Head unit with JBL sound system

[zurberts]

Is it possible to swap the head unit with the JBL option and still use the JBL amplifier. The folks at Crutchfield suggested that I would loose the sub since the connector on the JBL amp is proprietary. I would have thought it would be a matter of pulling out the old head, wiring in the harness and away I go.

Any thoughts on this?

[zurberts]

Figured I would repost since I haven't had any responses and can't find anything relevant online:

I have a 2005 Matrix XRS with the 6 CD changer. I would like to change it out for an Alpine deck with an iPod port. I am getting sick of using an FM modulator due to the high noise levels. Has anyone tried this or know how difficult it would be?

I have some experience changing out head units but with there already being the JBL amplifier, I am concerned that changing out just the deck will not work.

Should I also change the speakers? Should I change out the amplifier? Will I have to rewire the entire audio system?

Any advise would be appreciated.

[TacoRollaS]

www.pie.net

They make auxilary adaptors for factory radios

[TRXR4KDS]

I put the Pioneer IPod deck in. It;s very simple, just get the right harness and it's all plug n play. Takes about 30 minutes tops.

[zurberts]

I installed an Alpine iDA-X100 and it was pretty easy. I bought an adaptor similar to the one recommended which hooked right up to the bus leading to the JBL amp. Took about 15 minutes to do. Hardest part was running the cabling for the iPod to the centre console (so I would have easy access and it would be more convienient than the glove box) since I found it difficult running the wires under the carpet.

One question: I find that if I turn the volume near max, I am getting a lot of distortion but the volume isn't all that loud. I have read some posts about the impedance of the speakers being 2 ohms rather than the standard 4 ohms. Has anyone else experienced this problem or could recommend a remedy? I have a pot on the interface box between the head unit and the amplifier which controls the gain to the amp. I could try adjusting this but I think increasing the gain will only make the problem worse.