Head unit replacement - considering Pioneer MVH-X560BT

This is for a '04 C4S with Bose (and hence the MOST optical bus) which currently has a failing stock head unit. Opinions appreciated - what do you guys think of this? http://www.crutchfield.com/S-fijdHDB...l#overview-tab Its "Mechless" (a Digital Media Receiver) which means it has no CD player. I have not used a CD in ~5 years so will not miss that. I would use this in conjunction with my HTC 8X Windows Phone to stream media using Bluetooth or (worst case) use the Aux input cable. I'd love to use the the built-in USB support but I think that only works for iPhone (and perhaps Android). Both the screen the button color can be customized so I think I'll be able to get it to look reasonable. Question is on the amp - I would need to swap out the stock unit for a conventional unit which would work with this Pioneer - any suggestions on which one to go for? Also where is the stock amp mounted? Thanks, Michael

I don't have any specific models to suggest, but ensure that you get one capable of running at low resistance (2 ohms). Many amps are designed for speakers w/ higher resistance. I remember from Googling when I was doing the same with my Boxster that Focal makes several models that are 2-ohms capable.

I have a Pioneer DEH-X9600BHS in my car and I'm really happy with it. My biggest gripe is the screen is really hard to see during the day and the screen doesn't exactly match the factory HVAC LCD, which I'm a bit OCD about. Also, if you listen to the radio at all, I highly recommend making sure you get a receiver that has HD radio capability.

The stock amp is mounted in the frunk in front of the cabin air filter. You may have a CD changer next to it.

Thanks for all the feedback. Good call in regard to HD radio. I do listen to the radio and MVH-X560BT does not support HD radio. This was the only downside to the unit I can see. I might have to compromise though since I definitely want a 'mechless' unit with customizable illumination and this seems to be the best one around. I currently stream radio via my phone using the cellular data network and this works well enough that I can consider this compromise.

I'll use this thread to document the install. Does anyone know if wiring kits are available which would allow me to avoid cutting the stock wiring harness? Hopefully a plug which would allow me to make 2 adapter harnesses - one for the connections needed at the head unit and another to connect the aftermarket Amp to the speaker wires. I'm not concerned about having to make a custom harness, but I would like to leave the stock connector plugs in place so that the installation can be reverted to stock quite easily.

I used an Alpine MX-V70 when I replaced mine. It is a 5 channel so I ran the sub, rears and doors off the amp and the dash speakers straight off the head unit. Many would say to run the dash off the amp and either do away with the rears or run them off the head unit but I found by adjusting the things I get a nice sound field.

I have the Deh-80PRs hooked up to a Polk PA D5000.5 five channel amp. This amp fits nicely and the sub channel can drive 1 ohm (I have a cab). Only problem I see with the unit you selected are the low outputs at 2 V, 4 V or higher will tax the amp less and give you less distorted sound. Bluetooth on my unit, also by Pioneer, is good once it connects but sometimes it refuses to connect. Autoleads has a Porsche Bose adapter that saves you from cutting into the harness. It is only available from amazon in UK and will cost you a total of ca. $70. Autoleads PC2-95-4 connector Search on renntech for "2003 CDR23/BOSE/MOST replacement - misc install notes Started by sanjeev"

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I wrote this up recently: https://www.dropbox.com/s/eic0l44i62...stallation.pdf This is for the head unit only. I'm still using the Bose amp for now.

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wow, nice write up! 2003 Carrera 4S Speed Yellow / 1955 356 Continental 1500 Rust Red

Guys - anyone know how to order "Autoleads PC2-95-4 connector" I found it easily on the Amazon UK site, but cannot order it since the site says it cannot be shipped to the US. I also tried caraudiosecurity.com, incarexpress.co.uk and dynamicsounds.co.uk ... still waiting to see if they can/will ship this to the US.

Might have answered my own question - there is a 'more buying choices' interface which seems to accommodate US addresses. Hope "Liquid Ice 2008" comes through for me