New Pioneer FHP 8000BT

[Fredvon4]

Thanks to both of you great info!

Cube are you running out board XM or adapter to the Pioneer?

I have not jumped into the pay radio yet, and probably wait to see where the dust settles on the merger... (equipemnt wise) I am political junkie so think I prefer Sirus but it is really a coin toss

I want HD becaus it seems that is only way to get RDS and I am one of thse who does not follow music scene so the info on artist and song title fills in where most current DJs fail to even mention who they just played or what is next

Speakers are very subjective ...here is a bit of advice that may get me shot...

I was incensed at the typical prices for name brand Infinity/Polk/JBL/Bose... etc.

I cheaped out and used 2 sets of $24.89 Boss 5x7 components to replace all 4 speakers in my King Ranch...I added 2 of included 1" silk domed tweeters and cross overs in the "A" pillar......Very well made, beefey where it counts, nice cones and same specs as the ones 6~10 times more expensive.... Obviously I can not compare them to the high end stuff.... but relative to the Ford factory paper junk, they sound very damned good

I am a Classic Rock- think Led Zepplin- fan.... and prefer, when I am alone, to crank it up. I want to hear the subtle stuff as well as realistic acoustics .... I am very impressed with my el-cheapo Boss speakers and a inexpensive Audiovox 12 band equalizer

[jmcummings]

Cube -

Did you start with the Radio 9 and its speakers, or Radio 10.

I got an orphan with a Radio 9 and only two speakers and am wondering if I also need to install more speakers.

Thanks!

[cubefx]

jmcummings,
My stock is Radio 9,
To install rear speakers I will run wires to the back and put 4" speakers in the rear pillars.
I'm thinking to get POLK DB651 for the front and POLK DB401 for the rear. You can get all 4 speakers for about $130 shipped (buy one , second half price) from Crutchfield.

Fredvon4,
I love XM, always listening to FOX, CNN, and bunch of other talk channels. Plus they have live traffic and weather for major cities. I got Pioneer IP Bus XM reciever (permanently installed under the seat) in my PT Cruiser. But for the smart I'm using Pioneer Inno (Portable).

Thank you.


CUBE

[artificial]

smart

[Fredvon4]

whalepirot

Yes they do... broadcast RDS info on many (most) FM stations analog signal...

When I do any sort of "search" on Crutchfield (and other sites) that provide side by side "Compare"...I can not find any RDS "Yes" on any head unit that has all the features and capabilities I desire

I am seeking a head unit with:

CD...MP3 WMA
AM/FM with FM sensitivity below 10dBf
CD SN ratio above 100dB
Sat ready
HD included or ready
USB
RDS
Bluetooth capable (preferably built in)

[starlord]

I've seen a number of Pioneer AVIC-D3 units in the smart, but likely going for the AVIC-Z3.. the only thing I don't like is I can't play iPod video on it (by what the specs say) though, how often would I do that in the car anyway? Hmm.. <shrug> the rest of the features seem cool.

[Smart Car Geek]

Originally Posted by starlord

but likely going for the AVIC-Z3

That's a great unit and you'll love it. By the way, you can save some $ by going here ;)

[doogster]

My question is... will this head unit be enough to transform the sound in the car from BLAH to something decent??? Or will I have to change out the speakers too? I'm not looking for GREAT, believe me... I even typically listen to talk radio... but the sound I'm getting with my radio 10 is just horrible...

I'd like to know if just changing the head unit will make a big difference....

[bull8042]

Don't mean to side-track this thread, but does the new AVIC-Z3 solve the problem on the D3 with only one disc "port"? In other words, can you leave the Nav disc in and still have another place to put in a cd for tunes?

[Smart Car Geek]

Originally Posted by doogster

will this head unit be enough to transform the sound in the car from BLAH to something decent??? Or will I have to change out the speakers too?

No matter what radio you get the sound still has to pass through the same speakers. If you're just looking for better sound and are happy with the stock radio features, then get new speakers and possibly an amp instead. The stock speakers are just that - stock. If you want better sound you usually need to replace them, but that depends on your ear and what you're listening to ;)