Noob head unit question / IPOD / Mp3

[Jeff W]

Alright - I've got an 02' outback with the OEM kenwood head unit and the OEM drivers side remote.

I've been contemplating adding an IPOD to the system but there doesn't seem to be a solid, cheap option for it. Cords are too short, can't control XYZ from one side of the other, etc.

So my question is one that has likely been asked a thousand times. Can I upgarde my head unit to a newer model that has an IPOD/MP3 port on it and is MP3 (CD-R) compatible and have it work with my existing drivers side remote?

What are my options? Are all Kenwoods compatible with my old remote?

What are my options? I have both an Ipod and I have a regular MP3 player with 3.5m jack. I'm not against burning 100 songs in MP3 format onto a CD-RW and using 2-3 of those as my "boat cd's"..


Thoughts?

[Razzman]

Jeff, you need to supply some more info.

Which model Kenwood head unit is it?
Aeware or Kenwood remote?
If Kenwood the what model remote do you have?
Your options will all depend on the above answers.

[Jeff W]

Jeff, you need to supply some more info.

Which model Kenwood head unit is it?
Aeware or Kenwood remote?
If Kenwood the what model remote do you have?
Your options will all depend on the above answers.

damn details!

I'll provide info tonight. It's an 02' Outback with OEM kenwood head unit and OEM remote. I'll get part numbers tonight

[cab13367]

So my question is one that has likely been asked a thousand times. Can I upgarde my head unit to a newer model that has an IPOD/MP3 port on it and is MP3 (CD-R) compatible and have it work with my existing drivers side remote?

What are my options? Are all Kenwoods compatible with my old remote?

Jeff,

The answer to your question is in my post below:

https://forum.moomba.com/showthread.php?t=9532&highlight=kenwood+remote

Al

[cab13367]

Check out this post as well as far as iPhone/iPod integration:

https://forum.moomba.com/showthread.php?t=9524&highlight=iphone+integration

[02Outback]

Jeff, I have the same boat as you and I just swapped out my stock Kenwood stuff.

Here is what I went with and everything works great for what I wanted (iPod and new remote).

Sony Head Unit w/ iPod:
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-CDXM10-Marine-Receiver-Slot/dp/B0012QEVZG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1274378531&sr=8-1

Sony Wired Remote:
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-RMX11M-2-5-Inch-Splash-Proof-Control/dp/B0015FTZQO/ref=pd_sim_e_2

So for about $150 you have what you need.

Cody

[viking]

Jeff,
I just swapped out my OEM kenwood and put in an Excelon HU with 3pre-amp 4v outputs for amps, front UBS and Aux inputs and it works with the factory aeware driver's remote puck. Also has a remote control if you need it. Perfect for what your looking for and all around $110 on Ebay shipped.

[cab13367]

Viking,

which model did u get?

Al

[viking]

Al,
I went with the KDC X-493.

[volfo]

I have been meaning to do the exact same thing with my '01 OB. Believe it or not, have the factory Kenwood speakers (4) with factory Kenwood TAPE AM/FM radio and driver's side mounted control.

Sounds like crap - mostly because of hte speakers I'm sure.

Want a basic, decent set-up. Is that Sony unit plug and play or do I need a wiring harness? Will anything I buy come with an appropriate wiring harness or am I going to have issues? How hard is it to swap head units? How hard is it to change speakers to the Polk db 651s everyone recommends?

[cab13367]

Al,
I went with the KDC X-493.

I went with the 692 (now discontinued). I liked the fact that the aux in jack is in the back of the unit because I run a cable from the HU to the helm so it worked out better for me that way.


I have been meaning to do the exact same thing with my '01 OB. Believe it or not, have the factory Kenwood speakers (4) with factory Kenwood TAPE AM/FM radio and driver's side mounted control.

Sounds like crap - mostly because of hte speakers I'm sure.

Want a basic, decent set-up. Is that Sony unit plug and play or do I need a wiring harness? Will anything I buy come with an appropriate wiring harness or am I going to have issues? How hard is it to swap head units? How hard is it to change speakers to the Polk db 651s everyone recommends?

Volfo,

If you stick with Kenwood, the wiring harness should be the same so you just have to unplug the old and plug in the new. Plus if you have a Kenwood or Aeware remote, the Kenwood HU will be compatible with it.

Swapping out the speakers is easy. If you are lucky, the screw holes will match up. If not, you will have to redrill them but that's no big deal.

Al

[viking]

Volfo,

If you stick with Kenwood, the wiring harness should be the same so you just have to unplug the old and plug in the new. Plus if you have a Kenwood or Aeware remote, the Kenwood HU will be compatible with it.

Swapping out the speakers is easy. If you are lucky, the screw holes will match up. If not, you will have to redrill them but that's no big deal.

Al

Concur with what Cab states!
Changing the deck and cockpit speakers is one of the easiest upgrades you can make for the sound system! I wouldn't hesitate to do it. It's also one of the cheapest bang for your buck imo.

Get a good HU on sale and find the Polk DB651's and your only looking at under $300. Amp and sub is another easy upgrade and not that expensive. Hardest part is figuring out where/how to install the sub :)