Need a new head unit with specific needs

[klavender1]

Calling all your stereo gurus. I just got an E34 and need a head unit. I've been looking mainly at Crutchfield and Sonix.
Needs:
Close match to interior BMW orange color
Front USB for dongle
XM ready
1 rear sub preamp out

Bluetooth would be nice but not required. Every unit I've seen so far seems to need there own XM setup. I have an XM commander unit. I would like to be able to use that but plug into the back of the HU. This one for instance:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_33460_Kenwood-KDC-448U.html

seems to have a connection on the back similar the the XM tuner I have:

I'm assuming this may work:

http://www.myradiostore.com/audio-cables/accessories-cables/aftermarket-din-cables/direct-din-cable.html

Would this work or do you have better suggestions? Any help would be appreciated as I should be getting my Luke box soon and I'm ready to get it set up.

[klavender1]

Also, a suggestion for a 1 or 2 channel amp would be cool. Just one to push the 10" infinity Luke suggest. Not planning on running a 5 channel for the other speakers.

[bastianshaw]

get the jensen and run it 1 channel that amp is very versatile

[German Audio Specialties]

get the jensen and run it 1 channel that amp is very versatile

This. You will want power for the fronts and rears sooner or later. This is foir the E34, I presume?

Luke

[klavender1]

Yes the E34. Those are good points. Thanks! I'll go with that amp. How about the HU? Would that kenwood work with my XM tuner? Our any HU with that connection? I have the whole XM Commander unit but would prefer to integrate into the HU instead of having a separate controller like I do now. Just trying to keep it clean.

[robrez]

I might part with my Jensen HD, since I went with a Blaupunkt because of bluetooth.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=203527&highlight=jensen+hd

The Jensen Heavy Duty JHD3510 CD receiver will stand up to tough work and road conditions, handling temperature fluctuations, vibration, and humidity without missing a beat. And don't be afraid of dirty environments either — the front panel's protective covering keeps out any dust, dirt, and grime you encounter at work or play. And if you're a trucker who takes your stereo out of the rig when you're off the job, the JHD3510 has a built-in memory that'll store all your presets and other settings for 30 days.

The receiver sports an AM, FM, and Weather Band radio with automatic NOAA weather alerts, plus Radio Broadcast Data Service (RBDS) for traffic condition alerts where available. You can also play your favorite CDs, including those you've loaded with MP3 and WMA files. A 40-second electronic skip protection buffer keeps the music on track when you're on bumpy roads.

With an optional adapter, you can plug your iPod® into the JHD3510 and access your playlists with the receiver's front-panel controls. Front and rear auxiliary inputs let you plug in other audio sources.

Check out system info on the dot matrix LCD display — it's easy to read in all lighting conditions. You can select from amber or green for the backlighting — it even changes the button color to match your choice.


Highlights:
General features:
•CD receiver with built-in amplifier (22 watts RMS/45 peak x 4 channels)
•plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs, including discs loaded with MP3 and WMA files
•conformal-coated circuit board and protective front panel keep out dust and grime
•AM, FM, and Weather Band tuners
•dot matrix display with selectable green or amber lighting
•built-in public address function (optional microphone required)
•optional remote control
•30-day built-in memory for presets and audio settings when removed from power source
Audio features:
•2-band equalizer
Expandability:
•optional iPod adapter, satellite radio tuner, CD changer
•inputs: front and rear auxiliary inputs
•outputs: 2-channel preamp outputs (rear)
Other features and specs:
•warranty: 1 year
•Our 60-day money-back guarantee
•Weather Band tuner

[German Audio Specialties]

Yes the E34. Those are good points. Thanks! I'll go with that amp. How about the HU? Would that kenwood work with my XM tuner? Our any HU with that connection? I have the whole XM Commander unit but would prefer to integrate into the HU instead of having a separate controller like I do now. Just trying to keep it clean.

If you have that XM box, you will need an adapter to connect that to anything.

So, if you get a Kenwood or Pioneer or whatever, you get an adapter that connects that box to the specific brand of deck...or you get the commander and the RF modulator, or whatever. Obviously, whatever deck you get, make sure to get the right parts and make sure it is compatible. DO NOT ASSUME! These fucking twats like to change shit around just for the hell of it, so MAKE SURE your deck and box are compatible.

[klavender1]

Thanks Luke. So, basically I need to factor in another $115 for a compatible XM kit if I want it integrated. Got some pondering to do, as I only want to do this once.

[dwvw]

Also be aware that all those parts are made by different manufacturers, Kenwood, Audiovox, and some other company. Being t a big box, I have tons of experience with these units and they all have problems with dropping XM from the source menu. OF course all the manufacturers say they have never heard of this problem, but when you point out that there are pages and pages of this happening on the internet, they then start blaming the other companies.

My advice is to put the fuse for the satellite radio "interface" box somewhere easy to get to, or put a switch on it's constant power. Interrupting the constant power will fix the issue temporarily. That or you can put the constant power supply on an accessory power feed, but you won't keep your station memories that way.

[German Audio Specialties]

^one of the reasons that I walked away from 30 years as an installer...in big box stores and independents and as an owner...fuck that nonsense.

[klavender1]

Thanks for the heads up. To fix it I would need to remove the fuse and reset it?

[dwvw]

Until I can figure out a way to make money playing fooseball, it's about the only way I have to make a decent living!

I updated my stereo progress thread, let me know what you think.

[dwvw]

Yeah klavender1, I don't know why they can't make a reliable sat radio interface. The nice thing is most of them have a separate power harness. That makes it easier to reset the unit. I believe some of the newer Kenwoods are just a din cable though, in which case you have to get access to either the sat radio box, or the back of the deck, unplug the DIN cable for a minute or so, then reconnect it.

[German Audio Specialties]

Until I can figure out a way to make money playing fooseball, it's about the only way I have to make a decent living!

I updated my stereo progress thread, let me know what you think.

Hey man, I started installing for a living in 1980 and have been trying to get out since 1982! Get out while you can, nothing will ever get better.

If it weren't for enthusiasts I would have found something else 25 years ago.

[klavender1]

If it weren't for enthusiasts I would have found something else 25 years ago.

But you're so good at it! :D
I found this:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_33389_JVC-KD-R520.html

Rear AUX to plug in my XM and just find a place to mount the controller cleanly. I don't my spending a LITTLE extra on integrated XM but damn if I want to always fuck with it to get it to work.