Stock audio
 

Hey, i just bought a new h3 humemr automatic with no other options. Iam anxious to drive it and pick it up monday!

One quick question, how is the stock audio system? is it in need for a upgrade?

thanks

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I wasn't impressed with the stock system that was in the rental I had. Couldn't wait to get mine back with the Monsoon system.

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It really comes down to what you are used to and what you expect out of the system. I have never really paid any attention to the base system when I have a loaner but would guarantee you that it wouldn't stay stock if that is what mine had. The monsoon on the other hand, I was very impressed with. Probably the best stock system I have heard, definitely the best I have owned.

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X2 :D

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monsoon...:) :D :) :D

matt
cincy

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I had the base radio ,it was ok.
I didnt want to spend the almost $1,000 extra just for a woofer because I was planing on getting a aftermarket .
I would like a little more base,I will probobly add a woofer at some time?.Were to put it though?

If you get the adventure with base radio,you get a left side compartment:D extra storage space is great :cool:

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I have lousy hearing, BUT, I will tell you the Monsoon System is SUPER...

RYD

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Agreed Monsoon is the only way to go.

S.

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I like the stock system just fine, but then I'm an old fart too.
And with the stock system you get some storage space where the subwoofer would have been.

I have a tow strap in that space, more useful to me than a subwoofer when you get stuck out in the middle of nowhere :)

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Okay, thanks everyone for the input, by the sounds of it I might upgrade it.


I was thinking of a indash video screen for my cd-player thing, how do I know that it would fit?

Thanks

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Any aftermarket double din head unit will fit in the H3. You will need to use an install kit but it will fit just fine. Here are a couple of shots of my D1 in the H3.
Nav Display


XM Display

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pioneer has a new one out, fits perfect. Has 30gig hard drive, 20gig for navigation and the other 10 to record your cd's on. Roughly 15,000 songs stored on the hard drive and no cd/cd cases in th e truck. Oh yeah, you can get a bigger hard drive.:eek:

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Yeah, the Z1 is pretty cool. Might bump up to it after a while.

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ill probaly buy a indash video cd player. That pioneer one sounds EXPENSIVE

I know this aint a audio forum, but anyone know of a good combonation for around 500 dollars on a sub/amp/speaker kit without the indash video screen?


Thanks

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the aftermarkets are hot! Base is fine unless your really rock hard, I'm an old DJ and can't hear so it is fine for me.

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How is that D1 in bright sunlight, especially with a sunroof; if you have one? When you hooked it up, did you keep all the Onstar functions via the radio, and did you keep the stock XM module?
Also, I take it the Nav only works with the DVD in the slot.
Looking seriously at the D2, but want to keep XM and Onstar (as well as the Monsoon).

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I really like the D1 and went with it because I was able to get it real cheap from a buddy that had only used it about a month or so. So far I really haven't had any issues with sunlight and I do have the sunroof. Yes, there have been a few times were I needed to shade it with my hand to see but that also happened with the stock 6 disc head. I did retain all the OnStar capability and am still getting the benefits of the Monsoon. The one thing my truck did not come with that I wanted was XM so I had to run a new antenna and go with a new tuner. I probably would have done this anyway because I wanted the XM Traffic. I know that you can get the D1s on Ebay pretty cheap these days so you might want to check it out.

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Direct Sunlight: I've personally never had a problem in direct sunlight since the screen tilts if you need it. But it does wash it out a bit when its directly on the screen. (Yes I have a sunroof)

OnStar via radio: It works through the radio with the proper adaptor.

Nav with DVD in slot: In regards to the Avic-D1 (and i could be wrong on this but i think the D2 is the same), the nav only works with the dvd in the unit but it only uses the dvd unit to read the nav disk (it doesn't play dvd movies) The D1 has a second cd drive that plays music and mp3 cds. Th newer Avic-Z1 can play movies on its DVD player and the nav information is on the hard drive.

Keeping XM: You will not be able to use the factory XM unit. You'll need the Pioneer XM module. I picked up the one with traffic nav. On the plus side, you CAN use the factory xm antenna (shark fin) after pulling off the red/orange end on the antenna cable. (not the end itself... just the snap) This saves you from installing another antenna.

