I've been researching this and it just seams more cost effective to get a new head unit. I know alot of people want to keep the factory look but want to add an Ipod and amps too. But 80+ for the Ipod adapter plus another for the amp is too much. my solution was to find a nice stereo with Ipod controls and a double din size that looked kind of stock and had a good price, so this is what I found for about $150-$200


http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...mpaign=froogle
It has everything we need and it looks cool, maybe the volume **** kills it for some but I like the way it looks and all the features are great. Unfortunately its last years model so only a few places still have it in stock. Ebay has them too. The model that replaces it is more expensive but adds bluetooth and a few more things. The CX609

http://www.clarion.com/us/en/product...409026879.html
I hope this helps anyone trying to add an Ipod and an amp.

 

IMO if you are getting double DIN it needs to be a screen. The first one only has front and rear pre-amp outputs, not sure if the rear can be made to non fading to provide sub outputs (should be able to be set in the options).

 

If money is no object then I would go for the touch screen and dvd like I had before but this is cheaper and less flashy.plus it has great features for the money you'll spend.

 

Another option....
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...eer/FH-P8000BT

Cheaper then the clarion, and 10x better looking. The also have the premier version of the radio listed at 350...

 

I found the first clarion for $150, The second one I found for $300.

 

300 on crutchfiled for the pioneer. Google found it for as low as like 240.

 

I was looking at the Clarion, but ended up going with the Pioneer. It should be here tomorrow. Amazon had it for $234 on Friday when I should have ordered it, but I went back on Sunday and it went up to $250. Oh well still a pretty good price.

 

I honestly cannot speak for Clarion---they may be pretty good, but I have had Pioneers since 1978, and I love 'em.

Tim C.

 

I haven't been using their stuff that long, but I've had a few of their products and the quality is top notch.

 

I picked the clarion for price, I didnt want it to be more than just buying the adapters. If the pioneer was the same price I would get that too.

 

I had the 1st clarion pictured in my truck for a week or so. It sounded great, worked flawlessly, BUT...I sent it back to crutchfield. I did not like the blue display and back lighting. It clashed too much with the green factory instrument cluster, dash lighting. This normally doesn't bug me but I just could not get used to it.

Anyways, the good news...the 2nd clarion pictured, I believe it is a cx609, will have an adjustable display/lighting. The specs call for..."728-color variable illumination". That should fix "my issues".

It's a $100 more but you also get blue tooth.

I can tell you they look very "factory" once installed...which was a big plus for me.

 

glad to hear some positive feedback!