (no direct wire for this HU - had to use the IR remote version). The IR is the little black nub next to my blue alarm LED) And the DVD works along with the nav while in motion!

 

looks nice.. i would put the amp some where else.. like the glove box or something.. it looks out of place where it is.. would be much cleaner somewhere else

 

Yea, well the installer made the choice on that. I didn't actually get to talk to him prior to the install - just dropped it all off for him (like I said it was an under the table arrangement through my brother, and I had to go out of town.) The other amp for the fronts is in the Bose sub compartment behind the driver seat. I just thought it's like how some people have amp racks that show.

 

Nice... A well-planned system providing good sound and lots of function for a very reasonable price.

My only comment is the same thing Doug mentions: I think I would reposition the amp somewhere else because it shows the wiring. I don’t have a problem displaying an amp as long as the ugly wiring is hidden.

Question: What navigation device are you using?

--Spike

 

Funny, I thought the wires looked kinda cool, like for the same reason a grounding kit can look cool in the engine bay. To each his own I guess.
I doubt I'll change the amp position, but actually I'm just worried about it being visible to theives. The windows are tinted and all, but...

The nav module is a DVD unit (Kenwood KNA) that goes in the glovebox. I don't know the exact model number off hand.

 

Looks great! Good job. Any plans to upgrade the front stage?

 

Clean install, but did the installer really put screws into your rear strut panel?

(see attachment below)

 

+1 on the ouch part. Tell the installer he owes you new strut panels...

 

The fronts are Polk db6500 components and I love how they sound.

Yes, the installer used screws. I was mostly working along the lines of "beggers can't be choosers" or something, since like I said, I dropped it all off for him, got a great deal I couldn't argue with, and didn't really give him any direction on the project (probably was a bit crazy on my part I'll admit).

I'm just really enjoying the buyer's satisfaction for all of what I got for my money. This was not something I had ever planned on doing or planned on spending a lot of money on.

 

great setup

 

enjoy
congrats

 

That's cool, as long as you're happy that's all that really matters..

 

getting a deal doesn't give someone the right to fck up your car?

 

^^ Doug, That’s what I’m thinking as well. But, I certainly understand why the OP doesn’t feel he should be complaining. He did get a great deal and generous help. I suppose he could fix the couple of minor problems pointed out here, but it sounds as though he may not think it’s worth doing.

--Spike

 

Pioneer?

 

good for hte cost, but that installer really needs to get his act together...i spot a bunch of things i would not do even to a basic install like this...

b

 

Nothing wrong with Pioneer gear. Their IMPP subs are some of the best budget subs you can buy. And their amps, although not very beefy are pretty solid.

 

i could have done a cleaner install by myself.. and i am just a simple enthusiast.. but its his car..

 

+1

I did every thing myself. Nothing fancy... just a simple, clean install.