I'm taking a quick blast down to Vegas via the coast hwy starting tomorrow. I wanted a little more in the way of entertainment on the way. I've been putting off changing the head unit out because most of my business is based on using stock head units driving much more substantial amplification and speaker systems... but the lack of input available on the stock xfire unit finally put the last nail in the coffin. I went with a Kenwood EZ500, It's a decent looking unit with am/fm, cd, sirius capability and an Ipod controller. With all of those sources I shouldn't get too bored. Sounds ok, piped into the stock amp and speakers but I think there is something a little off in the processing - like the stock infinity had some 'other than standard' equalizing. It'll work for now - don't get me wrong it sounds good, but I can be a little weird about this stuff. I still think mp3 sounds like crap compared to regular cd format.
I decided that this was a good time for my radar detector install. I'm using an Escort SR7 with a stealth kit, so the only thing that shows is the mute button. It's pretty cool - will shift the laser return signal until you bust down your speed and the hit the mute. That technique should allow the officer to get a lock on you but only after you've scrubbed off that additional speed. We'll see how it works this weekend.