This is my new head unit I've replaced the Infinity sound system with...

stereo2.jpg



stereo1.jpg


I found a paint that seems to match quite well to the dashboard for the surround, which was originally a little blue and looked odd. For those in the UK the paint I used was from Halfords, their own brand spray paint, Aluminium colour. I had a scout around at all of their various manufacturer matched colours, but found most to be too dark. I had a go with the standard Aluminium and it seemed to be a decent match. I was pleasantly surprised when I fitted the surround to the car this morning.

I've mentioned in another thread the vast improvement in sound quality now that I am using this head unit. Thumping bass, instead of that muddy, murky bass I got from the Infinity unit. Crystal clear treble, and I'm not usually one to go on about how loud a stereo can go, but my god this will go to silly noise levels without distorting!

It's a Clarion DXZ658RMP plus Bluetooth add on for hands free calling. The facia has real aluminium sections, which are really nice quality, and the quality of the buttons and volume **** are way above that of the Blaupunkt, Sony, Pioneer, JVC models I looked at in Halfords. For me, the simple, unfussy styling, and aluminium facia was what made me decide the buy this head unit. Unfortunately it is a discontinued model. Fortunately for me the one I bought came up on eBay at just the right time.

 

Nice choice! Looks good and I bet it does sound good. I run Clarion systems in 2 of my cars and I am very pleased.

 

Very nice choice! I wish my Pioneer matched so well.

 

Thank you. Yes I am now very pleased with the installation. When I first fitted it it was sticking out too far. THere isn't anywhere for the DIN "cage" to grip and so with all the cables and tight fit the unit was forcing itself back out slightly. But by making two very tiny holes and utilising two really small screws I managed to get the cage/frame to stay where it was supposed to. So now the stereo sits more flush with the centre console. And with the surround matching really well it certainly fits the dashboard visually.

And yes the sound is superb. I can't emphasise it enough! I've had decent stereos in previous cars, but this one is much better. It might be a combination of the decent standard speakers, plus the Crossfire's amp with a strong and clear input from the Clarion. Whatever it is it's a pleasure to listen to.

 

A really nice job, well done !!!!
What about the speakers ??

 

your car looks a lot like mine!

 

Man that dude could sing, I wish he hadn't quit Judas Preist

 

I kept the speakers standard. They do a pretty good job. I wanted to keep everything as standard as possible. If the standard unit hadn't become faulty I probably wouldn't have changed it for the Clarion.

 

Did this require a wire harness or does it connect directly like the Clarion FB275?

 

It didnt' require anything extra other than the aerial adaptor. It was a little bit of a struggle to fit all the extra preamp cabling that is attached to the back, but I managed it in the end.

 

Looks good!