GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I have an '06 Vibe and I'm looking at upgrading the sounds system. head unit and all.I want to have to option to put in a sub with an amp later but at this time I do not have the money for the amp and the sub at this time.What head unit would you suggest and what do I need to look for in the head unit for the the speakers and then to also be able to install a amp with a sub later.New to all of this.Thanks for any helpThanks,Al

My wife and I have had really good results with Alpine stereos.In her car is a CDA-9886Mike is a CDA-9884Both have the Ipod hook up, they are HD ready, CD changer and really good radio reception. They both have the pre-outs for the amps if I run a sub later. The only thing I just found is that the clock looses about a minute every two or three months in my car.If you are like me then the wiring for the unit are at the back for the speakers but I usually get the factory style wiring clip for the back of the stereo. Although I like my music I am not into re-wiring the whole car's audio.

Do you have the moon & tunes package in your Vibe? If you do there will be an amplifier under your front passenger seat. If so, you might need a line level converter to use the factory amp. Scosche makes one and it's model is the SLC4. You can pick it up for about 10 bucks at Walmart or other places. With this you can use any head unit you want as this will take care of making sure it's not sending too much power into the input of the factory amp.As far as what to look for with a head unit, that really depends on what you want. For me, I just need AM/FM, and MP3 CD capabilities. For adding the sub later, I would just make sure it's got RCA jacks on the back of the head unit (which pretty much all aftermarket ones do).

Head units are all personal preference. I myself like Alpine products, other then a couple older Eclipses and my current Clarion I have owned 13-15 Alpine radios and have never been let down. I have heard great things about Kenwood as well. My advice on picking a head unit would be to make a list of the must have features, would like features and look for something in your price range. As long as you have realistic goals and stick to major brands you won't go wrong.I would suggest to look for a radio with the most tuning capabilities in your price range(I.E. crossovers, EQ, time alignment). IMO tuning capabilities outweigh Bluetooth, HD Radio, Sirius, or Ipod capabilities. With tuning options you will be able to tailor the sound to better suit your listening habits and would make a better listening experience for the end user. Granted that is just my $.02 and every ones needs are different.with that said what kind of price range are you looking to be in?Aron

If you have an idea of what youre looking for then its best to establish a price range, then begin with an email to Crutchfield Advisors asking for some suggestions that have cd/mp3/ipod hookups amp line outs, whatever you want. That can point you in the right direction until you find a few models and start comparison shopping. Im currently buying a Sony CDX-GT730ui from DealerCostCarAudio.com, theyre on sale for $140 and it has virtually everything a mid level head unit should.

Is there a different wiring harness for the Moon & Tunes package vs the basic stereo?