Hi All
I am new to this forum. I have just got myself an XK8 2003 and I seem to have a very common desire to change the audio system. The thing is the old one isn't so bad as to warrant wrecking the dash. So what is the best way to put a standard Sony or Pioneer head unit in. My car is not fitted with sat-nav.
Thanks

 

With the decent function of thestock unit and steering wheel control auto volume speed control etc. At best i would do speaker and amp with sub upgrade to the stock head unit. Do you just want a fancier look or better sound? Or both. Otherwise there are lots of choices including flip up nav/display/dvd screens

 

Personally I would not put another head unit in and as you say will muck up the look of the original.

I am going to put a hard drive in and go MP3, connect that to a half decent amp and then to your speakers, should sound well. I would also put better speakers in and a sub, you can go a free air sub like the OE, but they are not very good, there is simply too much to vibrate. Be carefull you can spend a fortune

 

I'm curious as to what you are trying to improve, as XKracer queried. Is it just better sound quality? Do you want to add bluetooth, MP3, navigation, USB support?

That answer will determine the level of upgrade and the cost associated.

I did, what some will say is a little over-the-top, project. You can find it in the Audio/Visual section of the forums, just do a search for 'stereo' using my screen name only in the advanced search options. There should be two threads w/ lots of pics.