The Ultimate Edge

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?:

  In a word; Countless. The old standard of AM/FM with CD stereo is still the most popular. What has changed is that the quality level in most name branded decks is better than ever, and costs less than ¼ of what they did in the year 2000. The biggest change is the value added features that are available (more on these later). AM/FM/CD/DVD  is the next step, and with prices down, it is a great option. In single din configuration, models are available with motorized screens that extend out from the dash providing up to a 7” (diagonal measure) screen. These LCD, or TFT screens have amazing clarity and quality. Most models today offer touchscreen control to make use much easier and convenient. Most also offer video outputs for backseat screens. Double din models offer all the same features, but a more OEM look, and no need for a motorized screen to deal with.

HAVE IT YOUR WAY!:

  Got an iPod, or Mp3 player? We can hook you up! No cheesy fm modulators or wires hanging everywhere. Direct control from your radio, and true digital sound quality will make you see you iPod in a whole new way. Bluetooth technology makes hands free use of your cell phone a piece of cake. When you start your car, your Bluetooth enabled phone automatically links with your radio. Music is automatically muted on an incoming call, and caller ID is on your radio screen (more info on some systems). USB inputs on many of these decks now allow thumb drives and other USB devices to be used on your in dash stereo. Satellite radio is a great option. Over 100 channels of every kind of content available coast to coast with commercial free music channels, and true digital sound quality make this a great investment. From just $6.99 per month and up, this is a great value. HD radio is the latest innovation in radio. Your local stations broadcast in digital sound quality is just the beginning. Imagine having 2 or more “companion “ channels with alternative content. Imagine iTunes tagging that allows transferring the information to your iPod to download a song you love later. Imagine that there is no monthly charge for HD! HD radio’s do cost a bit more, but prices have come way down to where HD is a great investment. For people (like me) who seem to get lost just thinking about going someplace new, navigation is a “must have”. In dash units in double din, or motorized screen formats have a lot of advantages of the portable units. They have bigger screens for easier visibility. They tend to be faster because the processors are more sophisticated. They have more points-of-interest, and best of all; No wires hanging all over and nothing stuck to your dash board or windshield (which is illegal in NY). Here too, prices have come down drastically. It is also worth noting that in most cases, your new stereo can work with your steering wheel controls with a small extra cost. It is possible to get a system with almost everything discussed here for little more than a top of the line CD stereo sold for in 2000!

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?: 

  In most cases, you will need to purchase a dash kit to properly mount your new deck. You will also need a wire harness that will allow a plug in connection to your vehicle. Never cut the original equipment plug to direct wire. Plug in connections are sure, safe, and allow your vehicle to be restored to stock when you sell it or trade it in. Many vehicles will also require an antenna adapter as every aftermarket stereo comes equipped with an industry standard Motorola jack, but many carmakers have started using their own style connectors.

  An important development is in late model GM and Chrysler products as well as some foreign cars. The manufacturers are tying the stereo system into the vehicles data bus system. What that means is unplugging the factory radio can disable  other unrelated systems. In these vehicles, a data bus adapter must be used so that factory functions are not disabled. It is a higher cost than a simple harness, but these adapter harnesses leave the choices in your hands.

THE LIMITS ARE NO LIMITS:

  There are some 30% of vehicles being manufactured (as of 2008) that have stereo systems that are integrated into the dash with other unrelated functions. These systems cannot be replaced. The good news is that there is a great deal of options open to you. Devices  are available to allow connectivity to add most of the functions available in aftermarket stereo’s. It is still possible to upgrade those cheap factory speakers, and those weak factory amplifiers.

 As always, the experts at The Edge are available to help decide what options are open to you, and what options will fulfill your needs.