Aftermarket Head Unit + Moon & Tunes Amp?

[Kari]

I went to Circuit City tonight just to price new head units with aux inputs on the face...I found 2 that I liked.I talked to the salesperson, and he told me that they wouldn't be able to use my Moon & Tunes amp with the new stereo. Yet I could have sworn that some people on here had said or at least implied that they were doing just that -- using the new head unit and the factory amp. He told me that he could be wrong on that...and asked me if I could bring in some info on how other people did it.So, are you using the Moon & Tunes amp with an aftermarket head unit? How do you have it hooked up?Also, do I need to get a 200 watt head unit to go with it, or will the 45x4 work?

[NSimkins]

Not true.. I have the Moon and Tunes package and just installed an aftermarket Kenwood head unit with no problems. You do not have to do anything with the factory amp - I was supplied with a wiring harness that interfaces with the aftermarket head unit and the factory harness.A 45x4 (mine is 50x4) will work fine with the factory amp - I've noticed more clarity and crispness since the head unit has more of a power output compared to the factory unit.This is the head unit I bought: Kenwood Excelon KDC-X569 (I also bought it at Crutchfield) I bought from Crutchfield because they give you everything you need for the install (dash kit, antenna and wiring harnesses, instructions, support, etc).As far as obtaining the proper harnesses and dash kits from other sources, I'm not sure what you are going to need to purchase. I'm sure someone with more experience will be able to reply. More info can be found here:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=769

[Kari]

Thanks for that info. I thought I wasn't crazy. Does the head unit you bought have the aux input on the face or in the back?

[Kari]

Yes.

[NSimkins]

quote:Does the head unit you bought have the aux input on the face or in the back?My specific model has an Optional AUX Input - I'd have to buy an adapter to use it, but it has the capability. I believe the models just a little more $ have them already installed. Whether they are in the front or back is dependent on the model.Also would note, you will have to splice power to the amplified antenna - check out this thread:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=5952

[Kari]

This is why I want to get it at Circuit City...so they'll install it. Because I do not trust myself with wiring. My install skills can sometimes end in disaster, even if I am being super careful and reading the instructions 3 times. But I DO want to make sure they are not cutting the amp out of the loop, because there's a reason why I got the Moon & Tunes package. I found an Aiwa I liked for $130 that had the aux input on the face. It looked like it would serve me well, and it was a 45x4 unit.Are there any other minimums I need to look for to ensure compatibility with my Amp and all 6 speakers?

[NSimkins]

quote:This is why I want to get it at Circuit City...so they'll install it. Because I do not trust myself with wiring. My install skills can sometimes end in disaster, even if I am being super careful and reading the instructions 3 times. But I DO want to make sure they are not cutting the amp out of the loop, because there's a reason why I got the Moon & Tunes package.I am the same way, but with the necessary wiring pieces I received, it went rather well! They really do not even have to know the amp is there - the other 2 additional speakers are hooked into the front door speakers (if i'm correct) - the wiring harness is only wired for the 4 door speakers in this case so there should be no difference between the wire harness for the 4 or 6 speaker systems.quote:I found an Aiwa I liked for $130 that had the aux input on the face. It looked like it would serve me well, and it was a 45x4 unit.Not bad! I purchased mine particularly for the Sirius Satellite Tuner and CD/MP3 receiver capability.quote:Are there any other minimums I need to look for to ensure compatibility with my Amp and all 6 speakers?Nope - they should be able to obtain the correct harness for the Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix (same harness). I was concerned with this as well, but no need to be unless you plan on totally revamping the entire sound system.

[Kari]

So I don't need to worry about whether or not it has 2 or 4 preamp outputs? Apologies for all of my ignorant questions. I truly have no idea what I'm talking about. The last time I bought an aftermarket head unit, it was for a 1979 Chevy Malibu, my first car, and anything was going to be better than that AM/FM ancient THING that only worked when it wanted to.I found the one I'm thinking about...it's cheaper at Crutchfield, actually. And they also have the next model up, which is $10 more and has the detachable face. I may ask CC if they can order that next one up for me, since it apparently has red lighting around the controls instead of the blue too. Anyway.. here is the one I looked at the closest tonight.I really don't need/want the satellite radio or MP3 CD playing capability, since the whole idea here is to hook the iPod in directly, thus eliminating the usefulness of those two things, since I can have my entire CD library in my car at the touch of a button.

[NSimkins]

quote:So I don't need to worry about whether or not it has 2 or 4 preamp outputs? Apologies for all of my ignorant questions. I truly have no idea what I'm talking about. Join the club.. I've basically told you the extent of my car audio knowledge in this post! I don't exactly know about the preamp outputs, but you won't need to use them. Here is a quote about them from Crutchfield:quote:Number of RCA output jacks on the rear of the receiver that allow you to connect an external amp. Some receivers have 2 sets (4 outputs), which help if you plan to add a 4-channel amp or a second amp. Some receivers have 3 sets (6 outputs), one of which is generally intended to be used for a subwoofer amp. quote:Anyway.. here is the one I looked at the closest tonight.Looks like this should work well for your needs. As long as you get the inputs you need, many head units should be available. Check them all out!

[Kari]

Yes, my home stereo system is an Aiwa...it's awesome. I've always been somewhat partial to their products, but I will look around some more before I make any sort of decision. I'm hoping to be able to fund this with birthday monetary gain...which is 16 days away. (i'll be 21...*evil laugh*)Thank you very very much Nick for extending all of your audio knowledge...you have been very helpful. I may pester you again later...

[NSimkins]

quote:I may pester you again later... I welcome it! If I can't answer the questions, I'm sure there are others here who can.

[ArcsVibe]

Are they really good in car audio though? I know for home audio they are pretty good....

[NSimkins]

quote:Are they really good in car audio though? I know for home audio they are pretty good....You can't go wrong with most of the popular brands out there (Sony, Kenwood, Awia, Panasonic, etc. etc.) - I believe it's when you get into the big intensive car audio systems is where brand will make a difference. In yours and my case, it does not really.

[Zamboni Guy]

How has this worked out?I read this thread but don't know if the Amp was used or not. I am considering the Aiwa HU for use with the iPod and want to know how it worked out.

[Jahntassa]

Generally aftermarket stereos don't have a problem with the M&T amp, unless you want to change your speakers. Just adding a radio you should have no problem.

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »Generally aftermarket stereos don't have a problem with the M&T amp, unless you want to change your speakers. Just adding a radio you should have no problem.As long as you don't use line level outputs...

[cdFxer]

Your Excelon sounds like the same model I have. I will look tomorrow and let ya know!

[drunkenmaxx]

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »Generally aftermarket stereos don't have a problem with the M&T amp, unless you want to change your speakers. Just adding a radio you should have no problem.would doing this make it irrelevant how powerful the HU is?

[ragingfish]

Not irrelevant, no.I find the bass punch with even stock speakers IS stronger with my Pioneer than it was stock!

[drunkenmaxx]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »Not irrelevant, no.I find the bass punch with even stock speakers IS stronger with my Pioneer than it was stock!this is probably because of the quality of the bass boost. but, of course, i know squat about stereos, so i could be wrong.where's jahntassa?