I've been reading through this forum and have found some general information, but I'd like to have a couple of things clarified as well as ask for a general recommendation...

I have a 2k1 Maxima with a non-bose system. I want to replace the HU to gain MP3 capabilities and also improve the overall sound quality of the system as well as allow me to turn up the system louder than I can currently.

Question 1) I understand that I can get a PAC-SWI to regain use of my steering wheel controls. I've never seen this mentioned, but doing this will not disrupt my cruise control buttons on the other side of the steering wheel, right? Secondly, when I splice into the wires I can do it at he harness and not have to open up my steering column, right?

Question 2) I'd like some specific recommendations for a good HU and I found one on Crutchfield that I'm tentatively considering...I don't want to get a Sony since a lot of those have problems with the PAC-SWI transmitter. Right now I'm basically looking at Clarion and Alpine. I'd LOVE to spend less than $300 on the HU. This Clarion at Crutchfield is on sale for $220 and appears to be a nice one.
http://tinyurl.com/vrhn
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...o&i=020DXZ735M
A couple of things that I'd like to point out:
Currently, I am not planning on replacing the speakers or adding a sub, but might consider doing that at somepoint. Therefore, having pre-amp outs is a must. Secondly, it'd be nice if it had an aux-input for expandability. Third, I'm planning on using MP3s a LOT and want a HU that has intuitive menus, can read MP3(etc) tags, and has a nice display of the artist/song. Fourth, I've heard that with some Alpines you can adapt the PAC-SWI to plug directly into the HU, which would be cool, but I haven't seen any models specifically listed.

Ok, I think that about covers it!

Thanks!

 

I'll answer question 1. No, the audio interface will not interfere with the cruise control.

Tony