Stock Headunit with aftermarket everything else?

[300C2NV]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to go with an almost all Diamond Audio set-up, including D3 6x9's, D3 tweeters, D312D4 Subs (2), slot ported box, D3600.1 Amp (for subs) D3400.4 Amp (speakers), but the shop told me I couldn't use my stock head unit unless I bought a Rockford Fosgate 360.1 Signal Processor. I want to use the stock head unit, becuase right now I don't have enough money to spend 800+ on a double-din screen set-up. He said there's no way to use the stock head unit without this 360.1. The only problem I have is that this 360.1 is $300 + another $150 to install. That's more than half-way to a double-din unit. is there any other way to use the stock head unit with 2 aftermarket amps and all aftermarket speakers?

[TheJackal24]

Originally Posted by 300C2NV

Hey guys,

I'm looking to go with an almost all Diamond Audio set-up, including D3 6x9's, D3 tweeters, D312D4 Subs (2), slot ported box, D3600.1 Amp (for subs) D3400.4 Amp (speakers), but the shop told me I couldn't use my stock head unit unless I bought a Rockford Fosgate 360.1 Signal Processor. I want to use the stock head unit, becuase right now I don't have enough money to spend 800+ on a double-din screen set-up. He said there's no way to use the stock head unit without this 360.1. The only problem I have is that this 360.1 is $300 + another $150 to install. That's more than half-way to a double-din unit. is there any other way to use the stock head unit with 2 aftermarket amps and all aftermarket speakers?

Lies, he just wants to sell you. I'm looking at it though and it seems like it would be a wise choice for optimal audio sound out of the oem. But in that case I would just save a bit more and get a new head unit.
They can do it without that processor definitely.

[BlkLikeMe]

You might want to try a different shop. You can actually run the stock head unit for now with your set up although you may not get the optimal sound you're looking for. Your sub amp/subs would be an easy hookup tapping into your rear deck speakers and you should be able to run the amp for your mids/highs if you tap in before the factory amp setup...maybe just totally disable the factory amp itself. Lots of ways to look at it but in the end, you get what you put into it. I actually kept with my factory head unit, speakers and ran in amp for my subs with a pretty good outcome under the circumstances. Only thing left now is for me to add video to my Nav unit and call it a day. I realized the older I get the worse my hearing, therefore a $5k stereo system will sound the same as a $1k system with the same aged ears and hearing loss lol Goodluck

[DarkFury]

The AudioControl LC8 is another option to utilize the the speaker inputs after the factory amp... and it's a heck of alot less $$$ than the RF 360.1

I'd tell that installer to use one of those...or forget the deal and go somewhere else.

[300C2NV]

How much is the LC8 and where do you get it?

[DarkFury]

Originally Posted by 300C2NV

How much is the LC8 and where do you get it?

About $200... just find a local dealer in your area

http://www.mobileaudiocontrol.com/locator_detail.asp


You can read up a little more on the LC8 here:
http://www.mobileaudiocontrol.com/product.asp?Product_Id=171360&d_Id=17612&l1=17612& l2=

The RF 360.1 does more things.. but bang for the buck, the LC8 should get you where you wanna be. BTW... in another thread, someone was saying that the RF 360.1 retails for like $600... so honestly, if you did go that route, you don't have a "really" bad deal on the table... if the shop is legit and you get a full warranty with it.

[300C2NV]

Originally Posted by DarkFury

About $200... just find a local dealer in your area

http://www.mobileaudiocontrol.com/locator_detail.asp


You can read up a little more on the LC8 here:
http://www.mobileaudiocontrol.com/product.asp?Product_Id=171360&d_Id=17612&l1=17612& l2=

The RF 360.1 does more things.. but bang for the buck, the LC8 should get you where you wanna be. BTW... in another thread, someone was saying that the RF 360.1 retails for like $600... so honestly, if you did go that route, you don't have a "really" bad deal on the table... if the shop is legit and you get a full warranty with it.

The shop has done 4 stereo's for me before and im extremely satisfied with the shop, and they won't install it unless you purchase it from them, becuase then they can offer a full warranty (which they always have). I'm just trying to decide if it's worth it to go ahead and buy a new head unit.

[Simans82]

Originally Posted by 300C2NV

The shop has done 4 stereo's for me before and im extremely satisfied with the shop, and they won't install it unless you purchase it from them, becuase then they can offer a full warranty (which they always have). I'm just trying to decide if it's worth it to go ahead and buy a new head unit.

I've only come across a few shops that won't install something because they don't sell it. My "custom" shop allows for install of product that is bought from outside their store. Of course they can't warranty the product, but they can still warranty the install/services. That's the most important part.

If they warranty the install, then they can troubleshoot for you if something should go wrong. If it was the part you bought from outside the shop, then you're on your own with getting a new one/replacing the existing one.

Goodluck with your decision. I'd say swap out the headunit.

[DarkFury]

Originally Posted by 300C2NV

The shop has done 4 stereo's for me before and im extremely satisfied with the shop, and they won't install it unless you purchase it from them, becuase then they can offer a full warranty (which they always have). I'm just trying to decide if it's worth it to go ahead and buy a new head unit.

I agree with Simans82's reasoning here...

They should warranty all parts of the install EXCEPT the one unit. That one unit is not gonna cause the rest of the install to explode/implode... so they are just being "full of themselves" trying to make more money off of you.

Personally, I know how it is to have your own personal "installer"... I feel the same way about my cars. However I'd personally never deal with a shop who would draw a hard line in the sand like that.... because they are still getting paid for their time and labor to do the job... and if they are COMPETENT, then something this small shouldn't be a problem for them.

Hell, if they have already had 4 car systems done with you... then you'd think that you would be a pretty well respected customer there and that they would cut you the leeway to have your install done the way you want it. Why sacrifice a whole install job over one part. Sounds kinda silly to me... but oh well.

I actually cut loose a shop that had a similar policy... but now I have an installer for my current "fleet" that I am happy with. I won't let ANYONE touch my audio systems but him and he's flexible enough to do a professional job on any piece of equipment I give him to install... whether I buy it from him or not.

[BlkLikeMe]

Excellent points Simans and Dark! If you have a shop that refuses to install because you didn't purchase the equipment from them--not good..not good. If this is the case they are looking to really make a great profit on selling the unit and setting the labor rate for install. Personally, I use only shops that are willing to install, trouble shoot and warranty "their" work. And lately, I've only used shops that are willing to remove my aftermarket equipment and replace it with the OEM equipment if I sell or trade in. So far, no complaints. Now if I can only find a GREAT shop that can deal with the Canbus system and after market alarm/remote start. Goodluck with which ever direction you go in.