Two radios?

[Juniorfeel]

Okay, so I know a lot of you have probably seen my audio threads but this is definitely where I want to go if possible. As some of you know, I have a chinese clone GPS unit, and I want to upgrade my speakers and add a nicer sub, so I want to start with better quality audio. So, the question: Can I add an aftermarket single din radio in place of the 6-cd changer (which I don't have) in the glove box and somehow get that to play my FM instead? I could get used to using a remote if I have to bypass the GPS headunit. This is something I'd really like to get going, so I can upgrade my speakers and have it be at the best quality possible. If ANYONE can get me a solution that WORKS, I'd be more than happy to send you a tip (the $$$ kind ) via paypal. Thanks!!

[MP3DUB]

It really shouldn't be that hard, I've got my Alpine single din in the CD changer cubby. Ive got an IR repeater mounted to the inside face of the cubby so I can control it. For ease of wire management, I'd daisy chain the second stereo into the Chinese NAV instead of the other way around (connect it as an aux in, which I'm assuming it has?). Just make sure the HU has preamp outs for all the channels, not just a sub.

[coderedcomputing]

This was actually one of the routes I have on my "ideas" bin... to add a single din media unit like a Pioneer MVH-P7300 and run damn near everything off it... then use the stock location for a monitor for a Ubuntu-based Car PC running GPS/etc/etc

So you should be able to do it. As for a direct guide, not sure as I'm still in the thinking phase...

[Juniorfeel]

It really shouldn't be that hard, I've got my Alpine single din in the CD changer cubby. Ive got an IR repeater mounted to the inside face of the cubby so I can control it. For ease of wire management, I'd daisy chain the second stereo into the Chinese NAV instead of the other way around (connect it as an aux in, which I'm assuming it has?). Just make sure the HU has preamp outs for all the channels, not just a sub.

I'm actually not positive it has an aux (the chinese unit), I think it does but I just use the bluetooth to stream music from my phone. Will have to check tomorrow. Sorry if this is a stupid thing to ask, but what is an IR repeater? Is this going to operate as a normal radio, for example, if I turn on the car, is the FM radio going to come on automatically? Or am I going to have to turn on the aux/headunit/whatever? And can you elaborate on the daisy chain? What is it that I need to bring over to the new unit from the old? The headunit I want to get has 6 preamps (same as preouts?). They are labeled as 2volt front, rear, sub. Here's the link to the one I want http://www.ebay.com/itm/400293245134...ht_2889wt_1344

I really appreciate the help!

This was actually one of the routes I have on my "ideas" bin... to add a single din media unit like a Pioneer MVH-P7300 and run damn near everything off it... then use the stock location for a monitor for a Ubuntu-based Car PC running GPS/etc/etc

So you should be able to do it. As for a direct guide, not sure as I'm still in the thinking phase...

Yeah, I wanted to upgrade speakers but figured I should get a proper headunit for good output...you can put all the performance upgrades, spoilers, wheels and paint on a 90's civic, but at the end of the day, still a civic. What I mean is I want to upgrade the unit first, so the speakers are operated to their full potential.

[Bill6211789]

ifc] you you want proper power a second hu is not the rout to go, go buy an amp. no hu really powers speakers properly at there full potential

[brettley]

go with a small amplifier and a multi-channel crossover. they will provide the best audio quality for you if you are looking to improve it. That way they can filter and perfect the sound, instead of the head unit doing all of the work.

[Juniorfeel]

ifc] you you want proper power a second hu is not the rout to go, go buy an amp. no hu really powers speakers properly at there full potential

go with a small amplifier and a multi-channel crossover. they will provide the best audio quality for you if you are looking to improve it. That way they can filter and perfect the sound, instead of the head unit doing all of the work.

Well I'm not getting at the quality of sound specifically, but the quality of the FM radio reception. The chinese clone unit isn't receiving/cleaning up the signal enough, the difference is noticeable vs. the factory unit, and the bass is less on the chinese unit (through the same speakers). Now that you guys mention it, I wasn't very clear in the beginning. My issue is with FM radio clarity, so I don't want to have nice speakers with occasional fading of FM stations. Now, I have spoken highly of this unit I have, and I still stand behind it. It is only some channels and in some areas that may or may not be specific to my location/frequency/whatever.

[MP3DUB]

I have to ask, in this day and age, why the need for FM? The sound quality of the stock speakers and Chinese headunit (reception issues aside) are going to be be better than anything FM radio can manage to throw at them.

[Juniorfeel]

I have to ask, in this day and age, why the need for FM? The sound quality of the stock speakers and Chinese headunit (reception issues aside) are going to be be better than anything FM radio can manage to throw at them.

Well, I actually do use Pandora and play my music via the bluetooth, but sometimes, I actually like the radio compared to those two. Larger music variety, new releases, and some of the morning shows are entertaining. I can't complain on bluetooth quality though, but it with the chinese unit, I did lose some of the factory bass. I'd like to get that back if possible, so a sub makes it that much better. Worth <$150.00 imo, which is what I have priced everything at.

[MP3DUB]

Does the chinese headunit have any sort of parametric equalizer hidden away in some menu? You really should be able to make the bass hit as hard as the stock system (assuming that the chinese unit isn't horribly underpowered).

[brettley]

the bass lacking will likely be because of lack of filtering and processing along with power of the head unit, but can always be signal related as well. Look online, I know they make powered antena boxes you can purchase, never had one myself, but I think that may be cheaper for you than running 2 stereos.

[Juniorfeel]

Does the chinese headunit have any sort of parametric equalizer hidden away in some menu? You really should be able to make the bass hit as hard as the stock system (assuming that the chinese unit isn't horribly underpowered).

It does and bass is all the way up

the bass lacking will likely be because of lack of filtering and processing along with power of the head unit, but can always be signal related as well. Look online, I know they make powered antena boxes you can purchase, never had one myself, but I think that may be cheaper for you than running 2 stereos.

I've got one of those, but it's still not as crisp as I'd like. How can I better filter/process the signal?

[Bill6211789]

Id save my money and replace the Chinese hu with something nicer and much better in quality bf i trued runing two stereos. Theres going to be a good amount of wiring to get stuff going properly.

Does the chinese hu have any sort or ipod capabilities or xm radio?

Sent from my EVO 4G

[Juniorfeel]

Id save my money and replace the Chinese hu with something nicer and much better in quality bf i trued runing two stereos. Theres going to be a good amount of wiring to get stuff going properly.

Does the chinese hu have any sort or ipod capabilities or xm radio?

Sent from my EVO 4G

They have iPod in and I believe an aux in as well, although I never set either of those up.

[Bill6211789]

They have iPod in and I believe an aux in as well, although I never set either of those up.

Go buy a cheap used ipod on ebay and make it s dedicated car Ipod load her up with music andddd done!

Other then that id say ditch the chinese hu and get a good quality aftermarket HU youll gain much more then just better fm radio

Sent from my EVO 4G

[brettley]

Go buy a cheap used ipod on ebay and make it s dedicated car Ipod load her up with music andddd done!

Other then that id say ditch the chinese hu and get a good quality aftermarket HU youll gain much more then just better fm radio

Sent from my EVO 4G

ditching the chinese HU will be the best way to go, if you already have a powered antenna. I agree with bill, I would look to save for a better HU. I went with a Pioneer HD (AVH-P3300BT) and I have loved mine! The ONLY things I would have liked to see was bluetooth connection to android to stream music. The radio signal on that is AMAZING compared to alot of stereos I have had. In a 3 story apartment, with the parking garage underneath, I can get radio signal in the middle of that garage.

a little off topic but yea, i agree with bill, better HU.

[MP3DUB]

Alternately, you could also conceivably just get a RNS-510 for what has to be approaching even money after we start adding up a second HU/adapters/install or amps/wiring/adapters/install and it should be way more documented/straight forward of a procedure.

[Bill6211789]

Alternately, you could also conceivably just get a RNS-510 for what has to be approaching even money after we start adding up a second HU/adapters/install or amps/wiring/adapters/install and it should be way more documented/straight forward of a procedure.

But if u are to go aftermarket sound quality especially if amped will be significantly better.

If you wanted a aftermarket hu with a DVD player/touch screen one can be had for 500-600$, harness 70$, amp 150$, wiring for amp 50$

So about 900$

If nav is wanted too tack on another 500-600$

But also with an aftermarket HU u may not need an external amp. It will give better quality but an aftermarket hu by itself will put out more power then an oem HU

Sent from my EVO 4G