GPS, Car & Marine Electronics

[slebrun]

I'm thinking of getting the Sony MEXBT2600 and getting FS to install it in me Sedona 2008.  A few questions though:

a) will it fit all proper like?

b) will it function properly with the built-in DVD player?  Will it function more-or-less 'as is,' or am I going to be told, once I get there, about all the amps and geegaws and watsits that I'll also need to install?

c) about how long does an install take?  The Kia appears to be relatively easy; double-DIN hole, a simple wiring adaptor.  Unlike, say, my old Cavalier, where changing the radio involves removing the entire dash assembly....

c.2) should I call ahead and make an appointment?  The nearest FS is about an hour away.

d) around how much does the installation cost?

[ikrasov]

May I first ask what is it about this Sony head unit that you like so much? Are there particular features that you are looking for to get from the deck? I'm asking, because for less of a price, you can get a better quality deck like the Pioneer DEH-P3000IB!

About your DVD player... is it built into the head unit that's currently up front, or are you talking about one that situated separately to play for the rear-seat passengers. The Pioneer unit that I mentioned has a DVD control, so you'd be all set with that one. The install usually takes about an hour. It's always best to call ahead to make sure that there's an installer available to work on your vehicle when you arrive. It would be a good idea to set up an appointment.

[slebrun]

Ikrasov,

Thanks for the reply.  For the first answer, I'm specifically looking for bluetooth capability; I keep a lot of music and audiobooks on my Treo, let alone the phone capability itself.  While an aux-in would work, I do like the idea of wireless, and the phone capability.  And given that I'm going to be plugging into stock speakers and the like, I don't know if one head unit will make a noticeable difference than another.

I'm certainly not married to the Sony, however; I'll take any and all suggestions from those more familiar with this field than myself. :-)

For the second answer, the DVD system is the Kia built-in one, with a ceiling mounted screen/DVD player, which plays through the Aux setting on the factory-installed HU.

They runned out of those, though (I just bought the Sedona today!) and have to take the thing back next week, when they get their shipment in, to have the DVD system installed.  I'm thinking it might be better to have an aftermarket HU installed after that; or would it be better to buy a HU and have the Kia guys install it while doing the DVD install?  I'd hate to invalidate my warranty or something the day after I bought the thing....

I'm an utter newbie when it comes to car audio.  Please correct any incorrectness I have.  Feel free to use small words. :-)

[ikrasov]

The sound quality you get via Pioneer head units far exceeds that of the Sony products. However, for the price, that's perhaps the cheapest head unit you can get that is Bluetooth-ready. If you upgraded to Pioneer's DEH-P4000UB or to DEH-P5000UB that's on sale now, you'd be getting a Bluetooth-capable head unit, but you'd also need to get an adaptor (CD-BTB200) in order to access that feature. You'd need to spend about twice as much for a Pioneer deck that's Bluetooth-ready (not requiring an extra adaptor): DEH-P7000BT. Anyways, unless you're willing to spend extra, for that Sony price you'll pretty much only get a Sony product.

If you get after-market audio equipment installed at Future Shop, you are not likely to void your vehicle warranty. If I were you, I'd call your Kia dealership and ask them whether you would be charged extra if you had an after-market deck installed prior to them connecting the DVD unit. I don't think that this is something that Future Shop can guarantee, but I'm sure if you had that DVD system already installed, they'd be able to reconnect it to your new head-unit while making the swap from the stock deck.

[slebrun]

Thanks again for the reply.  You've certainly given me a lot to think about. 

[ikrasov]

You're welcome. Let us know how everything goes and if you encounter any problems that Future Shop installers can have a look into.

[slebrun]

Not going so good, unfortunately.

I've called around to pretty much every futureshop within a two hour drive.  Nobody carries dash kit or wiring harness; they all say that a 2008 is 'too new'.  I've been told that they can certainly order them in, for a $20 shipping surcharge, which strikes me as a bit odd to order something in from a standard supplier, which they presumably make relatively regular orders from anyway.

I find myself interpreting alot of it as 'just install a head unit?  Don't waste our time,' weather that's actually the thinking or not.  So I'm seriously considering acquiring the parts from elsewhere and attempting the install myself.

[danyman2]

but its true though  sometimes the vehicle is too new like 08 09 so the manifacturers didnt get a chance to make a kit yet  sooo the surcharge is maybe to get the company to make a "fresh" new kit just for you and a template for later on

look around get prices but at the end future shop will match price and 10% off sooo just come back when you get the prices lol 

and if you want to do the install go ahead. just take your time cause a broken pin or plastic is not fun and also frying your new deck isnt either ( even speakers)

[ikrasov]

You know, if that's too much of a problem, you can go with something like Rockford Fosgate 3SIXTY. This isn't a product for you if you're looking to save an extra $20, but if you don't want that hassle then you can improve the sound of your vehicle with that product. It also allows you to add extra amplifiers in order to expand your audio system.

[danyman2]

ya your right the 3sixty sounds better for a newer vehicle. since some new cars have lots of good option on the factory deck its better to just upgrade the rest of the car and leave the deck alone