Ok so today I installed a single DIN Sony CA-810X headunit with a metra housing kit.

Not a fan of Sony car audio but I used a Best Buy gift card for the headunit...my primary intention was to have room for a cleaner install of my Tein EDFC controller as it was stuck to the side of the center console such that my right knee would bang into it once in a while plus it was sideways.

Install was no big problem besides the usual pain in the a$$ harness wiring. But one problem and it may be related to either the headunit or the antenna...with my stock headunit all of my FM presets would come out clearly...the Sony isn't nearly as good...could it have been my antenna attachment/plug-in? Some of the stations don't come out at all while in the parking garage (when my stock radio would be clear) while others are crystal clear. Does anybody know what this could be an indication of? When playing cd's there is a vast improvement in sound.

Btw...i put the EDFC on the far side cuz i want to put the Valentine1 remote display next to it close to me whenever I do get the V1.

 

You must hook up the power antenna lead on the stock harness to the remote connection on the headunit. The Z has an antenna booster and reception will suck without it on.

 

hmmm...i used a harness adaptor...must've been one of the wires i didn't use. Thanks for the info!

 

Is the Tein unit narrow enough to fit where the slide out cupholder is? That would be cool to have it mounted there

 

Do a search on this forum for "reception". Alot of threads regarding hooking up the remote turn-on lead to power the antenna amplifier wire.