So the factory stereo in the PT has kinda been junk from the beginning but I always had something better to do with my money. With the combination of a couple of birthday gift cards I bought a new Kenwood Excelon KDC-X596 from Crutchfield. While it is customary to show the process of such a project I didn't think to because it was kinda boring. Crutchfield gives you the installation parts and instructions. The longest process was me soldering and heatshrinking the wiring harness. In the car it took me 10 minutes from start to finish removing the old head unit and install the new. And now this is in my dash:
gratuitus audio porn shot for Bob.
What I find so incredible about this whole process is the cost. $135 for a Kenwood head unit with HD radio, CD, iPod and Pandora controls built in, decent power and 3 pair of pre-amp outputs with 5v outputs, built in electronic crossovers and detachable face and a 2 year warranty. And again that price included the dash kit, wiring harness and antenna adaptor.
First impressions? Though I'm still working with the factory speakers I can say that it is a bit more clear and definitely has more power. Not sure about the low end yet. Have to play with the adjustments a bit more and or the eq settings before I can say it needs help. Yeah, speaker replacements are on the "to do" list but I'll roll with it for now.
Matt
