Replacement of OEM radio/cd player

[skintner]

Greetings
I am a new owner of 2005 Focus ZX3 hatchback... I love my car, but the radio really sucks.

Because I listen to AM quite a bit, I think I need to upgrade to HD... I like the idea of USB interface on the front panel for charging my golf gps devices and the front aux input would work fine for my ONE apple product, an iPod that I was given for Christmas. Any of that other apple stuff doesn't do a thing for me.

Recommendations for a decent hd radio / cd player ($150 or less) would be appreciated, and perhaps the install kit. I understand electronics pretty well so wiring the thing up would be less hassle than the install kit to fill the huge 3 story gap in the middle of my dash (3 din?).

Also, the current system sounds like it has a sub in it, but I could not tell you where it might be located.

Any hints for audio upgrades would be appreciated ;-)

Thanks -
steve

[Sponsor]

[LikwidZX5]

Try onlinecarstereo.com or sonicelectronix.com.

I got a double-DIN JVC head unit with dual USB, Bluetooth, and AUX for $135 refurbished from onlinecarstereo.com and it came with the mounting kit and wiring harness. I had to purchase a wiring harness separately because of my factory sub. But it might be worth checking out.

If you have a factory sub, it will be in the trunk/hatch on the left side.

[skintner]

Thanks for the suggestions, lik...

I wound up ordering from Sonic, getting a Kenwood KDC-HD552U:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...DC-HD552U.html

Install kit and harness kit were free, as well as shipping.

steve

[LikwidZX5]

Glad I could help. Pics when you get it installed

[Godzukidan]

If it has a sub it should be in the hatch. I beleave on the drivers side. I have a JVC HD unit and any AM station in HD sounds nice. Also a a good set of 6x8's in the doors make a BIG difference in sound. Good luck with you new unit.

[B&WScrew]

Hey Steve, that unit looks very similar to the one I put in my daughter's ZTS. Don't remember the exact number but looks just like it. If they send you the Schose mounting kit, call them and tell them to send you the Metra kit. I tried the Schose but didn't like it 'cause it didn't fit tight in the opening. The metra fit nice and snug plus the storage slot is on the bottom. Just personal preferance, but I like it better that way. Get some shrink tubing and take the time to solder the connections on the wiring adapters. GLWI

[BLRich1]

Moved to "Car Audio, SYNC & Electronics"