[Cahsmo]

I recently got an 07 Honda accord ex with navigation system. I want to upgrade the audio system myself, I have been lurking the forums and crutchfield recently trying to research.

I want to keep the factory head unit for dual climate controls and navigation only.

I want to install a head unit below strictly for audio and to eventually install a backup camera. And I ONLY listen to music through my iPhone. Don't care for radio features or CD changers. Also plan to get new front and back speakers as well as an amp and sub.

Just posting looking for any advice you guys could give me. This will be my first time installing car audio equipment myself.

Budget for head unit is around 400 to 500

 

[keep_hope_alive]

you might as well tie the factory HU into an AUX input so you still have full use of the stock radio with the additional features of the new HU (that's what i do).

i have this and it's a great single-DIN HU with plenty of tuning features (including time alignment and a 9-band parametric EQ)
http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/cde-hd149bt/

The display is great for iPod/iPhone interface and Alpine has been at the forefront of iPhone integration since the beginning.

if you want to go with a double din and you want Apple CarPlay - you'd have to increase your budget a bit but it would probably make you the happiest in a mech-less digital media receiver (no CD):
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500ILX007/Alpine-iLX-007.html

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130SPDA120/Pioneer-SPH-DA120-AppRadio-4.html

slightly cheaper option:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020FX503/Clarion-FX503.html

 

[Cahsmo]

Can I still keep the cubby door with that single din radio? Would be nice to hide it whenever I want

 

[keep_hope_alive]

Can I still keep the cubby door with that single din radio? Would be nice to hide it whenever I want

if you get creative you can. the default kit eliminates the door.

i put a head unit in a custom mount in place of the cubby in the 2014 and i retained the door so i could hide the aftermarket deck. it's held with magnets, not a hinge.

 

[hillstones]

If you only listen to music with the iPhone, then buy the iSimple iPod Connection kit. It emulates XM radio, while retaining XM1 and XM2 if you enjoy XM radio. You will get text display on the screen and upper dash display and full control of the iPhone. The kit is about $100 and easy to install. You can upgrade the speakers for better sound as well, as was your plan. Why waste money on another stereo if all you want to listen to is your iPhone?

 

[SeaHAccord]

Hi, this is an old thread, I'm aware. I've just been searching the Internet looking for a way to install an Alpine iLX-007 into my 2007 Honda Accord (EX-L non-navigation) in the bottom pocket without disabling the factory stereo, and this line from above:

"you might as well tie the factory HU into an AUX input so you still have full use of the stock radio with the additional features of the new HU (that's what i do)."

That was the first thing I found online that gave me hope I could actually pull this off. I had taken my car to a local shop asking if they knew how to do something like this, but their guy told me he was certain the only way to install a stereo into the bottom would require removing the power from the factory stereo. I'd like to go back to him and be able to tell him how to do it, so the factory HU could operate alongside the new HU. I don't entirely trust myself for doing the hookup, as I am a notorious idiot.

keep_hope_alive, I found a different post on this forum you'd made describing how you'd run the factory HU through the AUX input in your car, so I sort of have the gist of it. You use a line output convertor along with an AUX input adapter and that's all it takes? Then the stock HU will operate as normal through the iLX's AUX input? If you could break it down for me in the simplest terms, I could take the instructions to a professional or even attempt it on my own if I'm feeling brave/stupid enough.

Any help at all, I'd really, really appreciate. I very much want to be able to do this, so that I don't lose operation of my 6-CD changer and satellite radio when I get the new unit installed. Thanks in advance if you get this message.