Replacing/upgrading 2004 stereo recommendations

[showbeastie]

Hi

I'd like to play itunes through the car's stereo from my phone. What would be the best way, with the least amount of hassle, and without experiencing open-wallet surgery?

Many thanks.

[eddiey1]

I'm thinking about doing the same. are you thinking about double din or single din?

there are fascia adaptors on eBay along with the harness adaptors that are not too expensive. 

http://bit.ly/2CaZM4M  and http://bit.ly/2oh9FoT or this single DIN adaptor http://bit.ly/2C8r5wx

[IanML]

The neatest way is to keep the present stereo, and add an interface which plugs into the CD changer socket at the back.

This one will take the headphone output from your phone, as well as allow you to play MP3 files on SD card or USB stick, using the stereo's controls.

[philip42h]

10 hours ago, IanML said:

The neatest way is to keep the present stereo, and add an interface which plugs into the CD changer socket at the back.

This one will take the headphone output from your phone, as well as allow you to play MP3 files on SD card or USB stick, using the stereo's controls.

In similar vein, folk have reported favourably using xcarlink products for this purpose.

I can definitely NOT recommend using "FM Transmitter" style devices - they may be fine when you are stationary but you are almost certain to pick-up interference once you start travelling.

[Heidfirst]

you could also add DAB at the same time if you wanted e.g. Pure Highway 400 http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/88304/best-dab-car-radio-adaptors-2018-group-test

[showbeastie]

Many thanks for all the advice. Plenty to think about.

[showbeastie]

22 hours ago, eddiey1 said:

I'm thinking about doing the same. are you thinking about double din or single din?

there are fascia adaptors on ebay along with the harness adaptors that are not too expensive. 

http://bit.ly/2CaZM4M  and http://bit.ly/2oh9FoT or this single DIN adaptor http://bit.ly/2C8r5wx

If I decide to go for a replacement unit, it'll probably be double din. Thanks for the links, they could prove very useful.

[eddiey1]

On 2/21/2018 at 6:36 PM, showbeastie said:

If I decide to go for a replacement unit, it'll probably be double din. Thanks for the links, they could prove very useful.

You're welcome - which stereo head unit would you be interested in? I would like DAB Radio and bluetooth for phone - don't need CD player as music will come through phone.

[rallychief]

Bear in mind if you change the head unit, you will lose the trip computer, and the outside temperature display, as they both have displays within the stereos screen

[Heidfirst]

1 hour ago, eddiey1 said:

 I would like DAB Radio 

Having recently changed to a car with it  I found that reception is still spotty even in/around a major city (Glasgow) - it can cut in & out even just going a few yards.

A recent trip down the M6 etc. to Stratford revealed this to be true on the national motorway network too. 

It is nice for the extra stations when it does work though.

[eddiey1]

1 hour ago, Heidfirst said:

Having recently changed to a car with it  I found that reception is still spotty even in/around a major city (Glasgow) - it can cut in & out even just going a few yards.

A recent trip down the M6 etc. to Stratford revealed this to be true on the national motorway network too. 

It is nice for the extra stations when it does work though.

So not really worth it?

[alan333]

1 hour ago, Heidfirst said:

Having recently changed to a car with it  I found that reception is still spotty even in/around a major city (Glasgow)

It is nice for the extra stations when it does work though.

I never found this with my Mazda 6 DAB, I can only remember one occasion over a year where it cut out. 

[Heidfirst]

28 minutes ago, alan333 said:

I never found this with my Mazda 6 DAB, I can only remember one occasion over a year where it cut out. 

Maybe you are listening to different stations, in less built up areas, nearer transmitter or a combination of those?

Admittedly, in some of the areas where DAB disappeared so does FM (e.g. valley north of Moffat, ~Tebay south & although I haven't been there yet in this car I imagine the A9 north of ~Blair Atholl - Dalwhinnie)).

[Heidfirst]

39 minutes ago, eddiey1 said:

So not really worth it?

I would try to find out what local to you DAB coverage is like currently. It should only improve though .

[thom_jones]

Just on this subject does anyone know if it’s possible to fit a sub woofer off the standard head unit? Speakers a bit tinny for me!


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[jgaskell]

If you're adding DAB as an aftermarket feature on your car, adding a second aerial can vastly improve your reception. Previously, I had one in the bottom left of my windscreen and chased the wiring around the dash and and other at the bottom right of the rear window and chased the wiring up the side of the headlining, both were virtually unnoticeable. It was a huge boost to the signal. Something to consider.

[152bobby]

I had the official Toyota DAB interface installed in my 2011 Toyota RAV4 a few years back, as my system was DAB READY !!!

It was not cheap, but worth it, as I get loads of Digital Stations, however in some locations it does cut out, but this only happens in remote areas (places where you might get a dodgy mobile phone signal).

However, I have to say, when it was done by my local Toyota dealer (who are not DAB experts and just follow a install guide), the reception was awful and they just said it must be this area !!! (Thames Valley).

So I took it to my local car entertainment specialist and they installed a powered windscreen DAB Aerial which is on the side top of my windscreen and once I got this done, there was a VAST difference in reception and station choice, cost about £100 and was well worth it, albeit, having this option enabled in my car was overall very expensive.