Hey, all.... I know there is a lot of radio threads but I need help identifying my radio specs and I couldn't find anything. My paperwork says I have the Media Center 130 CD/MP3. There is no LCD or anything. Do you guys know if this system has a sub or external amps? It sure sounds like it but I'm not so sure. Also, do you know how much power the unit puts out? I want to replace it with this Sony DVD receiver but I don't know if I will be losing or gaining power/ sound quality! http://www.amazon.com/Sony-XAV-70BT-...m_cr_pr_sims_t


What do you stereo guys think? I just want to swap head units and be done with it. Will the Sony run off it's own power or use factory amps..... if it has any? Sorry for all the questions. I know a decent amount about aftermarket systems but I just don't know about factory stuff or what I even have in there right now. I just know it's a Media Center 130 CD/MP3 Radio. Thanks for any help you can give. i know some of ya's know a lot about these factory systems.

 

You will need more that just the radio from what I have read and heard. You need some type of line out convertor or something like that because of the canbus speed. The radio is not just hooked up to a 12 volt system it is hooked to the TIP or the computer . If putting an after market radio I suggest a good stereo shop pay the few hundred or less and let them make the mistakes. That way they have to fix them not you. Good luck....not sure if I would go with Sony though. I have a Sony HD with SAT, component speakers in my 72 chevy, the HD stations sound great but Iam not impressed with the sound quality period. I think I would go JBL next time.

 

Are you going to sell your factory radio? If so if the price is right I would be interested. Let me know

 

You will need a PAC C2R-CHY4 Interface, or something similar. I got mine off of ebay for around $85. If you get this harness you can use the factory wiring and amps, but you will not be able to fade front to back with the speakers.

 

Thanks guys. I knew that these newer systems are a little more complicated. I would for sure let a shop deal with it. I have a pretty good hook up as far as that goes. The factory radio sounds decent and I was just curious if it indeed did have a sub and external factory amps. Was also curious of the power rating. I guess a shop would be better to answer these kind of questions for me. I'd still like some input if anyone else has some answers or advice/tips. Thanks!

DavGav, I would definitely probably sell the radio. I can let you know but the price will be whatever the going rate is.

 

Thanks, Brett. That's good info. Appreciate it!

 

I think it would also depend where you want to be at the end of the day... If just replacing your head unit is the only goal then the PAC unit will probably do you well. If you plan on adding your own amps etc. it might require a bit more planning. For me, I found it easier to just start from scratch and leave the factory wiring alone and run new lines...but that's me.

 

Agreed. I would for sure run all new cable. Plus, with an amped system... i'd want to run heavier guage speaker wire. Starting from scratch is the easiest way I think. I do just want to replace the head unit for now... and I'm hoping for BETTER sound quality over the factory unit. So far, it looks like I just have to get the PAC unit plus the other usual install stuff. I can always start building the system later and rewire everything. I am buying a house soon so I want to wait until then before I unload a bunch of cash for a system. Thanks for posting!