3rd Gen Stereo replacement

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Chris H - 10 Jan 2005 02:27 GMT

My 90 GXE's stereo (non-Bose) is finally toast. Speaker cone gaskets are
gone, rt. rear speaker doesn't work, the head unit won't store presets,
everything sounds like poop, etc.
So I'm planning to just tear out all 4 speakers, amps and head unit and go
in with after-market stuff.

I've been looking at lower end stuff- not trying to blow out the neighbors
windows or my checking account, just a nice, average classic rock-era
system!
How are Kenwood, Jenson, Clarion and BossAudio headunits? I want am/fm,
cd,cdr,cdrw,mp3 capability and detach'l face.
These decks put out somewhere ~22watts rms. My old home unit puts out 25wrms
and it can get pretty loud before it distorts.

Speakers: I'm looking at lower end Pioneer, Kenwood, Bazooka & Alpine 4x6
front and 6x9 rears.

I have the non-Bose system and I know the rear amp is not useable so it's
coming out.

Are there any speaker and head unit mounting issues?
How about hooking up to the power antenna?

Thanks!

Chris
90 & 94 GXE's

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brianmartin61@yahoo.com - 10 Jan 2005 02:50 GMT

> My 90 GXE's stereo (non-Bose) is finally toast. Speaker cone gaskets are
> gone, rt. rear speaker doesn't work, the head unit won't store presets,
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
> Chris
> 90 & 94 GXE's

I put a Pioneer AM, FM, CD head unit in my boat. It's XM capable, but
I haven't bought the XM module. I've had no trouble playing CD-Rs in
it. I got it at Best Buy for $150. It puts out 50 watts x 4 (peak, I
assume). It sounds great for my purposes and the FM tuner is pretty
sensitive. The stereo was simple to install and it has lasted 4 years,
so far, on a boat, so it must be durable.

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BeeP - 10 Jan 2005 04:15 GMT

Kenwood has a wide range of stuff to fit the Max (single DIN or double
DIN) but IMO they are very complicated to operate, especially while
driving. Almost too many features. All must be programmed in. Ex: no
knobs for bass/treble instead several layers of button pushing to get
to those settings. Plus several ways to identify what track you are
playing, etc. None of which I need.
My current Max came with a high end Kenwood flip face mask CD AM FM
head and very expensive speakers, amp and sub. But the Kenwood AM and
FM tuners are very unimpressive, and I listen to the radio alot. Plays
CDs great with many options for settings etc. So far I have removed
the sub and the trunk CD changer, and head unit is next. Other than
stock, Kenwood is the only one I have experience with, so this is all
I can tell you. I was thinking of getting a stock tri-mode unit
(non-Bose), or something from another vehicle like Mazda, but the
radio guys don't seem to think the latter is a good idea.
I'd be interested in what you learn and eventually decide.
Good luck.
Bob
95 SE Auto
89 SE Auto traded

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Chris H - 10 Jan 2005 04:27 GMT

Oops, just noticed the rear spkrs are 6.5"dia rounds instead of 6x9.
Bummer.

Bob, thanks for the info on Kenwood. I can appreciate simplicity in
operating the controls.
I don't need a to have a wreck trying to fiddle with da buttons.
I'll keep looking.

Chris

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john smith - 10 Jan 2005 05:01 GMT

If you have a Fry's discount center there are many systems to choose
from on the low end and still get a good system. I would not go with
Clarion as I have had nothing but bad luck with them. However, that is
what Nissan uses factory. Your choice. Crutchfield is a good source
on-line too. I bought Infiniti Kappas for the 350Z and they were
reasonable at $150 a pair and they do not sound bad either. Oh,
Crutchfield has the install kits and connectors so you do not have to
butcher your wiring putting the new deck in.

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