The additional perks to the Z1 over the D1(and D2 i think):

Z1:
adds bluetooth cell phone connection with proper pioneer adaptor
adds a pretty reliable voice control
plays movies without extra DVD controler
DVDs can be played while driving (using the simple by-pass at vehicle start-up... not in manual btw)
Ipod intergration is much better then on the D1. I mean HUGE difference.


Dont get me wrong on this... both systems are great but if you can swing it, I'd spend the extra $500 and go with the Z1, you'll be happy in the long run.

I put the pioneer backup camera on my system as well and LOVE it. This is my first backup camera and the only flaw I can really see is it shows a flare when the sun is on it or if the sun is directly reflected off an object (very rare in Washington so not a problem :p) I never realized how much I use it until I got a loaner H3 from the dealership for a few days.

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hey I just wanted to add something to the Z1 description, other than the fact that it is a great system it has one bad feature, well it really is that it doesnt have one good feature, which would be HD radio.
The Z1, and i think all the pioneer systems dont offer HD Radio compatibility. If you care about that. But the XM or Sirius satelite radio takes care of the fact that no HD radio is offered.

I just found this out the other day and i was kinda shocked cauze it had everything imaginable except the HD Radio fature, so i wanted to share.:)

Im still getting it though!:D

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Just checked the XM Traffic and from what I can determine in my area, it is basically worthless, so I would opt for the standard XM tuner. Might also include the wireless remote that attaches to the steering wheel.
Did anyone install the Pioneer backup camera, and if so, where did you mount it? I would assume in the middle, but would it not show the rear tire?

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W are install "bullet" cameras. We mount them flush into the rear bumper with a little wedge to get the tire out of the picture. Also using hitch cams.

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F5fstop:

I have the pioneer camera on mine. I have it mounted just to the right of the trailer hitch. I can take a picture if you want to see where I put it.

I like the position for backing but if you are going to use it to watch your trailered stuff its not going to show you much.

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post the pic

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I would have to agree that they are both great systems and that the Z1 has some features that are great and is overall a better system. What I have to disagree with is it only being $500 more. I have not checked in a few months so maybe it has changed but the best price for the Z1 I could find at the time was about $1K more than the average price I could get a D1 for. I could certainly swing it but just could justify it on my first NAV system. I am going to run the D1 for a while and then depending on how much I utilize it and how the other features would benefit me, I might bump up to the Z1.

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Check around on pricing but I would go ahead and get the XM Traffic tuner instead of just the standard XM Tuner. As I recall it only cost me about $20 more than a standard one and you have the option. Just don't sign up for the $2.95/mo traffic service until it is worth it. If it never become worth it, you only spent an extra $20 but it will probably retain resale better than a standard tuner. Just my $0.02 on it.

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Actual price is higher than $20.00. I won't be leaving it in when I trade next year, I will take it with me.
However, one last question, and maybe I have to go up to the store to find out, but how about viewing the screen with polarizer sunglasses. I have seen some screens impossible to read with these sunglasses.

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screen reads fine using Polarized Oakley Romeo 2.0s.

Camera pictures inc when i get home from work :)

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If you are looking at a retail location they will be more that $20 higher but I got my tuner new off Ebay. As far a resale, I was talking the tuner itself, not helping the resale/trade value of the vehicle. So what are you trading for next year, a new H3? :)

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If I purchase, it will probably be from a place in DE that I have dealt with before. Their price is less than $900 for the unit; local is around 1300. I was talking about the XM tuner, seems to run about 50 more. Price isn't the problem, it's the service in this area, and the fact it is limited to major cities.

Just found out on Pioneer's website that there is a local demo on Saturday about 10 miles from here. Vehicles will be available with the different systems outside. Hopefully, it will be a nice sunny day.

One last question:
Does anyone have the names and part numbers for the connectors that are required to keep Onstar, the Chime and Monsoon operating; as well as retain all the other factory radio functions such as speed/sound increase (function of the BCM). I have looked and places I find seem to only mention up to 2004 or 2005. They sound like they will work, but want to be sure.

IF, I decide to get one, I promise to take tons of photos for the install and post them here.

