IS200 Hifi/ Sat Nav.

[Lx1]

I went to 2 Hifi dealers today to upgrade my speakers. I wish to improve the sound quality all round. Second aim was to connect window lifters to my stock alarm.

The first dealer advised me to change the speakers all round. He said no way can I add window lifters to a manufacturer's alarm. No scope he said.

Second dealer said new speakers without an amp are useless and will make no difference. Recommended a 4 Channel amp (about £100) and then upgrade the speakers. He said I can fit window lifters if the alarm has an output lead with some negative/positive - woteva that means. Said can't be wired to work with a tilt/slide sunroof.

Is there really a big advantage in having the amp?

Also I'm thinking of retro fitting Satnav and am interesting in hearing an update from members who tried this option and have it working. Is this elusive Pioneer converter still available somewhere?

Has someone successfully put in a TV tuner? Will appreciate any advice!!

[andyhart21]

I wouldn't say that you would get no benefit from just changing the speakers (depending which speakers you choose), but it should sound better if you use an amplifier as well.

The problem with the IS head unit is getting a decent signal out of it to feed an amplifier. You can get speaker level to RCA converters but I have not had much luck with them.

You could change the head unit for a standard DIN unit using a facia plate and use the pre-outs from that to feed an amplifier. The problem with this is that you lose the 'factory fitted' look on your centre console.

Another way of doing it is to use the standard head unit through an EQ such as the Audiocontrol EQS, which would also give you RCA outputs to feed an amplifier.

Cant help you on the alarm thing though.

If you need any more help U2U me