wildosvt Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Have you run across this? http://www.ceoutlook.com/2011/11/14/kenwood-announces-ford-sync-radio-replacement/ Im not sure it will eliminate the need of a DSP, But sounds promising?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim1274 Posted January 9, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 That is a double DIN form factor. My trim with no NAV has a single DIN(?) slot for the readout panel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildosvt Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142FD1447B/Ford-Taurus-Dash-Adapter.html?tp=3486&kw=&org=pla&nw=g&crv=13348982425 Solution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Echo42987 Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 You could use this to still pull the signal from your center channel. I plan on doing something very similar. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_161LC8I/AudioControl-LC8i-Gray.html?tp=6870 http://www.crutchfield.com/p_5753SIXTY3/Rockford-Fosgate-3Sixty-3.html?tp=6870 http://www.crutchfield.com/p_109MS8/JBL-MS-8.html?tp=117 Anyone of these should allow you to keep your center channel. I didn't read fully, but are you running a three way active or crossed over setup for the front? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Echo42987 Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 In case you guys want to see a video of the dash kit. Seems pretty straight forward and really nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kolk1 Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 You could use this to still pull the signal from your center channel. I plan on doing something very similar. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_161LC8I/AudioControl-LC8i-Gray.html?tp=6870 http://www.crutchfield.com/p_5753SIXTY3/Rockford-Fosgate-3Sixty-3.html?tp=6870 http://www.crutchfield.com/p_109MS8/JBL-MS-8.html?tp=117 Anyone of these should allow you to keep your center channel. I didn't read fully, but are you running a three way active or crossed over setup for the front? Id look into the Audison Bit10 and Bit1 processors as well. Thats what ill probably end up running. I sell kicker, and tried the Sum8, and wasnt impressed. They did just come out with a new one called Front Row, that I might try first. At my cost, its not a big deal to just try out a kicker product. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Echo42987 Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 Nice. I didn't know Kicker ever introduced something like that. The Audison is a great system. I also used the Alpine PXA in my last vehicle. It worked nicely. I am still determining which one I will buy for the Ford. But the more I drive my wife's car, it makes me want to have an aftermarket HU again (She currently has my Acura with the system I installed in it). The sync is nice, but I know I could get better features/functions out of the new Alpine INE-Z928HD or the Kenwood DNX9990HD. Plus that Dash adapter for only $300 is a steal! I am seriously contemplating buying that right now! lol I can't wait to start working on my sound system in my car. It's driving me nuts not having it in there now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneaktip Posted January 10, 2013 Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 You guys really have me second guessing the JBL MS-8. I like the Sony system but I know I can achieve much better sound quality with the components I already have in my garage. My main choice I have to make is a processor. There are pros and cons with all of them. This is frustrating to say the least. But I must say this thread has been very insightful. I'm just going to start with my sub box enclosure and go from there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim1274 Posted January 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142FD1447B/Ford-Taurus-Dash-Adapter.html?tp=3486&kw=&org=pla&nw=g&crv=13348982425 Solution. Yeah, I already scoped that dash kit out. One of my design goals was a "stealth" install retaining the OEM look--never could warm up to replacing the whole center cluster on a car with 2600 miles on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim1274 Posted January 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 You could use this to still pull the signal from your center channel. I plan on doing something very similar. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_161LC8I/AudioControl-LC8i-Gray.html?tp=6870 http://www.crutchfield.com/p_5753SIXTY3/Rockford-Fosgate-3Sixty-3.html?tp=6870 http://www.crutchfield.com/p_109MS8/JBL-MS-8.html?tp=117 Anyone of these should allow you to keep your center channel. I didn't read fully, but are you running a three way active or crossed over setup for the front? That Lc8i won't do anything beyond giving you an interface to feed outboard amps, DSP's, crossovers etc.--redundant when deploying a DSP. The 3sixty.3 does not have the auto tune capability of the MS-8 and the Alpine H800 that I am leaning toward using. The MS-8 is probably the best value DSP out there, especially if one can use the onboard amps (not much use to my mind beyond the rear fill speakers--20W/channel is not much power) The advantage of the H800 is the optional RUX wired remote controller--gives you access to control some of the H800 features and settings. There is another DSP choice that is an interesting budget choice--the Alpine 660. It is only about 250 bucks street price, has the auto tune capability, but has fewer EQ bands and adjustments than the other more powerful units. I was going to run 2 way active on the fronts--not enough channels to run 3 way and I want to use the factory speaker positions which don't include a midrange driver. Going 2 way active front would be 4 channels for front L & R midbass and tweeters, 1 for center, 2 for L & R rear surrounds, and 1 for the sub channel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim1274 Posted January 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 Id look into the Audison Bit10 