06 can't replace HU??

[AFTC]

I have a 2.3, S-touring, 6 disc that I took to Audio Express to have the system upgraded. They called a little while later to tell me that they can't replace the HU. Something about the factory one has all kinds of important stuff wired into it and they can't replace it.
Are they just not competent??
Some questions:

1. What would I need to tell someone else in order to get a HU installed?

2. How worse will the sound quality be without an aftermarket HU? I replaced all speakers (boston acoustic) and added an Alpine amp. I know with aftermarket you get EQ settings to play with but will the quality speakers and amp give me as good a sound?

Thanks

 

[bdd]

I don't know what they are talking about. I have an 06 S Touring and I just replaced my HU with an in dash DVD player. Still sounds good and only thing I lost was the functionality of the LCD display which is only outside temp. I guess steering wheel controls too .. but that was not too important to me.

 

[Zero Cool]

Sounds like they dont know what they are doing. many people have swapped out there factory stereo's.

And a really competent shop will know that there are aftermarket adapters that even plug into the steering controls and operate some aftermarket radios!





I want your stock deck once you find a competent shop to do the work!



Zc

 

[patmaz]

first,yes you can change your head-unit,there is a kit for it,and the one who told you that you cant,well he s full of it......

second,if you dont want to put an aftermarket unit and keep the oem look,you can change your speakers for better ones,add an amp,and then set the sound to your taste,there are many many possibilitys for doing that,and most of the time,the problem of oem system is not the oem unit sound,its the lack of power and clarity,because of cheap speakers,low power amp,and no equalizer adjustments...

there are many company s who offers electronics cross-overs system that you can add to your oem unit,wich offers you the possibility to add an amp or 2,subs,better speakers,and adjust your sound to what you want...so its up to you...

sounddomain.com
crutchfield.com
peripheral.com
scosche.com

and many others

good luck .....

 

[icspots]

You will definitely get better sound out of new speakers/amp, even with the OEM stereo. Depending on how discerning your ear is you may not even be able to tell a difference between that and an aftermarket stereo. How much of an audiophile are you?

I seem to remember someone saying that the LCD is wired separately for the ambient temp, so you should be able to fab. a mount to keep the LCD inplace and still get the ambient temp with an aftermarket stereo in place. Alternately you could move the HU somewhere (the glove box for example) and extend the wires in there. That way you can put your new HU in, and you'll keep the clock and the ambient temp.

 

[AFTC]

Thanks for the info guys. I got the car back and the sound is great! I don't know how much of a difference a new HU would make. I also like the fact that you can't tell I have an upgraded system by looking. Now I just need to get the Audio link iPod connector and I am set!!

 

[RHAGEL]

I am going to keep my stock HU, and do a set up similar to yours. Glad to hear you like it.

 

[cbc]

ATFC-

Which model Boston's did you have put in?
How much did they charge you for the install also?

thanks!