Head Unit Install Help

[JL12W7INAGS300 10+ year member]

I plan on purchasing a double din 6.5" or 7" screen for my car very soon. I am not 100% sure on which unit I will buy, still debating between a few.. But that is for another thread.. anyway, my question is..............

What exactly will I need to insall it correctly? I can get the dash kit from a store locally, what else will I need? My stock head unit also has an amp in it. Will I need to buy another amp to power my componets (which are stock). If so, would just a JL 300/4 or something along those lines work? Or do some head units have built in amps that are big enough for stock speakers? What will I need to wire it? Just a wiring harness??? Thanks, oh yeah I will be installing this myself. I figure since I installed my subwoofer, amp and everything else myself I can also do this. Thanks!

Click to read more...

 

[B.S.tallman 10+ year member]

I am assuming based on your screen name you have a Lexus GS300. if that is the case then depending on what system the car has in it will determine if you need anything else. some lexus systems can be interfaced with a Metra harness that will cnovert the RCA output of the new HU to a signal that your factory unit can use. i would highly suggest new amps and speakers in order to get the best sound from your new $1000 unit. If you are spending that anount of money on a HU you would be waisting it by not upgrading the rest of the system. The weakest link in the chain will be what you hear first, and by keeping the factory speakers and amps with a high quality Hu will be that weakest link.

 

[JL12W7INAGS300 10+ year member]

I am assuming based on your screen name you have a Lexus GS300. if that is the case then depending on what system the car has in it will determine if you need anything else. some lexus systems can be interfaced with a Metra harness that will cnovert the RCA output of the new HU to a signal that your factory unit can use. i would highly suggest new amps and speakers in order to get the best sound from your new $1000 unit. If you are spending that anount of money on a HU you would be waisting it by not upgrading the rest of the system. The weakest link in the chain will be what you hear first, and by keeping the factory speakers and amps with a high quality Hu will be that weakest link.

Yes I have a 98 Lexus GS300. I plan on eventually upgrading my speakers, but I do not know how much longer I will be having this car and I would rather have a DVD player than componets. So back to my question, will I have to get another amp to power my componets or will the amp inside of the headunit be sufficient. Do you guys need more specs for this kind of question? Thanks

 

[B.S.tallman 10+ year member]

if it is the basic Lexus system and the Metra harness will work then your new HU will be capable of driving factory speakers. I do not know off the top of my head if that harness will work or not. it is not listed on Metra's website for you car. I know it works on some Lexus and Toyotas, but i am not sure about your specific car. Sorry but that is all i have.

 

[JL12W7INAGS300 10+ year member]

My lexus has the Pioneer sound system, not the nikamachi. I will try to find that harness you speak of....