I believe I've read every thread in this and other websites relating to upgrading the early XK8 head unit to a more modern unit with ipod/iphone and satellite capabilities.
I found the "smoggyx100"(6/28/11) thread particularly helpful and I've taken advantage of his excellent approach to installing a new Alpine head unit.
I have an excellent installer who's going do the actual "hands on" work. I've provided him with copies of all the relevant threads I've found.
Where we're left dangling is that every cited upgrade is aimed at the base rather then premium systems. The best additional info states that you probably need to splice in new "30 pin connector" to utilize the existing amp, etc. Can anyone provide more substantive and/or detailed ideas in how to upgrade the head unit in a 98 XK8 with the Premium System? Thanks

 

Not sure if you have the Alpine amp but if you do I don't really think there is an option to use the existing amp with a new head unit (and the amp is really not that great to begin with...)

I documented my "premium system" upgrade here:

1999 Aftermarket ICE Upgrade with, ipod, bluetooth, facia and steering wheel controls


Thanks!

 

Hey Chris...thanks a lot for your valuable input...I think its' helped to put me on the right track,
I don't know what brand amp is in my car, the system appears to be a Harmon & Kardon, I don't know whether it's their radio and amp or whether they brand name another suppliers equipment.
Will your approach work with the existing amp? I am installing an Alpine CDE145BT; does it push enough power to effectively utilize the existing speakers? i don't need a system that really blasts.
Thanks again for your help...it's greatly appreciated.

 

Well, honestly I am not sure how to wire up the HK amp to a new head unit... I just opted to replace the amp as the new one had so much more ability to be tweaked depending on the speakers I might install. If you opt to use the original amp then most of my install wouldn't really apply. Maybe someone else can chime in on wiring the original HK amp to a new head unit.

If you just wanted to wire the original speakers to your new head unit's amp then you would have to run speaker wires to the trunk (as the speakers wire into the amp back there), but you then may not be able to wire in the subwoofer(s) unless your h/u has dedicated speaker outputs for a subwoofer...

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful...