I personally don't like the new F series units, just a matter of personal taste, and I like the navigation better in the AVIC units than the new MSN powered ones (though before this, I used Microsoft Streets and Trips on a Carputer, and that worked pretty well actually.. but I digress)
To be able to watch DVD video in the front screen while you are driving causes obvious road hazards and may be illegal (and this is why you get that warning message when switching to a DVD or AV source) -- well this has to do with the parking brake lead I think, if you ground it out in such a way as to trick the system that the brake is engaged, then it will let you play DVD format discs with the front display active. A totally valid reason for this is if you have DVD-audio discs and want to play them while you drive.
On the subject of sound, yes, the #1 thing to address the flat sounding stock speakers is to get better speakers, it will help tremendously. Even better, invest in an amp that you can hide under one of the seats, and install rear speakers in the boot and/or a sub either in the footwells (there's a lot of extra space up in the dash) or again, under the seat (this is what a lot of dealerships do).
There are some caveats- one is, your options are limited because there is very minimal space to install good speakers. Another thing you may want to do, to help with the sound, is install dynamat or some other sound-deadening material in the doors, floor, etc. The smart is basically a tridion cell with some plastic on it and not much factory sound deadening, well because of the design of the vehicle, you are challenged in that respect that there isn't a lot of wiggle room for tearing stuff out and putting speakers, lights, whatever in.
I am happy with my Pioneer AVIC-Z3. I got it with bluetooth, backup camera (yes, really!), XM radio (which I don't even use), iPod adaptor, and whatever else it came with. It doesn't do RDS/PTY in the radio which I had in the Alpine before and really miss it, I think the F series does this though?
To beef up the sound I have a 600w amp, MBquart speakers in the doors, DA/AudioTechnica Lexon speakers in the back (in a box I had built custom) uhm, what else? Crossovers with MBquart tweeters in the top of the dash. I love the tweeters, I don't really love the sound of the door speakers (MBquart are known for having great bass and hi notes but lack mid range, which stinks) but, the rear speakers I put in offset this, also without needing a sub.. not a bad setup. People who have heard it think it sounds great. I will probably add some sound deadening materials at some point when I get more free time LOL..
I should mention that to get those speakers in the door we had to do some shaving, they barely clear the power window, but it does fit. When you take out the silly paper cone stock speakers, you will see how small those magnets are. Two things to look for in good speakers-- the construction of the magnets, and the speaker cone material. You can re-use the stock speaker grate, or, go with something custom if you like
If you have radio 9 then you don't have factory tweeters. If you have radio 10 then you do. Either way, putting in your own tweeters (if they are small enough) isn't really hard to do, just takes time to get them in there.
There's pics from my audio install in my Flickr album, everyone is welcome to take a look if it will help give you ideas what to do (or perhaps not do, LOL) here's the link:
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
Cube,
I have a few questions, just got my car I have a pioneer like yours, I bought the AI kit and wiring harness, it did not come with wiring instructions. I have the Basic Radio 9. I looked at the stuff on evolution, but didn't see anything that looks like what I have.
Do you have the wiring info? I will not be changing or adding rear speakers yet, should I hook up the rear outs to the wiring plug, so I will be ready when the time comes or just leave them unhooked?
Cube,
I have a few questions, just got my car I have a pioneer like yours, I bought the AI kit and wiring harness, it did not come with wiring instructions. I have the Basic Radio 9. I looked at the stuff on evolution, but didn't see anything that looks like what I have.
Do you have the wiring info? I will not be changing or adding rear speakers yet, should I hook up the rear outs to the wiring plug, so I will be ready when the time comes or just leave them unhooked?
You should get a harness for the radio9from smart maddness or eBay. The wires were labled...made it easy.
You should get a harness for the radio9from smart maddness or eBay. The wires were labled...made it easy.
Posting from this iPhone is hard
Posting from the iphone is really hard. It almost stutters on you and then you are able to write in the post. Its really crappy but when your away and want to post its still cool that you can
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