Aftermarket stereo - single DIN > UGLY!

FrontierJourney · Nov 29th, 2005, 05:54 PM

Hey all,

Just got done installing a new Sony CDX-GT200 head unit in my '06 Frontier SE, bought from Crutchfield. They, of course, included an install wiring harness (which works great) and a Metra install kit with the pocket for unused space.

Here is the problem.

The Sony just does not look very good when installed! The factory Sony trim ring cannot be used (no room), and the Metra install kit looks cheesy and the 3 faceplates that come with it do not fit once the dash panel (with the A/C, airbag, etc.) is put back into place. Not to mention an annoying gap between the Metra kit pocket and the head unit itself. The tolerances are so tight with the dash panel and the new head unit and install kit that I just don't think it is going to work out. If that Metra kit was a nicer plastic (I mean it REALLY looks cheesy) and that gap was gone, I may consider keeping the Sony. As it stands, I tried many different mounting configurations with the pocket on top, on the bottom, using (trying to use) different holes in the pocket for mounting, etc. None looked good. I was going to take pictures and display, but I was so disgusted that I pulled the whole thing out and popped back my factory CD system. It's weird - the Sony either had too much power (17w x 4 RMS) for the stock speakers, since they did not sound nearly as good as when hooked to the OEM CD system. Not sure why this is. I adjusted all the EQ and tone settings on the Sony while I was "still" trying to convince myself to live with a goofy install, and it just did not sound as good as the factory head unit. That was the icing on the cake, unfortunately. I was planning to return the head unit anyway since I decided to go XM, and wanted a head unit with that control built-in, but if all DIN-size units end up being like this, the heck with it. Yes, I know I can custom-fabricate something to make this work, but I just don't see it looking anywhere near the OEM setup, without going to a double-DIN system (which are hard to find, although the Pioneer DIN.5 systems *may* work.

What is the consensus about adding an aftermarket stereo (single DIN) to a 2005/06 Frontier SE, NISMO, or LE? Any pictures and advice you can share? I am wanting to get XM (finally), and the Roady2 is only $29 at Best Buy right now, which would work with my OEM system over FM (albeit not the best fidelity), and I may go this route since adding XM to an aftermarket unit would be quite and ordeal - plus I want a unit to be portable if needed.

What have 05/06 Frontier owners done with aftermarket stereos? What kits did you use to get the best look?

Reverendbiker · Nov 29th, 2005, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrontierJourney

What have 05/06 Frontier owners done with aftermarket stereos? What kits did you use to get the best look?

I'm not an audiophile by any stretch of the imagination, but I went to a single-din Blaupunkt headunit because I wanted the MP3 feature. I did a write-up, with pics, on my web site here:
Blaupunkt Install
Since I took the pics I decided that I liked the unit above the storage compartment rather than beneath it, so I swapped the two. The installation looks nice, IMHO, and functions well.

avenger · Nov 29th, 2005, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reverendbiker

I'm not an audiophile by any stretch of the imagination, but I went to a single-din Blaupunkt headunit because I wanted the MP3 feature. I did a write-up, with pics, on my web site here:
Blaupunkt Install
Since I took the pics I decided that I liked the unit above the storage compartment rather than beneath it, so I swapped the two. The installation looks nice, IMHO, and functions well.

how does it sound with the stock speakers? more power?

Mulligan22 · Nov 29th, 2005, 06:59 PM

Changing out your headunit is fine but don't neglect changing out the factory speakers and add tweeters to the wired but empty dash area. Since you used crutchfield, check out their speaker recommedations. They change out pretty easily.

My dealer delivered 4 speaker setup is now a 6 speaker + subwoofer setup and it works pretty well.

FastCrewCab · Nov 29th, 2005, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mulligan22

Changing out your headunit is fine but don't neglect changing out the factory speakers and add tweeters to the wired but empty dash area. Since you used crutchfield, check out their speaker recommedations. They change out pretty easily.

My dealer delivered 4 speaker setup is now a 6 speaker + subwoofer setup and it works pretty well.

This is not the first time I heard someone say they only have 4 speakers with their Frontier. While I haven't yet looked under the tweeter grilles, my window sticker says AM/FM/CD w/ 6 speakers. It's a 2005 CC SE 4x4.

Regarding single-DIN head units, I haven't seen a one that I think would look as good as the factory unit in the dash. I will most likely try a speaker upgrade before upgrading the head unit.

avenger · Nov 29th, 2005, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastCrewCab

This is not the first time I heard someone say they only have 4 speakers with their Frontier. While I haven't yet looked under the tweeter grilles, my window sticker says AM/FM/CD w/ 6 speakers. It's a 2005 CC SE 4x4.

Regarding single-DIN head units, I haven't seen a one that I think would look as good as the factory unit in the dash. I will most likely try a speaker upgrade before upgrading the head unit.

we have 6 speakers...

BakedCookies · Nov 30th, 2005, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avenger

we have 6 speakers...

yes we do, there are small tweeters in the dash spots

6x9's in the front door, why they used 6x9's is beyond me

and 6.5's in the rear doors.

for a factory system its quite boomy, but the high end is virtually non existent

Mulligan22 · Nov 30th, 2005, 09:49 AM

Ok you have 6 speakers, great. Unless you have the RF setup you still have speakers that are paper cone drivers with wizzer cones for tweeters...The aftermarket offers betters choices...
It doesn't matter how nice the headunit is if it's driving crappy speakers. That was my whole point....Good luck with your setup.

jeffro · Nov 30th, 2005, 12:26 PM

Anybody know if you can use the steering wheel radio controls on an aftermarket setup? Might keep the stock radio of you can't and just try to improve the speakers.

