dansmax2003

iTrader: (7)

I've been thinking for a very very long time to update my stock/non-Bose head unit with something that offers more quality, better upgrade options and better overal performance.
I upgraded the speakers with Infinity Kappa components and Infinity Reference and i did feel a difference in sound quality. Still, i don't think the stock HU matches the quality of any decent aftermarket speaker. It's very limited and basic. Plus, the lack of low-level outputs drives me crazy. I have my Amplifier and Subwoofer connected in a "high-level" configuration, getting juice from the rear speakers. The subwoofer setup sucks because of that, no matter how much i invest in Amps, subwoofer and a box.

Why haven't i upgraded the HU yet??? One main reason - i am really concerned about the "look" of my dashboard when i put a Single DIN unit in that big 2-Din space. Color mismatch, new HU sticking out, empty space ... all this really stops me from upgrading. I almost bought a 2-DIN Pioneer AVIC D1 Navi/stereo Headunit last week and it was promising to look very "stock" and nice, however, for the price of $1000+ for the unit and all the shortcommings i found about it, it wasn't really worth the money. It's a very limited 2-DIN, NAVI headunit - it is NOT a DVD player and it is NOT a great sound machine. It's a good NAVI for $1000 which i will NOT use very often.

My budget for a nice headunit tops at $1000 max.

I'm thinking again about putting a nice Single DIN sized HU due to lower price and great features.
I know many people here have done this to their 5th Gen Maxima. Can you please post pictures so i can see how different 1-DIN units look? IS it really weird?...or is it really nice? I have the money...i just need to convince my self that it is worth it and that my Maxima will not look worse inside after i spend the $$ and do the install.

For those who have upgraded to aftermarket HU ... was the sound quality improvement really noticeable or it can be contributed to better speakers mostly? IN other words, is the stock non-bose HU really bad in terms of sound quality?

The more pix you can post, the better.

Thanks in advance!

tool46&2

iTrader: (3)

Check this recent thread out!
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=427736

It has some pics and info about putting a GXE dash trim piece in with a single DIN HU. It also has some other pics of aftermarket dash trim pieces with a single DIN HU.

I'm most likely going to get the GXE dash trim piece and the pocket w/door to go with my new HU.

MrGone

iTrader: (30)

have you checked out the audio forum yet?

http://forums.maxima.org/forumdisplay.php?f=25

dansmax2003

iTrader: (7)

I did. I actually posted there as well, however, i didn't see many 5th Gen MAxima setups.

tlong

I'll give you a picture of my head unit. That is if you want to go all out. It's a Kenwood XXV-05V 25th anniversary tv/tuner/cd/dvd plaver. I payed about $1700 brand new and I love it. You should look into it.

chinaonnitrous1

iTrader: (12)

I have one more of thoes GXE trim peices, PM me if you would like to buy one.