and Bit1 processors as well. Thats what ill probably end up running. I sell kicker' date=' and tried the Sum8, and wasnt impressed. They did just come out with a new one called Front Row, that I might try first. At my cost, its not a big deal to just try out a kicker product. lol[/quote'] I was aware of the Audison DSP's, but did not look at them closely. The MS-8 was suggested by several over at DIYMA forum. I ended up gravitating to the Alpine DSP's as the shop I was going to use had done a lot of Alpine installs--the H800 I believe does about everything the Audisons and such can do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim1274 Posted January 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 In case you guys want to see a video of the dash kit. Seems pretty straight forward and really nice. Did you notice when they snapped in the dash trim there was no center speaker in the Taurus they used for the demo?? Wonder if that is a fit issue on our systems with the center dash speaker? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim1274 Posted January 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 Nice. I didn't know Kicker ever introduced something like that. The Audison is a great system. I also used the Alpine PXA in my last vehicle. It worked nicely. I am still determining which one I will buy for the Ford. But the more I drive my wife's car' date=' it makes me want to have an aftermarket HU again (She currently has my Acura with the system I installed in it). The sync is nice, but I know I could get better features/functions out of the new Alpine INE-Z928HD or the Kenwood DNX9990HD. Plus that Dash adapter for only $300 is a steal! I am seriously contemplating buying that right now! lol I can't wait to start working on my sound system in my car. It's driving me nuts not having it in there now![/quote'] You are making me rethink the dash kit option.... An aftermarket head would also solve the lack of NAV problem. Hmmm......back to the drawing board.... You have the non-Sony premium sound too, correct Echo? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim1274 Posted January 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 You guys really have me second guessing the JBL MS-8. I like the Sony system but I know I can achieve much better sound quality with the components I already have in my garage. My main choice I have to make is a processor. There are pros and cons with all of them. This is frustrating to say the least. But I must say this thread has been very insightful. I'm just going to start with my sub box enclosure and go from there. Go over to DIYMA and take a look at the DSP discussion threads. EVERYTHING you can imagine is discussed on the pros and cons of various units. That said, the MS-8 is a solid and much used DSP. Just the Alpine H800 thread had 170,000 posts!!!! http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/technical-advanced-car-audio-discussion/90860-alpine-pxa-h800-processor-discussion-thread.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim1274 Posted January 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 In case you guys want to see a video of the dash kit. Seems pretty straight forward and really nice. I found one for $250 on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Scosche-FD1447B-2010-2012-Ford-Taurus-Aftermarket-Radio-Installation-Dash-Kit-/330826050681?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AFord|Model%3ATaurus&vxp=mtr&hash=item4d06c4ec79 One thing that needs to be scoped out is whether there is enough clearance and depth for the aftermarket double DIN head selected--this note was bold in the ebay seller description: INSTALLING A 7" DOUBLE DIN AFTERMARKET RADIO YOU MAY HAVE TO MODIFY THE DASH KIT TO ENSURE PROPER FITMENT** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim1274 Posted January 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 I found one for $250 on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Scosche-FD1447B-2010-2012-Ford-Taurus-Aftermarket-Radio-Installation-Dash-Kit-/330826050681?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AFord|Model%3ATaurus&vxp=mtr&hash=item4d06c4ec79 One thing that needs to be scoped out is whether there is enough clearance and depth for the aftermarket double DIN head selected--this note was bold in the ebay seller description: INSTALLING A 7" DOUBLE DIN AFTERMARKET RADIO YOU MAY HAVE TO MODIFY THE DASH KIT TO ENSURE PROPER FITMENT** Even cheaper on Amazon! http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-FD1447B-2010-Up-Taurus-Double/dp/B0057RIQWU That is a lot of product for just over 200 bucks assuming quality is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Echo42987 Posted January 10, 2013 Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 You are making me rethink the dash kit option.... An aftermarket head would also solve the lack of NAV problem. Hmmm......back to the drawing board.... You have the non-Sony premium sound too, correct Echo? Yeah, my point exactly. I have the Sony Premium system with Navigation. But I'm sure I won't be the first to say that the NAV system for Ford is TERRIBLE. 3/4's of the addresses I put into the thing, aren't available. To get an aftermarket HU in there and only have to spend $200-300 is almost a no brainier. I like the SYNC system, but not enough to pass up the opportunity of putting in aftermarket. The new Alpine and Kenwoods out do our SYNC systems by a long shot. Especially the new Alpine ones. They do the same as our sync system. By auto pairing with our phones etc. I've always ran Kenwood HU's mainly because of their SQ capabilities and the options of running three way active fronts, like I currently have. Also if you do aftermarket, that will solve your active situation right away without having the spend the money on a processor. You can of course still, but it wouldn't be nec. anymore. I didn't want to do an aftermarket HU because I wasn't going to spend $1000 to get it custom fitted to the car. Now that I know this is an option, I will be ordering hopefully soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Echo42987 Posted January 10, 2013 Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 Did you notice when they snapped in the dash trim there was no center speaker in the Taurus they used for the demo?? Wonder if that is a fit issue on our systems with the center dash speaker? I did. I am not sure if this will be a concern or not. If you look closely, it doesn't seem like there would be. Because they still have that piece that comes up where our center channel is at. I would assume that Ford wouldn't make it any different, it would cost them too much money. I am going to try and write them soon to see if they could confirm that for me. Do you know if there is a wire harness available for our vehicle? I was coming up empty handed yesterday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Echo42987 Posted January 10, 2013 Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 Even cheaper on Amazon! http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-FD1447B-2010-Up-Taurus-Double/dp/B0057RIQWU That is a lot of product for just over 200 bucks assuming quality is good. Careful, that one doesn't come with the AC controls. http://www.amazon.com/SCOSCHE-CAR-FD1447B-POCKET-INTEGRATED/dp/B0088L3WYY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_2 This one does. But still a lot cheaper then crutchfield. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Echo42987 Posted January 10, 2013 Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 You guys really have me second guessing the JBL MS-8. I like the Sony system but I know I can achieve much better sound quality with the components I already have in my garage. My main choice I have to make is a processor. There are pros and cons with all of them. This is frustrating to say the least. But I must say this thread has been very insightful. I'm just going to start with my sub box enclosure and go from there. lol uh oh! What components do you have? The JBL MS-8 is a great system if you are planning on keeping the SYNC system. I would rate the JBL the best or second to the Audison Bit One. They both will accomplish anything or everything you want to do in regards to aftermarket stereo. I just like the idea of being able to put in a aftermarket HU for only $300>. You can get better sound then our Sony systems by purchasing Infinity Kappa's for petes sake. I hate Bose, but the GM Bose system makes our cars sound like trash. The sony system in our vehicles is probably the cars biggest flaw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Echo42987 Posted January 10, 2013 Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 I found one for $250 on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Scosche-FD1447B-2010-2012-Ford-Taurus-Aftermarket-Radio-Installation-Dash-Kit-/330826050681?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AFord|Model%3ATaurus&vxp=mtr&hash=item4d06c4ec79 One thing that needs to be scoped out is whether there is enough clearance and depth for the aftermarket double DIN head selected--this note was bold in the ebay seller description: INSTALLING A 7" DOUBLE DIN AFTERMARKET RADIO YOU MAY HAVE TO MODIFY THE DASH KIT TO ENSURE PROPER FITMENT** That's pretty common. Had to do a bit to my Kenwood as well. I am not sure what kind of clearance we even have back there. I would assume that it is pretty spacious from the looks of our dash. I know I will need to modify it as I am looking into the new 8" Alpine Screen. I also would love to have the HU that low on the console. Why Ford thought that it would be a good idea to put the nav so far up and back is beyond me. I have to stretch to just push a button. Now it will be right in front of my hands. So many positives to the Dash kit, I am pretty sure I've made up my mind on it already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j1mmyr1chter Posted January 10, 2013 Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 I saw in the video that you need another module to retain steering wheel controls. What else will you lose with this kit? Do you guys know if you lose Sync with this dash kit? It looks pretty cool, only thing I noticed is that the plastic is just black, not the fake carbon fiber look of the stock piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Echo42987 Posted January 10, 2013 Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 I saw in the video that you need another module to retain steering wheel controls. What else will you lose with this kit? Do you guys know if you lose Sync with this dash kit? It looks pretty cool' date=' only thing I noticed is that the plastic is just black, not the fake carbon fiber look of the stock piece.[/quote'] I'm confused by your question. If you are putting in the dash kit you are going to be replacing the entire SYNC system with an aftermarket HU. That's the whole point of the unit. But in most cases you need an aftermarket kit to retain steering wheel controls as well. That will usually run you an additional $50-80. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j1mmyr1chter Posted January 10, 2013 Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 I see your point. I guess I was mentally separating the Sync system from the radio. I have been out of touch with the aftermarket head unit world for a long time. I suppose there are many (possibly better) systems integrated into the aftermarket units? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Echo42987 Posted January 10, 2013 Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 I see your point. I guess I was mentally separating the Sync system from the radio. I have been out of touch with the aftermarket head unit world for a long time. I suppose there are many (possibly better) systems integrated into the aftermarket units? To be honest the SYNC system "sucks" (for lack of a better term) compared to aftermarket units. The aftermarket will do what the SYNC does already and a lot better with 100x's more features. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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