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Car Stereos

Discussion in 'Techno-Magic' started by The Great Snook, Feb 28, 2010.

  1. The Great Snook Gems: 31/31
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    Remove all ads!
    I have a 2007 Pontiac G6 with the stock radio and I'm thinking about upgrading it. I would like to get HD radio, but more importantly I want to be able to plug my iPhone into it for playback and for charging ability.

    My concern is that my stock radio controls various functions of the car and displays various car related information to me (temp, icy roads, low traction, trunk ajar, etc.). When you put in a replacement radio, do they "synch up" with the car and continue to give you information? I spoke to someone at Bestbuy, and he said no, but I really am not sure if he knows what the heck he is talking about (especially if the replacement is a high end model). I guess I can contact the dealership and see what they have.

    Does anyone have any experience with this?
     
    The Great Snook, Feb 28, 2010
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  2. Chandos the Red

    Chandos the Red This Wheel's on Fire

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    I really don't know, Snook. I was never a road shop sales guy, although I was friends with the RS mgr. at Circuit, who then moved on to a BB nearby, and then Fry's, which is where we lost track. But I would suggest that you could upgrade the amp and speakers and leave the pre-amp/tuner (seems to be they should have a add-on dock for existing systems for the IPhone), as it is, if you are satisfied with the tuner. Maybe that way you could get great sound and still have all the electronics for your car. I have a feeling the BB is right, but I'm not 100 percent certain.
     
    Chandos the Red, Mar 1, 2010
    #2
  3. Blackthorne TA

    Blackthorne TA Master in his Own Mind Staff Member ★ SPS Account Holder Adored Veteran Pillars of Eternity SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!)

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    I'd go to Crutchfield. They seem to be very knowledgeable and I've heard good things from others. They have a huge database of car-specific info and a lot of helpful information on the site and you can call them for more information. The page I linked lets you select your specific car and it will give you your options. There seem to be purchasable "integration adapters" for such things as what you describe.
     
    Blackthorne TA, Mar 1, 2010
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  4. Kitrax

    Kitrax Pantaloons are supposed to go where!?!?

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    The problem with most modern cars is that everything under the dash is multiplexed. The "radio" in my Honda Accord contains the circuitry/controls for the dual-zone climate control, the radio, the CD changer, the rear windshield defroster, the hazard light switch, and probably a bunch of other stuff...which is why it costs over $1000 to get it replaced.

    I agree with BTA, try Crutchfield first. You might have to get a DSP to clean up the factory radio's output before feeding it to an amp. And remember, you want the RMS power rating....not the *peak* rating when you're looking at audio equipment.
     
    Kitrax, Mar 1, 2010
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  5. Chandos the Red

    Chandos the Red This Wheel's on Fire

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    Will Crutchfield do the installation as well? Perhaps they can install it in the field for you, Snook. I would be extra careful about getting a unit from an outlet and having someone else install it. You are OK if there are no issues, and it could work out just fine, but if there's a problem, you may end up with a situation where they are blaming each other, and you will be stuck in the middle until you can get it resolved.
     
    Chandos the Red, Mar 1, 2010
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  6. The Great Snook Gems: 31/31
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    I am now leaning towards getting something like this.



    For the record, I wish I could find someone who I was actually confident that they knew what the hell they are talking about. :)
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 19, 2015
    The Great Snook, Mar 1, 2010
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  7. Kitrax

    Kitrax Pantaloons are supposed to go where!?!?

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    I didn't watch the video, but USA Spec makes a iPod -> OEM Radio adapter that allows your radio to control the iPod...and charge it too.

    If I ever waste money on an iPod, I'd get the USA Spec adapter for my car. :thumb:
     
    Kitrax, Mar 2, 2010
    #7
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