pazmusik
CarAudio.com Newbie
Hey all,
I have a 2014 Ford Fusion. It's the absolute base trim. 4-inch factory screen, no Sony. As many know, the factory stereo leaves much to be desired.
Decided to try and improve things first with speakers and amp, before going down the road of aftermarket head units and dash kits.
Installed: JL VX700/5i, Infinity Kappa components in front (left factory speakers in rear), JL TW3 10" sub in a sealed JL box. There is also a WavTec 6-channel feeding line level to the VX.
Sound is better, but obviously there are problems, chief of which is still awful DSP and EQ from the factory stereo. Plus there's a lot of noise-floor hiss, possibly exacerbated by WavTec and VX inputs (perhaps the gain trims are bumped too high; I didn't do the install, don't have the experience.)
I researched JL TWK units but I feel like just putting in a new head unit is going to go further to solve problems in one go. Researched Metra and the Chinese-built CarNaviPlayer kits. A local installer tells me a cornerstone of his business is taking out Metra kits because they've caused all sorts of problems with other electrical features in the car (A/C controls, etc.)
My A/C in the Fusion is totally manual, two dials, no "Auto" temp setting. Should I heed the installer's warning, or feel comfortable with a Metra kit? And has anyone had any experience with CarNaviPlayer?
Any other thoughts regarding the current problems and how to manage them would be greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance.
~ PAZ
I have a 2014 Ford Fusion. It's the absolute base trim. 4-inch factory screen, no Sony. As many know, the factory stereo leaves much to be desired.
Decided to try and improve things first with speakers and amp, before going down the road of aftermarket head units and dash kits.
Installed: JL VX700/5i, Infinity Kappa components in front (left factory speakers in rear), JL TW3 10" sub in a sealed JL box. There is also a WavTec 6-channel feeding line level to the VX.
Sound is better, but obviously there are problems, chief of which is still awful DSP and EQ from the factory stereo. Plus there's a lot of noise-floor hiss, possibly exacerbated by WavTec and VX inputs (perhaps the gain trims are bumped too high; I didn't do the install, don't have the experience.)
I researched JL TWK units but I feel like just putting in a new head unit is going to go further to solve problems in one go. Researched Metra and the Chinese-built CarNaviPlayer kits. A local installer tells me a cornerstone of his business is taking out Metra kits because they've caused all sorts of problems with other electrical features in the car (A/C controls, etc.)
My A/C in the Fusion is totally manual, two dials, no "Auto" temp setting. Should I heed the installer's warning, or feel comfortable with a Metra kit? And has anyone had any experience with CarNaviPlayer?
Any other thoughts regarding the current problems and how to manage them would be greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance.
~ PAZ
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