Kenwood KIV 901BT Installed yesterday 9/11/11
So, after much research, reading and deep soul searching.... this is what I settled on. Chosen for function and sound more than looks. First, thank you everyone who has gone through this before me and posted the information I found so helpful during my install. The results are fantastic!!
Features: Bluetooth, Pandora, Ipod, Iphone, Rear Camera input, AM/FM, Screen which is nice size and shows Album Cover Artwork when using Ipod or Pandora. It will play video through the Ipod. Ordered the backup camera today off ebay, $18.80. Seems like a low cost gamble.
Surprises: When connecting the adaptor plug to your unit, check the car's plug to determine your 12v power ... constant vs ignition as well as Amp and Antenna power on lines. I used a digital meter. I had to change a connection or two. A special connector was required for the Ipod to work, I thought it would function with just the original Ipod/Iphone usb but no, $30 later at best buy ended my frustration with that.
Dislikes: Well, only that its not silver, but the Alpine Marine did not have built in Bluetooth which was very important to me.
Sound... Fantastic. Gone are the rattles in the doors. Clean sound with back pumping lows from the subwoofers that have never sounded so good. I went the RCA pre-out connections. Fronts wired to the original wiring using the RCA connections and wired to the adaptor connection plug. Subwoofers are wired to the RCA Sub pre-outs by running the connection all the way down to the Factory Amp and clipping wires 10,9,8,3 and connecting there... that worked wonderfully.
The factory radio will take its place amoung many things in the garage, in the Kenwood Box, so that when or if I ever sell this 04, I'll put the original back in the car and take the Kenwood out to sell or install in the next car...
Thanks again everyone that has posted information.
Last edited by CaptDave; Sep 13, 2011 at 10:59 AM.