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Vans & Minivans Honda Odyssey Honda Odyssey Audio, iPod, Bluetooth, Video Questions
647 messages, Last post on Nov 23, 2009 at 6:16 AM
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We are planning on buying a 2009 EXL with RES and NAV. I do not like the audio system but don't want to pay so much more for a touring for a sub+more powerful audio system. Is it easy to get the system replaced later? Who does a good job regarding that? What are the pros and cons of doing this. Thanks. |
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You can always go aftermarket. Should be plenty of options, so it is really about budget. What about the stereo bothers you? I know (from experience) the stock speakers are junk. 1st step should be replacing them. You should be able to add a sub pretty easily too. If you want to step it up, I imagine an amp can be integrted also. This is all with the stock head unit. If you want to swap that out, more options (but it sure won't look stock!) and of course the price goes up. Not a bad idea to start with speakers. That might give you the sound you want. Also, I won't go near one of the chain places (best buy). Total crapshoot. Find a local custom stereo store (get references if you can). Really shouldn't cost any more, and you are likely to get a much better job. And keep in mind that the electronics on the van are wicked complicated (for instance, the VCM system also has some kind of noise cancelling feature that runs through the stereo speakers). No idea what happens to that if you replace the head unit.
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Replying to: stickguy (Jun 21, 2009 7:53 pm) It is difficult to explain what I don't like about that system but it does not hit the spot. I am not interested in blasting it all the time but it sounds a bit labored. I listened to the touring system and it is much better, probably because of extra power and extra sub oomph. I want a safe installation that does not jeopardize the noise cancellation etc. About other features: The rear camera is important to us and would like to have that. We have been using Garmin in another car and like its interface better although this is not a deal breaker. The DVD screen resolution could be better. also Is it possible to have an overhead DVD screen in an aftermarket system?
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Replying to: nd1977 (Jun 22, 2009 5:50 am) I was surprised by your statement that you were going to buy an EXL with RES and NAV... I have had two EXL's with RES, but was under the impression that you could only find both in the Touring Model. But to be honest I have not kept up with the developments on the Odyssey the last couple of years. As far as aftermarket goes, there are tons of choices... screens in the back of headrests, screens that flip down from the ceiling (like the RES but much larger), and multiple screens if you want.
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Replying to: merk850 (Jun 19, 2009 8:07 pm) |
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Replying to: hihostevo (Jun 22, 2009 11:03 am) I am leaning towards your advice of changing the factory speakers. I liked the overall integration and not sure if I want to go for a complete after market system. Will the performance of the system improve significantly if I upgrade the speakers, add a sub and upgrade the amp? (can I upgrade the amp only btw) This much should be enough for me. (Although I would like a Garmin GPS, a better decoder, preserve the dual zone functionality, an ipod dock and a better resolution DVD screen for the back seat  ) I am so confused. Decisions.. decisions...
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just the speakers and sub should make a huge difference. I would get a grmin anyway. Way cheaper than the OEM, if you can live without the in dash screen. For the ipod, while the other work is getting done, add a USAspec ipod integration cable. It interfaces with the stereo (you can use the sterering wheel controls to change songs), and also charges the ipod. Even has a 2nd set of RCA jacks for some other type of player.
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Replying to: stickguy (Jun 22, 2009 8:17 pm)
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Replying to: nd1977 (Jun 22, 2009 8:39 pm) FYI....EX-L could be bought with RES or RES & NAV starting in 2005. I run Garmin and it beats the pants off the Honda OEM NAV....but it's got a smaller screen, not integrated, etc. I like the big screen up front for the NAV with built-in camera. The POI's in the OEM NAV are lacking to say the least. I bring my Garmin along on long trips as a backup. Sad but I'd probably buy it again anyway just to get the bit screen for XM songs and the backup camera. |
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Just go after-market. I went through the same questions few months back, and decided to go with the bare EX-L. Like you said, NAV+RES is ~ $3,500 more. So far, I have added EXCELLENT Focal speakers, Arc Audio amp, sub in a custom box in the lazy susan area and a Pioneer HU and I have spent just less than $1,600 so far (including installation). The sound BLOWS the factory system away. I plan to get the new top-of-the-line Kenwood DNX9140 unit with voice control and Garmin nav soon. That will add maybe another $1,600 - still less than aftermarket but way better sound and features. I am passing on the overhead screen though, but you can that too for $300 - $700 depending on brand etc. I still have the rear camera in rear-view mirror, and most probably will splice that to the Kenwood unit when I get it. A caveat, I initially did just the amp + speakers, and was getting resonant noise due to ANC 'feature' in the HU. Turning amp gain down helped, but wasn't optimal. YMMV. Went completely away after I disconnected the ANC sub and changed the HU.
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