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Ok, I have been wanting to get an iPod connector for my civic for some time. I had always planned on getting the type that plugs into the cd changer port, but I recently realized that a new head unit would probably cost the same as the kit. So I'm wondering which one I should go with. I am happy with the sound quality of the standard system, and don't think its going to be worth it to replace the speakers until they stop working. I am also hesitant about the aftermarket headunit as I am going to go to college near the LA area in not too long, and I think a lot of people are aware that most civics, at least 7th gen, don't have a car alarm, so my car could be broken into because of the h/u possibly? A problem with the connector kit is that it isn't a known brand so there is the possibility of it failing and me being SOL. I'm not willing to spend more than $100 on crutchfield for a new h/u, and if I were to go that route, it needs to be a reliable brand with both USB and aux inputs.
Any opinions are greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!

 
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If you are happy with the sound quality of your current system then don't change it! Also you might want to remember small items like dash kit and wiring harnesses while pricing out the new radio. PAC-AUDIO makes a great iPod adaptor for Hondas. Down side is your car has to be sat ready for it to work correctly. We use the PAC piece on a regular basis for the Honda dealerships here in town.

 
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replace de unit its a good idea, thinking that you can get usb, BT, aux in, video aux in and a lot of things, but it will be very expensive if you whant an navigation unit or something whith big color screen, if you have the money do it, but take in to acount the price of antena adapter, arness adapter, instalation kit, and wheel mount controls adapter.

 
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replacing a HU will offer you more functinality in the long run.

+1 for getting a new HU

 
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Ok, well if I buy through Crutchfield, they include everything needed to install the h/u parts-wise, meaning wiring harness and the in-dash kit.

I would prefer rear USB, but it seems like not many in my price range have rear, they tend to be in the front, which I'm afraid will be inconvenient...I guess it could be okay. If I get a single-din, I can keep the little storage compartment below the h/u right? Also, how does it work with the speakers? There shouldn't be any difficulties there right? I should also be able to install it fairly easily myself, so I don't think there are any problems there.

I had this typed up to get links to H/Us to compare, but I ended up just ordering it now, because I want it ASAP. Really hoping it gets here before next Friday!

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1303300...EH-3300UB.html

 
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Most HUs come with removable faceplates so I wouldn't worry about it getting stolen. I would recommend getting a new HU instead of just the ipod connector.

 
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ordered a new H/U!

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...EH-3300UB.html

Any opinions on how the install will go? I ended up going with these guys instead of Crutchfield, because 2 day shipping was $8.xx through them, and $28.xx through CF. Plus, it came with the dash adapter and wiring harness, shipped 2 days for $118 even. Sounds like a good deal to me! Any tips when it comes to installing it?

I assume it is just PnP right? Disconnect the battery, Take out the cigarette lighter panel, undo some screws, pop the assembly off, unplug the wires, mount the new H/U in there after removing the old one, plug the new wiring harness in, and then put it back together right?

 
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clutchfield is wayyyyyyyyy overyly priced. but hey, whatever floats ur boat.

the harness is not plug n play. u gotta either solder it or tap it.

you should have just bot gearbox's headunit. he's already dont teh soldering and all the hard stuff. plus its new and way under 100.


there is a DIY on here, searching is ur friend.

 
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My stock tweeters should work with the headunit right? I was just thinking about that. How do they connect? Do they just split off of the door speakers or do they require a separate plug?

 
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Stereo installed! The screws that attach the HU to the bracket didn't line up, so I just ended up zip-tying it and it is secure. Now, though, the rear defrost button's light is burnt out, and the other two buttons there are iffy. The lights by the shift **** also burned out, I think on Saturday.
The HU ended up being an open-box unit from Sonic Elextronix, and I'm planning on pushing for at least a partial refund. we'll see.
Truthfully, it was an overall dissatisfying experience...

 
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What year was your civic? I have 99 EX and just bought a DEH-3300ub ...I am going to install next weekend depending on the arrival...Great deal on crutchfield with them including all the extras...I also go the Posi-Products Car Stereo Connector Kit 16 connectors. I found a code online for 10% accessories w/ $100 spent. When you had the head unit out did it look like you could have drilled new holes for the screws instead of zipping it? Also could you post a pic of the unit in the stock housing or did you use the kit?

120997893 Honda In-dash Receiver Kit


I was looking for a non FM transmitter way of connecting to the head unit and for the cost of the aux adapter it was better to just upgrade..

 
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Crutchfield is over priced for a reason Life-Time Tech Support, Top Grade Instructions for your car its all for a reason and their a family owned company so you can negotiate stuff with them if you really want to be a stickler.

 
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But they also were not more expensive for this unit. I paid $99 for it...that included harness, install guide, new in dash receiver kit, tech support by phone etc. The cheapest i could find for a new non-refurb unit was $88 delivered from J&R but that is JUST the retail box, no extras, no support, no harness etc...So i don't get the overpriced comments. It might be overpriced for certain products at a given time, but as with any other e-commerce a savvy buyer will always find a great deal.

 
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New HU is the way to go, there's a ton of decent/good ones out there with USB. Have over 10 gb of music on my keychain USB drive, listen on the road and at work, much quicker and easier than carrying around an ipod.

 
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Crutchfield can be competitive, and if there anywhere near competitive, I'd go with them. But last two head units I purchased they were $200-300 off the price of the cheapest place.

SonicElectronix.com can have some really great deals, they have tech support, and they provide mounting hardware and harness, so while they don't provide the "master sheets", those sheets are less useful than advertised. They will bargain with you if you call, as well. My experience with them has been very positive.

 
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Checked out SonicElectronix.com...It seems the pricier the unit the better the deal there...I bought a low end DEH-3300ub...So it was the same price as Crutchfield, but once you get to the pricier models you are right, SonicElectronix.com blows them away

 
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Mine came with a faceplate adapter, because if it didn't, there would be gaps between the rest of the assembly and the new headunit because of the way the old stereo has part of the bezel built in to it.
I don't think I could have drilled new holes that would have done a better job securing it, since it is very secure now.
Below is a photo of the front of the H/U. I was listening to a song that I enjoyed on my iPod, so I felt it unnecessary to unplug it.





Turns out, though, that my H/U was open box! There was already a CD in it, which is insane. But they're going to give me a discount, which is more than worth it IMO, since the H/U was so much of an ordeal to install in the first place.

 
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I got mine installed as well...Looks great...I bought a 10cm black ipod cord that is a perfect quick connect without all the extra wire, plus the white cable stands out screaming "Ipod in here" or the like to thieves...

I'll post some media later