Before I make a $$$ mistake buying a stereo

[Tooeasy]

I need to do something to spruce up my 2004 Grand Am. It has a Monsoon stereo in it and I have no problems with it at all. The sound and volume are just fine for me. All I really want to do is add Bluetooth “hands free” phone capabilities (I am NOT an earpiece guy) and possibly HD or satellite. And……I want it to look nice.

I have narrowed it down to the following 2 units and have a few questions before I pull the trigger.

Pioneer FH-8000BT
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?search=pioneer+fh&i=130P8000BT

Kenwood DNX5120
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?search=pioneer+fh&i=130P8000BT

I have been reading the forums here for several nights but still am not 100% clear. Here are my questions.

1. Since these are both double-din units do I need any type of dash kit? My thought was I don’t.

2. Can I use my existing speakers? I read conflicting posts on this one. There is talk of having to re-wire or bypass the Monsoon amplifier. This seems complicated and something I probably don’t want to try. My hope is with the right wiring harness I would not need to do this?

3. Antenna adaptor. I do not think I need one of these because of the year of my car.

4. Wiring. Will I need to do any special wiring or can I simply buy a GMRC01 Chime Module and will it then be plug and play?


Thanks,
Ken

[GregFarz78]

1. you don't need a kit

2. you can use your existing speakers you will need a wiring adapter though so you can plug your aftermarket head unit into your stock wiring harness

3. I'm about 99% sure you need the GM antenna adapter buy one anyway they're like $15 if you don't end up needing it just return it.

4. should be no special wiring if you are just keeping your stock speakers, if you want to keep the chimes you'll need that module.

That kenwood is really nice not a fan of how the pioneer looks but it is $700 cheaper

[ChaunB3400]

Functions>>>>>>>Looks


any reason why you want a double din??

[Tooeasy]

Functions>>>>>>>Looks


any reason why you want a double din??
The reason I am looking at double din is primarily for appearance. The second reason would be for ease of use. The single din units all seem to have small buttons for preset stations. I am one of those guys who is constantly switching stations. The factory radio is great for that but I need something fun to keep me from moving to another car.

I have had 4 GA's, 2 Sunbirds and 3 Firebirds. I love Pontiacs but am honestly getting a little bored with the current GA just because its my 4th one in a row. I was hoping some cool stereo features will not let me stray to the "Dark Side" (practical boring cars).

If there is a single din radio thats easy to use and has bluetooth and possibly HD or XM I would consider it.

Thanks,

Ken

[Tooeasy]

Gregfarz78

You say I will need a wiring harness. I assume this is in addition to the module for the chimes? Are there different wiring harnesses for different manufactures of stereos? I know Crutchfield will help you with all this but to be honest there a several sites that blow thier prices away.

Do you have a site you recommend to get these harnesses?

Thanks,

Ken

[GMInfinity88]

you will def need this adapter. and if you go to have the head unit installed at best buy or some place else they will screw u on this because its extra on the installation.. but to make it clear yes you do need it

[Blackhawk]

HU wiring adapters and stock to aftermarket adapters have two ends, a connector end and a loose wire end so that it is universal.

[matts]

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?search=dnx5120&i=113DNX5120

no one noticed that both of your links are to the same radio :lol: that's the link you meant to have.

that pioneer is one ugly beast IMO.

what about this pioneer? it seems like i've heard decent things about it.
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=182350&i=130AVICD3X&tp=144&avf=N



as a personal opinion i like kenwood WAY better than pioneer. alpine makes a good radio, but i've heard that kenwood's software is a little better and more user friendly than alpine. i personally dont have any "seat" time with any of the newer in-dash screens though