MrFancypants · Nov 30th, 2005, 01:02 PM

Just checked the features list for the different Frontier trim levels:

King Cab - standard 4 speakers on all trim levels, 6 speakers available (RF?)

Crew Cab - standard 6 speakers on all trim levels, 10 speakers on RF package

I have heard the base stereo in a KC XE compared to the base stereo in my CC Nismo and it is night and day different. The head unit is the same. I havent had the door panels off (yet), but Im wondering if the front component speakers are the same whether you have the RF package or not on the CC. The rear speakers are noticeably poorer quality. Their sensitivity is absolute crap compared to the fronts. The rear speakers will definitely be the first audio upgrade I do in my truck.

- Greg -

Immolator · Nov 30th, 2005, 01:39 PM

I also wanted the cleaner look of a Double DIN unit but didn’t want to spend $1200 for a DVD player.. And I also wanted to keep close to the dash light color. The only problem was that most of the manufactures are using green or blue illumination now. I just thought that would look out of place. I also wanted the ability to play MP3 and WMA CD’s. I found what I was looking for in the Kenwood.

It’s double din, plays MP3 and WMA, and you can vary the illumination to match the dash. Yes it also has a tape player but I don’t use it. It comes with red buttons but I have the read out set to Amber and it looks great in my opinion. It also has 50 watts per channel and several other nice features. The only thing it doesn’t have is Satellite radio but it has a line input in the back to hook a unit up directly or even the iPod controller.

As far as the speakers go, they are not paper. They are plastic of some sort. They do sound pretty good with a new head unit. However, they are only rated at 17 watts I believe and at 2 ohms. So you head unit could burn them out if you turn it up to long. I changed out my front speakers with the Alpine 6X9’s that Crutchfield recommended. They went right in with no modifications to the mounting. I’m going to get the Alpine’s for the rear also.

Here are some picks.

FrontierJourney · Nov 30th, 2005, 04:16 PM

Yeah,

While searching around I came across another post with your Kenwood double-DIN setup. I considered that (and may buy it) since it has everything I needed (mostly an AUX front-panel or RCA back panel inputs for a satellite radio and for an iPod (not control, though). Would not use the cassette either, but it would be a conversation piece for passengers, that's for sure.

The stock speakers in my '06 SE KC must not be paper (they do not sound like paper cones), and sound pretty darn good all things considered with the stock head unit. I added tweeters in the dash (wired in parallel with the fron door speakers) in the factory locations and the high end is there now with a vengeance - sounds really good. I hesitate to throw all this away now, since I am very satisfied with the sound and look, so we shall see. Nice to know the Kenwood is a decent option - I really want that entire hole filled out with a new stereo system.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Immolator

I also wanted the cleaner look of a Double DIN unit but didn’t want to spend $1200 for a DVD player.. And I also wanted to keep close to the dash light color. The only problem was that most of the manufactures are using green or blue illumination now. I just thought that would look out of place. I also wanted the ability to play MP3 and WMA CD’s. I found what I was looking for in the Kenwood.

It’s double din, plays MP3 and WMA, and you can vary the illumination to match the dash. Yes it also has a tape player but I don’t use it. It comes with red buttons but I have the read out set to Amber and it looks great in my opinion. It also has 50 watts per channel and several other nice features. The only thing it doesn’t have is Satellite radio but it has a line input in the back to hook a unit up directly or even the iPod controller.

As far as the speakers go, they are not paper. They are plastic of some sort. They do sound pretty good with a new head unit. However, they are only rated at 17 watts I believe and at 2 ohms. So you head unit could burn them out if you turn it up to long. I changed out my front speakers with the Alpine 6X9’s that Crutchfield recommended. They went right in with no modifications to the mounting. I’m going to get the Alpine’s for the rear also.

Here are some picks.

pyronn · Nov 30th, 2005, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrontierJourney

I added tweeters in the dash (wired in parallel with the fron door speakers) in the factory locations and the high end is there now with a vengeance - sounds really good. .

How easy was it to do? The splicing doesn't change anything "electrical" to the door speakers?

Tboneroks · Dec 2nd, 2005, 01:16 AM

i've got a sony cdx-m850mp cd/mp3 player in mine(single din)...i have the cd case pocket under the player. i also installed kicker 3way 6x9's...sound awesome! i'm trying to find a good set of affordable 6.5" components for the rear.

FrontierJourney · Dec 2nd, 2005, 04:35 PM

It all has to do with the Ohm ratings of the speakers you wire in parallel. I think the front and rear door speakers in the 2005/06 Frontiers (except the XE) are 4-Ohm. I wired in 4-Ohm tweeters in parallel with the door speakers, which should reduce the resistance on that speaker line to 2 Ohms - this will put a little more stress on the amp section of the factory head unit, but not enough to cause any problems as long as I don't keep it cranked to distortion levels all day. So, this is not a concern, at least with regular 4-Ohm tweeters.

The biggest pain was fabricating mounting plates for the tweeters to "sit" in within those 2" dash holes. I make mine out of 1/8" MDF (crude cutting/trimming job, but they work), and then used a few screws to secure the mounting boards to the factory screw holes already in the dash under those factory grilles. Worked great and the tweeters literally are squeezed in those mounting plates from the top. It's hard to describe. I can snap a few photos if you would like (as good as I can in those narrow spaces).

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyronn

How easy was it to do? The splicing doesn't change anything "electrical" to the door speakers?