buying '08 next week- will do my own Kenwood nav. JBL or not?

[zimm]

Dealer has two sport V8 models. One with sunroof (I'd like) and JBL synthesis, and the other without. It's a $1000 more.

I'm going to do the Kenwood nav headunit msyelf. Can I do that with the JBL speakers? Or should I go base and put my own JL audio speakers in too and lose the sunroof?

I want the sunroof, but not if the JBL system is like an integrated bose setup which is a nightmare to upgrade.

 

[hkccool98]

JBL system is not fun to upgrade....had to rewire all speaker wires! Also had to splice into factory wiring harness for power connections for aftermarket stereo. Avoid JBL system! Jusy my 2 cents!

 

[baz]

gotta go with the sunroof imo. there are wiring harnesses out there that make connecting to the JBL amp pretty painless.

 

[Uneek]

Depending on how bad you like and want a moonroof. The moonroof rattles and squeaks. Don't be alarmed, it's not as bad as it sounds, but it's also not 100% perfect. Some also experienced failure of the moonroof with it refusing to close or open. Covered by extended warranty is great, otherwise it's a $1000+ repair bill.

With the JBL system, you will need an interface adapter, since there are 10 speakers it's not the standard 4-channels. Without the JBL system, it's plug and play with a wiring harness.

For the record, I have both JBL and a moonroof.

 

[Larry77]

I wouldn't give up my moonroof...

 

[zimm]

OK, I want the one with the sunroof. I'll have to deal the JBL system.

I'm think the first step will be to pull the headunit and put in the new kenwood 8120 touch screen nav, backup camera, ipod wire, and XM radio. I'll use the adaptor for the factory speakers for awhile.

Or I could just do a $200 alpine headunit, XM box, and ipod wire and just use my nuvi 660 for navigation. Then no backup camera.

Eventually I can rip the speakers out and go with JL stuff, sub, and amps.

 

[zimm]

Alright, I reserved the '08 with the sunroof and JBL 10 speaker stereo system. I got their price to where they wouldn't lower it anymore and then asked for the factory XM upgrade- which they are doing. So I think I'll be ok for audio for awhile. Maybe an ipod input later on. I got an extra mount for my garmin nuvi so I got my nav covered too.

Thanks for the advice. I pick it up on Thursday- can't wait!

 

[Clemsonfan15]

That would have been a tough call for me. The sunroof is nice, but the JBL isn't. You can get so much more for the money than that JBL system.

 

[zimm]

I don't feel too bad because I basically got the JBL for free. The truck was $1000 more than the one with no options- and I got the sunroof, double decker storage, and the JBL system.