The current stock one (it is the double din tape deck with controls for a CD changer in the center console) is all but done. It 80% of the time only comes out of the front driver speaker and that's it. The warrenty dosne't cover it ofcourse. Anyway, a few quick question.

1. Does it have 'satelie' amps for the speakers?

2. What good double-din stereo's are out there? I was thinking about those Pioneer in-dash Navi and Stereo units but when I found out they range from $1500-3000 I can say f-that!

3. The CD-changer will only plug into another Ford stereo right? I could plug it into any aftermarket things could I?

Just looking for sugestions at any rate for what to toss in there. I've like my Pioneers for a while in other cars but I would prefer one where I didn't need that cheesey conversion faceplate.

 

I Just put in the Pioneer 980-BT and it looks sweet, even with the cheesy
dash kit.


Mark

 

1. Only the Audiophile stereo system has a satellite amplifier. If your stereo system came with a sub-woofer under the seat, then you have the Audiophile. The amp was roughly 35 watts per channel though newer models are a tad more powerful.

2. There are less expensive ways to get into Video/Navigation. I would highly suggest a double-DIN unit to avoid those ugly dash adapter kits for single DIN units. Look into something like the Jensen VM9021TS ($549 or so at discount places) which is an in-dash 6.5 inch multimedia center that you can add on navigation to later. Also look into JVC KW-AVX706, Panasonic CQ-VD6503U, Boss BV9250 or XO Vision XOD1730. Navigation systems are still a bit pricey but multimedia centers are getting cheap. Refurbished Navigation units is another option that can save you 40% or so.

3. Some manufacturers of after market stereos do offer adapters for OEM CD Changers. CD Changers seldom last more than 5 years, so my advice would be to replace it with an after market unit. Better yet, most new stereo's have ipod, USB and/or SD card readers, so there's really no need for a CD Changer anymore. Kenwood & Clarion have some nice double-DIN stereo's with these mp3 interfaces.

 

Where would you suggest I look for any and all those units you suggested? Thanks! That is some outstanding advice!

 

if you decide for a whole new system, i can suggest you my dream system, Pioneer headunit, Infinity speakers, JL Audio 10" subwoofers and a Rockford amp

 

You can find them on ebay, but shipping & handling at those ebay stores typically kills you. I shop around a lot before buying. First stop is usually Yahoo shopping for a look at retail store prices & reviews. Then I go to Crutchfield and read the reviews. Crutchfield is great for the novice, but you really pay out the nose for the little extras they offer. I normally end buying at a discount house like millionbuy.

www.crutchfield.com
www.millionbuy.com
www.cardomain.com
www.sonicelectronix.com
www.discountave.net

 

You should be able to get a decent quality HU in thw 200-300 range, if you really want DVD and navigation you pay more for it.

And they didnt have audiofile systems back in 01, if he still has his 01....
-Patrick

 

another thing you can do is use cardomain on line they have a price match guarantee I got a 60 dollar pioneer sub for less than 30.
I like cardomain because they have a pretty good rep and they have that price match