I was told by the dealer that I woudn't have the ability to replace the stock stereo in my 06 LX model due to the ties it has with the airbags, ABS brakes and other things, is he full of it and if so please let me know if anyone has any recomendations on good replacement options with an MP3 jack built in

Lies, lies, they're all lies. You can easily change out the radio without touching any of these other systems.

With the proper adaptor, most any major manufacturer's aftermarket stereo with a CD changer jack will work. Take a look at an Alpine CDA-9847 (less than $200) using their iPod adaptor ($100 more) if you have an iPod, or their basic aux adaptor ($15, I think) if you have somebody else's MP3 player. With the iPod adaptor, you can control the iPod from the deck.

Can a moderator, with a rank higher than my Mod, J.G. rank, please move this to the Electronics thread? :)

Thanks for the feedback, if I don't care about the stereo much can I run an Aux input from the back?

Sure. If you used the above piece and their 15' Ai-NET extension cable, you could put the jack in the back. The Alpine would work well in that there is also a $20 remote control available to work the deck from back there, too.

Thanks outpost4, I've looked into it a little bit and you seem very sold on the Alpine, don't you own a store? I've been looking on-line (of course) and there are several options with built in line out RCA adaptors, are these on the back which means I will have to drill a hole to run the cable out? Thanks for your help

:-P Yes, I own a store. Yes, I am sold on Alpine. It is the most reliable company we carry, home and car stereo combined, and that I like.


People have it all wrong when they are looking to buy a stereo. In general, people look at features first, sound quality second and reliability third. That is exactly backwards from the way it should be. The most important thing is reliability. If it doesn't work, it's a piece of sh!t. Second is sound quality. You do plan on listening to this thing, don't you? And third is features. You'll probably end up with three times the number of buttons you'll really use.


Alpine has a family of sound - clean and clear. It's right there but not edgy. They also have great bass.

The CDE-9847 is an excellent value. It has all the pre-outs (front, rear & sub) you'll need to hook it up into the Element's amp. It's XM or Sirius ready, your choice. It will play most any disc you put in it.

And finally, since it is discontinued - we're right in the middle of Alpine's annual line change - you can probably get a great deal on one. We have it on sale for $159.

The new equivalent model is the CDE-9856, BTW.

Watch out - I'm a stereo salesman! :grin: But buy it from your local independent dealer, please, not me. :)

I'm in an LX model thus the reason that I'm changing the OEM, my main goal is to have the ability to play my Dell MP3 player. I agree with all that you have said with regards to sound quality so my next question is what are my options with the LX that may bring me up to snuff with the EX which I didn't opt to spend the money on. Why do you suggest buying from a local shop? Just curious.

Support. They will help you. They can install it. When you have a problem, they will take care of it. They also could use your business. If you want to be able to go into a shop, touch the gear and hear it, and ask somebody a question, then go buy something from your local independent stereo shop. Otherwise they won't be there tomorrow.

Have you tried to find a CD/record store lately?

I noticed you had an LX. I wasn't thinking. The deck is still right. Hook it up to the factory speakers. I'm sure the deck's internal amp sounds better than the cheesy EX factory amp. If you want to step up the speakers and/or add a sub, then come on over to the Mobile Electronics forum and explore around. These subjects are well discussed over there.

EDIT: Oops, now over here. Thank you, Oh Mod I Aspire To Be, for moving this thread. :grin:

Heck yeah! Go Alpine! In my short driving span of 4 years I have had 3 after market cd players in 2 cars and Alpine has blown the others away! I would definately say Alpine is a great choice!

Jeffnitta, I second the Alpine recommendation. I've had one in just about every vehicle I've owned for the last 10 years & I've never been disappointed. I'm a little farther up the model line than the one outpost indicates, but like he said - I have a lot of features that I don't really use. Mine is a CDA-7931.....has a front face that tilts in 3 different positions so you can reduce glare on the front panel to see it better, but that is really of no use in the 'E. The radio sits up so high in the dash that it can't be seen in any position other than the standard one...... Too many bells & whistles just jacks up the price & is something else to go wrong.

Here's a pic in case you're curious....not the best pic for the stereo since I was trying to show the XM install, but you get the idea.

Oh yeah, I take to heart what he says about buying locally now. I bought my first one off the 'net & it was DOA. No returns, just repair - took 5 months to get it back so I bought another one locally & sold the fixed one on ebay at a significant loss.

Thank you everyone, also thanks for the pics they are helpful and from what I'm hearing everyone is pro Alpine and pro local shop, I knwo what my weekend will involve now! Great job everyone.

regards

Jeff

By the way has anyone else been told by the dealer that they cannot replace the stock HU and that it needs to be reloacted in another area of the car due to it's effect on other function of the car such as air bags and ABS breaks?????

thanks

By the way has anyone else been told by the dealer that they cannot replace the stock HU and that it needs to be reloacted in another area of the car due to it's effect on other function of the car such as air bags and ABS breaks?????

thanks

No, but the thought is not completely off base though...certain year Civics (http://www.streetdreams.com/tech/honda/civic9698.html) had the keyless entry and dome light control inside the stock HU for theft deterrent purposes. This practice was widely criticized by owners and Honda ditched the idea rather quickly.

hey everyone,
im new to this site and well looking to put a kenwood for a deck with the usb cable for a thumb drive. however im not to sure on how to go about removing the stock deck. i dont want to break the panels. can someone please help. this cali element owner.:D

This is the tailgate setup.
It also has a camping and road trip setup.
Good luck.

Hello there,

I'm considering changing the factory head unit on my 2006 EX using the metra 70-1725 harness to connect a Sony CDX GT300 paired with a half-din Keenwood equalizer (KGC-6042A) I have laying around the house and keep the original wiring/amp/speakers for the time being.

First off, would this be considered an upgrade to the stock system in terms of power and sound? My stock stereo works and meets my basic requirements (it has an auxiliar-in and a subwoofer).

Secondly, if I do decide to go ahead with it, what type of installation kit would I need?

And finally, will I still be able to use the in-dash auxiliar input and the steering wheel controls? (My Sony head unit has a front panel auxiliar in, but it would be great not to lose these features).

Thanks!