Got the car back
 

Got the car back from amps installation yesterday. Here are some pictures.

The amps are set on the front as Flying Mole PM-C161dc and crossover Audio Control 6XS. I've decided to replace the factory head unit with kenwood kcd01 anyway. Originally wanted to keep the original look, but getting the Ipod to work with the stock head unit seemed like a pain.

The Ipod is located in the glove box. There must be a way to secure it in the glovebox so it won't slide around. I was thinking sticking the stylofoam?(sp) that comes with the Ipod box on the glove box...

The factory Cd changer has been disabled, but I figured I won't be using it much anyway since I am going full Ipod.

Overall sound quality is amazing...as if I'm in the theatre. There's still lack of bass because I'm pushing stock speakers (rear is not stock), but I can upgrade them myself later. The whole setup cost around $8000 with new head unit. Crazy it may sound for stereo, but it comes with a lifetime warranty, and a Japanese car magazine is calling for interview. I consider it as my Christmas present anyway :D

Looks very nice.

Can you tell us what the top two silver boxes are above the head unit?

Looks very nice!

Wow! Looks awsome!

looks nice man
did you say $8000 or is this a mistake? at this price you should have something better that velcro strap or other to hold your Ipod, a little titanium tray would be nice (do they exist?)
am i mistaken but your car is left hand drive, i thought you drove on the left side of the road in Japan like here?
happy listening!!

Ps I love those personal christmas presents, from me to me!!!

threpwood, how many amps were installed?

It's the navigation unit from Panasonic with harddrive (CN-HD-9000). The first silver unit from the top is the harddrive and the bottom is the in dash LCD that will slide out after a push of the button.

The harddrive accepts a memory card, perhaps when you want to store your own extra routes etc although I haven't found a situation where the extra memory card is needed.

I included the closeup pic.

It was $8000 no mistake. A titanium tray would be nice if they exist :)

Although Japan is left hand drive, car with "left hand drive" is legal here as well. It was already left hand drive when I purchased it used so no choice here. It takes a bit of adjustment for the switch.

Thanks for all the compliments! :cheers:

The total is 8 amps. The rear speakers are powered individually. It has a room for improvement if I want to add real subs later (maybe power the rear speakers with 2 amps and leave another 2 open).

Do you have any pix with the navigation screen out?

Threpwood, I think I heard your stereo today!

Looks good, but for that kind of coin I can't believe that didn't buy you all new speakers as well. Guess you have to pay to play. :)

Here you go. Believe it or not, the navigation software comes with a "female" avatar that will change clothes depending on the time of the day (suit during day time, night dress at night, etc) and greets you with "Enjoy safety driving" in English, but with heavy Japanese accent (sounds like "Unjoi Sufetee doruibing")

Out of topic, do you know that sound can reach to New York from Tokyo in about 9 hours? (providing there's no barrier and we can ignore doppler effect).

Distance between New York to Tokyo is about 6760 miles.
Speed of sound via air is about 344 m/s.
6760 miles (10,879 km) / 344 m/s = about 32000 seconds (about 9 hours).

Very nice electronics, the fit and finish is well executed. I hope these items stay in the dash instead of growing feet...

yummy!!
so if you get stranded at night and need to sleep in your car
what does she wear while keeping you company and putting you to sleep? :p

Up until now I only see her wearing full clothing. Maybe if I can persuade it... :p