swj123

Hello all, next week I am buying a 2012 3.5 without the premium package.
I am going to want to put a aftermarket radio in that has XM. I'm looking for the best solution. Been looking on Crutchfield's site from seeing some comments on here. Xm with good sound is my main wish. And should I consider the double din over the single? Sorry for all the newbie questions.
Thanks

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ultimate

Welcome and congrats, an audio guy I am not but many are.

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2004 3.5SE Gun Metal Grey: Performance mods completed for now Up next:window tint and Progress RSB

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Crippie21

Welcome

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swj123

Thanks for the welcome. I have spent much of the day reading posts here trying to get up to speed. I am thinking getting a Kenwood or Pioneer from Crutchfield and doing it myself. Not a car audio expert but am a retired electronic tech and currently have a car-pc in my lexus that I put together. Going to put that on ebay and order a nice radio for the new 3.5
Very glad I didn't get the Bose premium pak. From the comments here I read that radio is not the best. I may end up getting a touch screen pioneer. Anyone have any comments on that? Also hear the Kenwood is a good unit.
Thanks. Nice site here

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gameguru1360

if you plan on doing the install yourself, get it from crutchfield as they include everything for free...wiring harness, faceplate kit, detailed instructions and 24/7 support. They're not the cheapest, but you'll get the exact installation parts...no guessing when you find universal equipment from other sites.

Single or double din is based on your preference. I like single because you can remove the faceplate for security. I've only seen a jvc double din that had a removable faceplate.

For the non-bose, most people go with 6.5" comps for the front and coaxial 2 way 6x9's in the rear...2 or 4 channel amp, mono amp for sub

I've got a 2 channel amp powering 6.5" comps in the front and had the local car audio place install the tweeters in the factory dash openings. You can definitely do custom fiberglass tweeter shrouds on the triangle portions near the mirrors

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swj123

Well I just brought home my new dark slate 2012 3.5 Stock radio really don't sound that great so on to Crutchfield to look at Pioneer or Kenwood units that will work with XM modules. Nice car

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ultimate

Ah yes nothing quite like bringing home the smell of a new car, Enjoy!!!

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2004 3.5SE Gun Metal Grey: Performance mods completed for now Up next:window tint and Progress RSB

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THEKING

nice man if you need any deals on subs let me no

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gameguru1360

for most on this forum, most people don't like the kit that comes with crutchfield as it's usually a generic one made by scosche. Metra kits are the better kits and they can be matched to your dashboard like the carbon fiber look. Not sure if crutchfield sells the metra kits, but I know you can get them at your local auto parts stores like Autozone.

I like crutchfield because they send you the exact wiring harness and installation kit instead of a universal wiring harness plus detailed instructions on how to remove your dashboard and inner body panels to get to your speakers.

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c4w18

in reference to the sat radio, I'd go with a deck that has a direct plug in tuner that doesn't have a handshake adapter (module or plug). The older generations (even ones from last year) usually have these plugs or handshakes that act as a middle-man for the sat tuner....these usually fail and cause trouble down the line. The direct plug in ones will cause you less headache and are much easier to install:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500CDE1...Radio_%28XM%29

something like that for instance.

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swj123

Yep that Alpine is the exact one I have narrowed it down to. I am going to get it from crutchfield. They also have a add on amp for it. I went to Best Buy this morn to listen to the Alpine and they didn't have it hooked up. Looked like teenagers working in the install bays. Yikes
I will be doing it myself. Taking my can in tomorrow to get the spoiler installed on it. I got a 2012 dark slate 3.5 sr for $23,000 before taxes ect and it didnt have many options. But.... V6 and 17" wheels . Love it

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miradoro

let me know if it works for u

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swj123

Thanks for the input. I looked that sh0006 up. I thought Crutchfield was supposed to have the adapters for the different cars. I can solder and heatshrink if needed. No big deal. I guess my main concern is getting the old radio out. I saw the info on a 2008 but not sure if its the same on my 2012 with non bose radio. Anxious to get XM going again. Can't stand fm. yuck

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swj123

also what was the brand of cover you recommended that looks like what I have now? Thanks

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swj123

Well got my rear spoiler installed today and got the auto armor on. Buyers remorse big time on that. Ordered the Alpine with xm and amp that goes with it. Hopefully in a few days I will be ripping things apart. Also miradoro I did order that adapter from that company you suggested. Should be rocking by the weekend hopefully.

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