I have a 2004 accord lx sedan (4cyl AT) and I am thinking of upgrading the sound system. I've been to bestbuy, and they said that the only real method of upgrading the deck is to remove the storage bin underneath the existing deck and replace it with a mount. i'd prefer not to have a nonfunctional stereo unit sitting around on top, and if my new deck is placed where the storage bin was, it'll be a pain to get to with the shift in the way. two fold question

first is there any way of replacing the actual stereo unit (any aftermarket accessories that has the climate control buttons)

second, is there any way to have both the factory deck and an aftermarket deck working in conjunction at the same time?

 

There is a kit available to replace your stock unit... However, the kit replaces your A/C controls as well, and in my opinion, looks like ***. I believe the kit is made by Metra... (In order for this kit to work, you cannot have the dual-zone A/C system, which I assume you don't since you have an LX.)

The kits that replace the storage unit include a wiring harness which simply doesn't have the speaker outputs from the factory deck, meaning the factory deck still has power and still works, just no sound. It should be simple enough to run wires so that it has sound as well. (Although I don't know if there would be any consequences to doing so.)

 

^ that sucks big time

 

Here's the metra kit:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-A...cc=01

Cost = $149, plus the cost of the radio, of course. Click on the picture to see a much larger picture, so you can get a good idea of how it looks.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You bought a 2003-up Honda Accord — great car, but its integrated factory radio/climate control panel makes it impossible to upgrade the factory radio. But now, Metra brings you the 99-7864 OEM integration adapter, which allows you to install an aftermarket DIN-sized (2" tall) receiver in the Accord's dash panel, while maintaining all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning controls.

The 99-7864 adapter includes all climate controls found in the Accord, and it's a perfect match for the color, texture, and contours of your Honda dash. All controls on the adapter are backlit for night driving, and all factory functions are retained. Warranty: 1 year.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Or you can get the kit to replace the storage unit, but that's not going to look too good.

 

thanks for finding the link for him... i was too lazy.

when i look at that kit, i can't help but think how cheap the buttons and ***** look.

btw, i have seen a couple guys who modified the stock storage door to fit over the aftermarket kit (ya know, the one that replaces the storage area). i'm not sure how they did it, but it gave it a stock look again. (i'm going to assume only while parked...)

 

The metra kit looks like something out of a mexican version of the geo metro

if i were you, just get a case for a single din deck and custom fit it in the glove box or concole. Wiring is fairly easy i could help you out since all the honda audio shares the same wire code.

 

Yea go with the metra kit if u like it and stay away from bestbuy for car stereo upgrades they have just about the worst equipment. Head unit installs aren't difficult.

 

in fact, i dont think best buy(or any other big guy) use soldering at all, those girlie girl plastic t-tab and cramps are prone to vibration and such.
i think best buy also charge for the harness(which is totally a waste of money if you know the code of the wires, EMAIL me if you need help)

it takes what? 5 seconds to solder a good connection

 

Cheapest and best looking way is to get a used factory one off ebay. less likely to get a broken window and stolen stereo than aftermarket. Plus, you dont get chezzy looking stereo with all types of LCD displays.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 1998hondaaccord &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Cheapest and best looking way is to get a used factory one off ebay. less likely to get a broken window and stolen stereo than aftermarket. Plus, you dont get chezzy looking stereo with all types of LCD displays.</TD></TR></TABLE>

he wants to upgrade his stereo because i am guessing the stock one kinda weak

 

Oh, I upgraded beucase it only had a cassette. I needed both cd and cassette so i could listen to books on tape and Kenny G.

 

well the main reason i want to upgrade is because a single normal cd doesn't hold enough music for me. i want to add mp3 capability. the possibility of a mp3 capable cd changer has crossed my mind, but having to deal with a separate remote isn't too appealing, that and i haven't seen many units out there.

that metra unit doesn't look too good, or too bad. the price is simply just way more than i'd like to pay for it.

does anyone have any other ideas on how to add how much music i can have available in my car, besides a stack of cd's that require me to change cd's. right now i'm working with a fm transmitter + mp3 player, but static is becoming a pain

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by paxorion &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">...does anyone have any other ideas on how to add how much music i can have available in my car, besides a stack of cd's that require me to change cd's. right now i'm working with a fm transmitter + mp3 player, but static is becoming a pain</TD></TR></TABLE>I think a trunk-mounted CD / MP3 changer is the answer to your music dilemma.

Alpine CHA-S634 $300
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-8...AS634

(Ai-Net to M-bus adapter) $10
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-8...&o=&a=

Plus you’ll need an adapter to convert the M-bus adapter to fit into the Honda stock head unit, this is probably in the $25 to $35 range.

Here are the instructions for mounting a trunk mounted Honda CD-changer in your car, if you get the Alpine you’d have to make a mounting kit yourself. The Alpine CD-changer should come with the cable. If you go this route, you’d follow these instructions for running the cable from the head unit to your trunk.

http://www.handa-accessories.c...R.pdf

In addition, if you go this route you’ll have an Ai-net Alpine cd changer, so if you were to buy a new Alpine head unit with Ai-net in a few years or whenever, you’ll already be ready with the changer.

In October ’98 I bought a ’99 Accord LX. In November ’98 I bought an Alpine CD changer and the two adapters, built a trunk mount myself, and it’s been working great ever since. In the ’99 Accord, the trunk mount was in the rear left corner, on the ’03 it’s on the upper deck of the trunk.

 

thanks for the advice, any ideas where to find the right m-bus adapter? i haven't had much luck on google so far

 

does anyone know anything about the soundgate SNHOND3? i ended up finding info about that while looking for stuff on the m-bus

 

Hmm... OK, Crutchfield is saying that this changer won't work with your factory stereo. Shame, it would have been a nice setup.

OK, back to square one: What I now would do would be to just put in a decent Alpine CD/MP3/WMA player in the lower unit for now, then buy an upper kit sometime in the future.

Scosche makes nice kits (I've seen theirs for a friend's '96 Taurus), but they don't make the upper kit for the 7th generation Accord... yet (I had called them to see why not, they aren't sure how many people would buy it because of the cost). You may want to keep an eye on their website or just call them from time to time, there'll be over 1,000,000 7th generation Accords out this year, surely the demand will be there.

Edit: OK, looked up the soundgate SNHOND3, sounds like a good option assuming you have an ipod or something like that already, and assuming you are otherwise happy with your factory radio.

 

yes leave it to me to buy an accord that's so new and hard to customize...
i probably should have kept in mind i'd want to mod my car before i picked it out and became so adamant about buying it

anyway thanks for the advice, but personally i'd prefer not to have to remove the compartment below the factory stereo and put in a new receiver unit because i personally think the shift will get in the way. chances are the alpine system won't work too well for me, but the SNHOND3 supposedly works with some of the sony xplod cd/mp3 changers. anyone know anything about them? i'm reading a whole mess of mixed reviews, and the ability to use the controls of the factory stereo matter more than just working. i'm trying to avoid having an additional control piece if possible, and i'd like to avoid the ipod...i'm an apple hater