Stereo Dash Kit / Center Channel Speaker

[solararob]

Hi everyone,

I have a 2004 Sport SE, with a standard stock radio, no JBL, no navigation, and have been shopping for an aftermarket stereo for a while now. I have waited for a long time for Scosche to finally release the kit. Thanks for all the great posts that I just went through.

Here's my plan....

I want to install one of those bad ass Kenwood DVD players, single din, with a navigation unit as well. The screen flips out to 7 inches or so. Also, I want to install a center channel speaker. I have found a speaker that is rectangular in shape and looks like it would fit right under the temperature knobs on the dash, if I removed the panel.

Does anyone know if the center channel speaker would fit there? Or is there a huge mess of wires blocking the possibility? I also see that the speaker might fit in the empty above or below the stereo, but if it is above, the screen would block the speaker.

I can't tell from looking at the silver dash unit pictures if that is an extra slot or what? It's obvious on the black model pics.

Has anyone else installed a flip out screen stereo?

Navigation unit?

Sirius Radio?

Any comments or suggestions/help is greatly appreciated! I am really excited to get this going.


Thanks everyone! Loving my Solara....13 months after purchase...20,000 miles, no problems.

- Rob

[Jewls]

The silver Scosche kit has the opening on the bottom vs. the top like my black AI kit. The panel you are referring to is prettty open behind it, when I changed out my stereo I found a lot of extra space back there, my Pioneer XM unit is actually in the dash behind my stereo, that should give you an idea. As far as Sirius, do you plan to have it incorporated into the DVD/stereo, or do you plan to get a seperate unit? I have mine integrated into the stereo, and my XM antenna is on my trunk lid, and works great there. The wire runs down the hinges, under the carpet, and up through the center console to the head unit. I used zip ties to secure it as needed, and it has worked great since I got it in November. I also cut the mounting brackets off of the rear deck speakers and used them to install my Pioneer speakers, and totally love my system now. Hope this helps, and good luck!

[Aotoyota]

what she said! i have the scosche kit right now. you have plenty of room. Best kits also just released their kit that is black but with two single din openings.

[solararob]

Thanks Jewls and Aotoyota!

I am planning on getting the Kenwood Excelon KVT-915DVD and also hooking up the KNA-DV4100 navigation system. As for the Sirius tuner, I would prefer as much direct connections as possible. The unit is Sirius ready. I will ask the guys at the shop about those options. Thanks for the heads up on trunk lid placement.

I am looking at a center channel speaker, Clarion SRK5 1/2 Din.

I have a folder full of printed out sheets on everthing, and will bring it all down to the shop to verify they can install. I'm not a handy guy with dremels and soldering guns like you guys!!

I also did replace my rear deck speakers with some great Pioneers, and I need to replace my subwoofer. Any suggestions on subs? I'd like a good amount of additional base, but not enough to annoy the whole world. Just a small box in the trunk with a banana plug for easy removal. My Rockford Fosgate blew out on me.

I am totally excited!!! Pimping out my ride!!!

Where can I put my Xbox in this thing??

Thanks again, and after it's all done, I'll post some pics.

- Rob

[Jewls]

Hmmm, cant help ya on the Xbox, good luck with that one! When it gets done be sure to post pics!

[Aotoyota]

before u go buying stuff. have u heard that clarion center channel. it sounds like !@#$#! which isnt a good thing. as my signature says it Alpine! alpiine is making a single din center channel due in the next two months. i heard a sample and sounds nice. thinking about getting one...
but thats my two cents. =)

[solararob]

Thanks!

That's what I love about this list!

Maybe I'll wait a couple months. I want the best.

There is also a Pioneer center speaker that sits on top of the dash...do you have any input on that?

Looking forward to the full audio/visual experience!!!

solararob

[solararob]

Does anyone have recommendations for installation spots, besides under the bucket seats?

What part of the trunk would be best for mounting a GPS unit?

Is there an option under the rear seats at all?

Thanks for the input!

solararob

[Aotoyota]

personally, having a speaker sit on top of my dash that isnt molded seems ugly and says steal me to others walking by. but thats just me.

i would consider putting the gps ant. in the front above the rear view mirror, its a bit more work but that should work there also. and gps in the trunk in the passenger corner. or on an amp rack if ur going all out.