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| hi forum, i should be getting my gg base mdx june 1st. my question is this, i ordered the base because my friend that owns a car audio shop told me to order a base because it will be easier for him to install an alpine dvd and a multimedia monitor in the dash. i'm also going to get an alpine nav system that would run through the in dash monitor. my purpose in this is that i'll have a louder system than the bose, while also being able to play dvd movies and have a nav screen also. i also want to get 2 alpine monitors in the headrests of the front seat. lol, now back to my question, my friend has 1998 bmw 528 and he has the same type of system in his car. but i know a guy who has a monte carlo and he had to sell all his components because to much stuff ran through his factory dash ex: his alarm etc. would i be able to put this in the mdx? please respond |
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| We have the Acura Navigation system and it is integrated witht the car, including steering wheels controls and so on. You might want to consider getting a hand held or a temporary system for the back seats. I have considered doing the same, but due to price ($4,500) as the cost of Navigation system ($2,000) made is a "Simple" decision. I hope that this helps! |
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Please let me know the status of your work because Im curious to see how your friend deals with the AC controls integrated into the trip computer screen (Mode, AC, Fan).
Good Luck
Allan |
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jig,
Shouldn't be a problem if it is done correctly.
Ive got to assume you or your friend has the Factory Service Manual which includes schematics (www.helm.com) If the shop is planning on slicing and dicing without a schematic, I'd not let them touch the vehicle.
I am not real clear on what "too much stuff ran through his factory dash" has to do with the radio. Just don't cut wires that are for the alarm, etc. This comment is worrisome- who would spend $4000 just to find out it wont install? Get the manuals and you will KNOW.
Too many of the auto electronics shops are hacks. just throw stuff in and splice wires until it works.
Allan:
The climate control/AC/Fan/etc/etc should be unaffected by this mod. SOunds like he will retain the trip computer and ADD the flip out Alpine DVD Screen in place of the factory radio. ("install an alpine dvd and a multimedia monitor in the dash") Two displays, cool.
The benefit is you can watch DVDs and you get a better audio system. Down side: Cost ($4000 plus)
Ard
Ard |
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| I am also thinking of getting a audio and video set up in our MDX, your installer is right. It would be far easier for him to upgrade the audio/video sytem on the base model. You should however put in a combination cd,dvd and video sreen head unit check out Pioneer(with the cd,dvd changer option this system is one of the best)Panasonic has great resolution and Alpine to just name a few. You did not mention if you wanted individual or the number of independent zones you will want to have. Zone means a certain media can be controlled independently by each user. Example: driver controls main zone name zone 1, rear left passenger in zone 2 can watch a dvd movie while listening through headphones while driver in zone 1 listens to the radio etc hope you get the gest. By getting the base unit you have effectively moved your money to where your main concern is the multimedia in your vehicle. Tell your installer friend that he made a good call. I have the Touring system and I am currently planning an install of an aftermarket dvd player in conjunction with the oem head unit. In order for this to work I will have to install a switcher to switch the source unit, my head unit of choice was the Pioneer but I have decided to go with the Clarion unit because it is a single din unit that can go below the oem head unit with a little cutomizing, the controller can be mounted outboard the actual din unit and can be place elsewhere in the car, I'm thinking to place in the flip down shade holder which should be pretty trick not to mention stealth. The only drawback to this particular Clarion unit is that it does not incorporate a video screen, I will have to figure out if I can install that nav screen video switcher that was mentioned in one of the previous posts. I will also hook up some Boston Acoustics for the front and rears and a MB Quartz 10' sub in the oem rear panel. The MTX amps will be mounted on a re-done and modified rear cargo hatch where the 3rd row head rest is contained. I will have to fashion a new head rest holder underneath the 2nd row seats which will be out of sight once the 3rd row is folded down. I'm just throwing ideas at you I don't mind sharing mine's with you. I consider myself an audiophile enthusiast and not a fanatic that would not share ideas. So feel free to use it if you like, run this by your installer if you choose. Hopefully my system will be in place before the year ends. I am buying the equipment one by one so it might take me awhile. I will be doing the custom work myself but will have a shop do the installation and wiring so I can save a lot of $$$ because the custom work is the biggest wallet drainer in that equation. I will also need some reciepts to have on record so I can get extra insurance on the system and maybe even purchase a gap insurance just to be sure. |
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