Let's REVISIT car stereo options!

[pbkid]

another option for you for the head unit would be an upper end eclipse deck...they are great sounding decks, and they have GPS built in without having to have a screen, oh yea they are sirius compatible...the cd 4000 and above have the GPS (area shot) feature available...look at their website (www.eclipse-web.com)...and audiovox makes a very nice rear view mirror replacement that has a screen built in that comes with the rear view camera for $399 at circuit city...(sorry i work there so i know all the prices way too well) this would solve all your problems minus the sub and amp...
oh and IMHO i love MBQuart and Polk Audio speakers...i think they are both great sounding speakers....the polks are a little "warmer" sounding but the MBquarts are a little clearer...
pbkid

[PHO2GR4]

Biju and pbkid...

I just looked at the Eclipse site, and WOW those are cool. I've heard of that brand, but I've never owned one. maybe now's the time to make the leap!

There isn't a clean way to install the double-DIN version in the VX dash, is there? I guess having a motorized screen wouldn't be bad, but I love the built-in look of the 7" screen in my 350Z.

pbkid, the rearview camera idea from Circuit City is also a good find. There MIGHT be a way to runthe camera input into the Eclipse deck's screen. too, but I haven't memorized all of the specs yet. Plus, Tone might still have a few of his rear camera rigs left. I haven't contacted him yet because I won't even HAVE the VX until next Sunday, 12/10.

[PHO2GR4]

AND!

it DOES have the rear-camera monitor option. It also has 50W x 4 channels of power, so I'd only have to get a small separate amp under the driver's seat to power a small subwoofer.

AND it is iPod- and Sirius- ready.

If I can find a small inflatable mattress, I could then live in the VX.

[psychos2]

Here is a link to the 8" sub enclosure thread. JL Audio 8" sub enclosure
shawn

[PHO2GR4]

Wow, the 8" enclosure idea looks slick. I thought I'd have to lose the spare tire in order to install a subwoofer back there!

I wish I could squeeze an 10" sub back there. I already have a CL Audio sub collecting dust in my basement...still in the box, never used!

[pbkid]

yea we also sell just the camera without the mirror part that would plug right into the eclipse deck for 179....also eclipse sells a rear view camera designed for their decks...

[kobie]

I have read somewhere in the forum that the eclipse brand is compatible with the stock in dash changer. Can anyone confirm this?

[psychos2]

Wow, the 8" enclosure idea looks slick. I thought I'd have to lose the spare tire in order to install a subwoofer back there!

I wish I could squeeze an 10" sub back there. I already have a CL Audio sub collecting dust in my basement...still in the box, never used!

Did you mean jl audio? It may be possible depending on the model. There are ways to make the speaker think it is in a bigger box. If you add the right amount of fiberfill. Let me know the model and brand, and I will let you know if it is possible. shawn

[PHO2GR4]

CL Audio...snort.

I meant CDT Audio.

I don't have the measurements handy...hold on...look here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/CDT-Audio-EF-ser...QQcmdZViewItem

It can't be too different from the JL Audio line, as far as space and installation requirements. I bought it as part of a complete system to be installed into my 350Z, and then found a custom box for the Z which already had a JL Audio 10" sub in it!

[kpaske]

It may be possible depending on the model. There are ways to make the speaker think it is in a bigger box. If you add the right amount of fiberfill.

Not sure how much volume you can squeeze out with the spare IN, but if you take the spare OUT and build the back out of fiberglass you can get over 3 cubic feet (while still being able to pull the box out - if you didn't care about that you could probably get over 5 cubic feet!). A little bit of fiberfill helped my 12's (1.5 cubic feet was the minimum volume required for each sub) but I still wouldn't go below the minimum recommended volume spec of the sub.

[Rednex]

Just got my VX - cleared papers y-day, & here comes the 1st disappointment: standard Isuzu head unit is all-around US kid - no 'even fraction' frequency jumps! But my favorite station is 105.2 here in Riga, Latvia!

So - it's time for that box to go, and replacement needs to be:

- GPS with maps available for Europe
- CD-changer capable :OR: capable to play mp3s from DVD :OR: (preferrably) capable to play mp3s from internal HD
- with video & headphones output for addtnl screen(s) (kids in rear seats...)
- able to play audio in front and video in the rear simultaneously
- rear-view camera ready w option to automatically pop on rear-view picture on front screen when reverse gets engaged
- satellite radio and iPod readiness are optional...

Recommended here Eclipse stuff looks very close, yet - I can not figure out what nav SW it uses, how to feed custom maps in there?
Will it allow me listen to my radio 105.2 or mp3s, while kids are watching their disney's stuff in the back?

So: am I dreaming no-sci fiction, or is there something like this available around, like mentioned AVN6600 w some (what?) options?
Or should I start thinking of building custom multi-media in-dash PC?
Or - perhaps just get two of them - one for front seats, & other for kids back there for peace of mind?

Thanx in advance, mates!

[PHO2GR4]

Hi Shawn!

I PM'd you back. I'm hoping you can fab something up for a sub with a 5 5/8" mounting depth. If not, it's back to the sub shop for me! And I don't mean sandwiches..