Slammer1

I have an '06 IS350, and have been looking for a way to get an aftermarket HU in it. I came across a kit, which puts the HU in the A/C vents above the factory HU. My problem, is that the kit says it fits models that are non-Mark Levinson, but with factory nav. I do not have nav, but do not think that the vents would be different.
I called the company's tech line, but they said that they weren't sure. The kit is available two ways. For $330 you get the dash kit along with a smart cable which will allow you to toggle from the aftermartket HU to the factory HU. For $159 you just get the dash kit. I wouldn't want the cable, as I wouldn't be playing anything through the aftermarket HU. I am pretty sure that the only reason the kit would be nav specific is because of the cable. Anyone ever used one of these kits, or know if the vent portion would be the same for a non-nav car? This would be a much cheaper and easier alternative to have a custom panel made to replace the 6 disc changer at the bottom.

Here is the link for the kit:

http://www.installer.com/cars/by_car.php?carid=6589

Slammer1

OMG! Never mind....... I found that Beat-Sonic is the manufacturer of this kit, and went to their site. They have a pic of a HU installed with their kit and it looks TERRIBLE! It has round A/C vents, and the HU sticks out over the factory stereo. Absolutely absurd! Looks like it is going to take fabrication and a custom install to get it to look normal.

http://beatsonicusa.com/stereo/stere...nt/aok-15.html

lexusis305

iTrader: (2)

i would not install that in my cay !

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

That is tacky. There have been threads on this topic. I've seen this install and down low by the gear shift ****. It's a lot of work and expensive. This is why I got the Fly Audio unit and it looks OEM.

ljvike05

You would think by now the aftermarket audio companies would have come up with some sort of kit. Maybe it is just too difficult to relocate the a/c buttons? Either way it blows I wish IS owners had an easier alternative in order to go the aftermarket HU route.

Slammer1

I have to get an aftermarket HU in mine. My set up is for SQ, with Hertz component speakers in the front and rear doors, along with a Hertz EP5, 5 channel amp in the trunk powering the components and a Memphis M3 12" in a 35hz vented box. It sounds good and gets loud, but the mids and highs are nowhere near as clear as they would be with an aftermarket HU.
Talked to a friend at a local stereo shop, and he estimated $300-$500, just to fabricate the panel to go where the cd changer is now. Lots of labor goes into the fabrication, sanding, fitment and then painting to match. If I can't do one myself, I may just have to pony up with the cash.

Dj_AmtraX

iTrader: (2)

That looks GHETTO!

suka4thong

iTrader: (9)

FYI, beatsonice looks like this


i think it won't look that bad if you have eq or digital prosessor in there, just my thought

jbounnoi

iTrader: (7)

looks fugly.

panda327

iTrader: (3)

ewwwww what the helll

DreamerzCC

iTrader: (1)

that is horrible turns the interior look to a KIA

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

I will go out on a limb, and say it's WORSE than a Kia.

Jeff

Slammer1

You would be correct. It would have been better with vertical vents. The round vents look like ear holes! I can only assume that there isn't enough depth behind that panel for the HU to be recessed more than it is. With vertical vents and the HU flush, it would probably look okay.
I did some digging around, and found a factory HU on Ebay, which I bought for $100. It is the entire unit, including the 6 disc changer at the bottom. I am going to try to modify it, putting a single DIN in the changer portion. Won't be here til sometime next week, and will likely take some time to do. If I get anywhere with it, I will post up pics. Wish me luck.....

suka4thong

iTrader: (9)

good luck with crazy wiring and make sure you post step by step process!

350PsDMeuP

iTrader: (1)

i haven't looked at it but after doing my retrofitted navigation and custom making the harness myself....i could figure everything out as far as getting the HU to work...the hard part is making the HU work with the OEM changer...........