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I'm buying a 2005 LX Coupe from my brother-in-law and he's taking the stereo he previously installed with him to install in his old truck. I'd really like to install a double DIN stereo in it's place and poking around on the forum suggests that picking up a dash insert from a Special Edition would be the easiest/cleanest way to go. Looking at the parts diagram on HondaAutomotiveParts.com it looks like the bracket behind the dash is the same on both the standard LX/EX and the Special Edition models. Can anyone confirm that there is no other modifications that need to be made other than the dash insert swap?
Thanks for any and all help,
W.T.

 
Rep Power: 181

It really depends on the stereo system you want to buy. I'm pretty sure the SE stereo is built to double-DIN standards, but there are variations for mounting methods from different manufacturers. It's a lot of guess work.
If you're looking for an SE center console, you may even want to consider just getting the SE's factory Pioneer system. I aboslutely love it

 
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I've noticed Crutchfield lists double DIN options for the SE but only single DIN for the DX/LX/EX and since the opening is technically double DIN size I thought it was a little odd.

I've seen that Pioneer unit and that's actually not off the table either... MP3 discs, aux input... it looks like the only think missing is bluetooth integration but I'm using a headset now so that's really not a deal breaker. That's a very nice looking factory (or otherwise) radio and certainly a cleaner install. I'll have to keep an eye on the classifieds.
Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 812

just fyi, if you get the special edition trim, be prepared to only use the factory pioneer stereo. technically its double din but its the only one that will fit the se trim piece. aftermarket units will have gaps and not sit right.

 
Rep Power: 181

Gotta say, I don't have any experience with custom audio, but the Pioneer system kicks ***. Especially with the bass cranked up
Good quality system in my opinion. The aux input is great, I rarely use the AM/FM or the 6-disc changer, just my ipod hooked up all the time!

 
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I'd noticed that but most of the threads I found left a little unsaid about whether there was kit and people were having problems finding it or just what. I'd considered some rubber molding or something to seal off the gap and make it look cleaner if it came to it, in the end I pulled the trigger on a new-in-box OEM unit for an SE I found in stock for $180 and 5 minutes later found out my brother-in-law is leaving the single DIN that's in it now there.
I'm still happy with my purchase though it feels a little surreal to have all these parts in transit for a car that's not technically mine yet.
I appreciate all the feedback

 
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go to www.metraonline.com and just get a dash kit from them they offer 2 different types one for a single din deck(regular size) and double din (touch screen size). Any half decent audio shop should have either one in stock.

 
Rep Power: 256

i would have bought this instead its a thousand times better and cleaner looking.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...H-P2400BT.html

 
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I looked at that unit, or one like it, it is rather nice. I have a strong personal preference for something with a volume **** though. Black would be preferable to the silver.

 
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so your saying you have a strong personal preference for black *****. hay whatever floats your boat.

 
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heeeeeeey!
ZING

 
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there is actually a black version of the SE oem radio, but only overseas. it has a color display too as opposed to just blue. usa version is silver.

 
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I saw that too, didn't feel it would be worth the effort or expense (presumably) to track down the JDM version. Looks nice tho. I'll roll with the silver unit, maybe look at tracking down a can of SEM Color Coat to spray the dash insert silver if I think it might look good.

 
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The SE radio is Panasonic not Pioneer:

39100-S5A-A91 005 001 TUNER ASSY., AUTO RADIO (40WX4) (MATSUSHITA)

 
Rep Power: 812

oh yeah thats right, thanks for correction