Mark355

Ok, after three years of ownership and even though I love my Q300 exhaust, I'm pretty sick of cruising without music. All I want to do is use my Sansa Fuze MP3 player in the car. Nothing fancy. Car is a 2006 with OEM headunit. Budget is around $150, but I've never replaced a headunit before so not sure what I'm getting into.

Should I just drive to a local audio place and have them install whatever they sell me? If not, I have no clue what to buy. Not sure either if I should go the extra route and retain dash controls with an adapter since all I use is MP3 and the dash can't switch tracks for me anyway.

Suggestions? Sorry this is so basic.

OldDog

Seen some decent Alpine MP3 decks with usb interface on ebay for less than $150, you don;t need a DCI but if you want Moddifry's I think it's around $100 just for the DCI.

Kronn 98SH

You can get all sorts of HUs with MP3 player interfaces for under $150. Since you have a no-name player, finding a HU that can control and/or charge your player is unlikely.

My recommendation: buy a used iPod and a HU with direct iPod controlling/charging. Otherwise, anything with an AUX-in will work.

takeshi

What you should do is your call to make. Replacing the head unit is very easy. It's even easier if you get an Alpine and buy Modifry's Alpine PnP harness. There are DIY threads on replacing the head unit.

Again, your call. You can still control volume. Can't answer for your needs/wants. I use an iPod and have full control.

Reckon

If you are ok with your stock system, just find an AUX IN connector for the OEM HU to plug into your MP3 player. If you want a better sound system, a new HU and some new speakers will work wonders. An aftermarket HU might or might not be able to control your MP3 player from the HU (more than likely not).

http://www.crutchfield.com/g_50900/A...ml?o=f&tp=1672

Link above shows an AUX IN adaptor for the stock HU for $90 at Crutchfield. It will come with directions on installing as well (very easy to do). You can always check with the local S2K guys in your area - I am sure there are plenty who would be willing to help you out!

thielepr

just add hon-aux moule. it works well

Mark355

How does the AUX IN adapter look when installed with the OEM headunit? I don't want anything that looks like too much of an afterthought.

Kronn 98SH

Judging by the picture from the above link, I'm guessing it could be installed directly behind the HU. Then, you would just run a mini-stereo wire from it to your MP3 player.

Seems like a waste of money when you can spend twice that and have a real headunit...AND be able to hear your music when the top is down.

thielepr

That depends of what your looking for. In my case a have an 07 ap2 radio + I did change speakers + Also the hon-aux and that's for me. Between the ap2 radio and sony speakers I can hear my music very well with top down at highway without problems.

Yes, you should be able to hide the interface behind the radio and just have a stereo cable coming

Mark355

There's room behind the OEM headunit to hide the AUX adapter and cabling? Looks pretty big.

Crutchfield wants $90 for the AP2 adapter and they're out-of-stock. Found this on eBay for $70: http://www.ebay.com/...0aa8fd0&vxp=mtr

Think the eBay one is ok?