04 EL-X stereo replacement

[cvbrewer]

Hi,

I have an 04 EL-X with what looks to be a double din factory standard stereo with cassette, radio, and single CD. I would like to replace it with a stereo that streams music and calls wirelessly from my iphone and also has an audio input as a backup. I am tired of using the stupid tape thing.

I am not especially concerned with budget, though I am sticking with factory speakers and am not that picky, so no need for anything crazy.

I have little experience with car audio, though I have installed a fair amount of marine electronics, including two stereos. I have also installed a remote car starter. I have experience with wiring by harness and hardwiring. The dash interface part concerns me a little.

Are certain models better fits to the dash and or harness? Is this install a giant PIA that I should sub out to an installer? Can I get a filler plate instead of a double-din size?

I would appreciate any input from those who have worked on similar projects or have suggestions.
Thanks,
CV

[rocky]

Lots and lots of threads on this. For example search the audio section for Avic a well known Pioneer unit.



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[THE215]

You need to specify a general budget and if you want double din or single din. Because I could easily recommend something like this to you although you can probably find something better for 1/2 the cost.

Alpine INE-Z928HD Navigation receiver at Crutchfield.com

[cvbrewer]

Thanks, Fellas.

When I wrote the original post, I didn't really understand the extent to which stereo sizes were standardized, nor did I understand that Crutchfield would send me a customized wiring harness and install kit to make it all fit. I've found videos showing dash disassembly, too.

I got a JVC KDX50BT Digital Media Receiver and steering wheel control interface from Crutchfield.

If this goes ok, I may upgrade my front speakers. Please pardon my ignorance.

[THE215]

Nice stereo, let us know how you make out. It would be a good idea when you are attaching the wires together to solder them to make a nice tight connection. Road bumps and time are not a wires best friend and could come loose over time. Disconnect your negative battery cable before starting installation.

[cvbrewer]

I unplugged, soldered, and shrink wrapped. Steering wheel interface was kind of a PITA, with sketchy instructions, but it's installed and it works. Mounted the bluetooth mic in the blank to the right of the HU. Moved the Bluetooth plug-in into the front USB, drilled a hole in the empty box below the HU and pulled the rear, cabled USB into the hole so my phone could sit in the hole when plugged in.

Surprisingly, even though both the paperwork for the HU and the rep at Crutchfield told me that I could only play Pandora while connected via USB, my phone has been streaming Pandora and ipod wirelesslly with Bluetooth. Maybe an software update?

Judging from what I have been reading, my "sub" no longer works, and good riddance. I don't think I'll add a sub, but I will probably get some replacement front, then perhaps back, speakers. Crutchfield was nice enough to send me the whole Pilot EX-L audio upgrade packet and the door speaker upgrades don't look too bad. People seem to like Infinity so long as you aren't going to add amps, which I won't.

[proslackass]

@cvbrewer - Did you install the SirusXM tuner when you installed the new HU? If you did what did you do about the antenna?