Alright, previously I was considering adding an AUX port to my factory fitted stereo (Bose) - this option is still not out of the picture, I may still consider it.

But now I'm leaning more towards changing the stereo (based on feedback here).

My MAIN criteria is that the new stereo should FIT well, just like the stock one. All I really care about:

1. Sound is at least as good as it is now (obviously would prefer it's better)
2. A must have -- aux in (or Bluetooth. so I can play music from my itouch/phone/etc).
3. CD changer (currently have 6cd changer) -- this is slightly optional, if the rest of stereo is really good I can let this go

Budget: I would like the stereo to be under $400 if possible (can push it a bit, but would prefer lower as installation will cost 300ish too).

Double DIN or Single? I'm not exactly sure what it is now, but I'd like to keep it the same as now.

Thanks!!

More info: I have a 2006 350z touring coupe, automatic. Picture of current stereo is attached

 

1. 99.999% of after market radios will sound better and louder than stock because theyre able to supply more power.
2. Almost every radio will have auxiliary input, but I definitely go for bluetooth. At first I didnt think id use it much, but now its all I use. Its great for music on the phone, Pandora, and taking calls from the radio.
3. With bluetooth and pandora, you wont need a CD changer. Just rip all your CDs to your phone and play them in the car.


As for installation why dont you do it yourself? Its really easy to wire it up, just match up the colors. I would say the hardest part is removed the "waterfall" to install the radio. I used a Metra kit and the radio fits perfect with no gaps and looks as OE as possible.

My budget was ~$350 as well so I went with the Kenwood DDX470 because of this thread and its reviews..
https://my350z.com/forum/audio-and-v...od-ddx470.html

For $350 it has everything I wanted. Rear auxiliary, bluetooth, USB input, RCA outputs, rear camera support, large LCD panel, and physical volume ****.

 

Thanks for the great advice, I think I like this I'm not sure if I want to do it myself as I've never ever done anything of this sort, am not very knowledgeable when it comes to cars / stereos, and I don't have any tools (or even space for that matter, don't have a driveway / garage). So I kind of have to get it installed, but I'm trying to find a reliable local place that may charge more but does it professionally.

Do you have the rear camera hooked in as well? I don't really need it but just curious. And I'm assuming all your wheel controls work / integrate with it perfectly too, right? (didn't find anything on the thread about this so just confirming)

One more question - where does the MIC go, does it go on the rear view mirror or in the unit itself?

Thanks again

 

Blaupunkt Blaupunkt Blaupunkt

and more Blaupunkt

 

If you really have no confidence in doing it yourself then I guess have someone else do it. Its so easy, everything is plug and play! A screw driver and 10mm ratchet will get everything out and in easily. The only thing I had a slight issue with was un clipping the gauges.
I dont have a drive way either, well I do but my brother parks his track ready (thats never seen a track) S2000 there so I did it on the street. I even swapped speakers parked in the street lol.

Yes I have the rear camera hooked in as well. It was very easy to do, I ran the video wire through the trunk, under the passenger rear cubby, under armrest then to radio. It was plug and play and works wonderful. I use it all the time to back up close to a wall at work or home. Its not really a necessity but for ~$20 its worth having a feature new cars have that people pay hundreds for.
I have an 03 so no steering wheel controls, I wouldnt want them anyway, I love using the stereo to raise or lower.
The mic can go anywhere you want it to go, but I put it on top of rear view mirror. It works flawless and no one has complained about sound quality. I asked my GF and she said its a lot easier to hear than my Jabra bluetooth I used to use while driving.

 

You will need the Metra AWSC to retain your steering wheel audio controls. These run for about $50-80 I believe. I've been wanting to swap my OEM headunit for aftermarket.

The Kenwood DDX470 above is a nice unit to go with.

Order the backup camera from eBay, they're about $20 and is super easy to install. I installed it after reading these forums, took under 10 minutes to do everything (I didn't run it under the cubby, I kinda just lined it along the side of the trunk and around the speaker thing...so the line shows, but nobody will notice since it blends in with the black plastic)