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I am surprised you don't have the XM Traffic coverage that we have down here. Or maybe I was mistaken but aren't you in the Detroit area? Maybe we have the coverage even though it is a smaller city due to being the tourism capital. I wouldn't spend $50 extra for it if you are not going to get the benefit either. I don't have the part numbers available to me right now but will check on them. The shop you are planning on purchasing from should be able to supply everything you need but you can also PM kodiakz here on the forum and he can get everything for you. He is very knowledgeable and tell you your best options. Don't hesitate to PM me if you have any questions. You have answered so many questions for the rest of us I will do my best to answer any you might have.

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The XM road coverage that they show for this area does not include any of the roads I normally travel (am I reading the map correctly). I tend to stay off the interstates and large highways in this area, finding it a lot faster to commute on the smaller roads.
I emailed Kodiakz a few days ago, and have not heard anything; vacation maybe. The place I'm purchasing from sells the major components, but not many of the adapters, but their price of $899 for the new unit is the best I can find, and they are reputable. I have dealt with them before and so has my neighbor. (MyTaxFree.com).

Right now I am researching (for everyone too), the VSS wire. I have found that on some early build H3s, the speed signal wire might be right at the radio connector (not used by the radio), but in later builds they removed it unless the vehicle came from the factory with the Nav unit. However, in all cases, the VSS signal wire comes into the vehicle to connector C204, which is located behind the right kick panel area (remove the sill molding by pulling up, then remove the kick panel by pulling inward). Connector is right in the middle and is white with a blue locking device bar.
The wire will come in on one side of the connector (engine wiring harness side), but not be in the other connector that is the I/P harness unless a Nav is installed or it is an early build. There are two dark green/white stripped wires coming into the connector. One is the A/C compressor turn on signal, and the other is the VSS signal wire. The VSS signal wire is toward the middle of the connector, the A/C request is the third in from the end. (I'll get photos next week during the install.)

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Is that why you are always yelling???:D ;)

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I guess my confusion on the adapters is that the websites I'm visiting show the following:
Peripheral GMAH24B - Now you can replace the factory radio in your OnStar and Bose equipped GM vehicle and maintain all of the Bose amplifiers, Bose speakers, and OnStar functionality. For model year 2000-2004.
and
Peripheral GMAHCM - This one sounds correct, except for the model years.

Is it that the website has not updated the information, or is there another adapter required?
In addition, when they say Bose, do they also mean Monsoon? I guess I could research the GM schematics, but to see if the Bose and Monsoon have similar wires for connection to the amplifiers from the radios.

So, if these are correct, all I would require would be:
Receiver
XM Tuner
The two adapters
Antenna adapter
Rear Camera
Two-bottles of Morgan's Rum
Face plate
Another bottle of Morgan's Rum

(Actually, probably a lot easier than the mirrors.)

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I have the Z1 and love it. I have a sunroof and have had no problems viewing it in direct sunlight. I haven't messed with the D1, but from what I have heard the hard drive based nav is much quicker than DVD based. There is a lot of great information on AVIC411.com. Some of the people on that forum preferred to go with other brand cameras instead of the pioneer. I bought the Pioneer and so far I love it. The viewing angles are very good and the picture quality is very good even in low light. I mounted mine right above my license plate, but I'm thinking about moving it. My plan is to buy a motor for a power side mirror and mount it near the hitch. Then mount the switch in the center console so I can adjust the camera from inside the vehicle.

Those are the correct 2 adapters. You will also have to connect the 3 purple wires in the factory harness together.
If you end up getting the Z1, which I recommend, also get the bypass board from AVIC411.com so you can access all of the features while driving.

I was lucky. My VSS wire was in the small plug in the factory harness.

From what I read about your mirror install this should be much easier. I spent about 5-6 hours on it, but I tend to really take my time on things because I'm afraid of messing something up.

Also, a lot of people on the AVIC411 forum have been mounting their XM and GPS antenna to the underside of the dash and have had excellent results. I actually ran mine to the roof (even though kodiaz suggested under the dash), but next time I need to get into the dash, I think I am going to remount them. There is plenty of room right above the stereo to mount them.

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stock sysstem, driver side door pannel speaker rattleing bass all of a sudden? problems

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hey f5fstop

what do you need the antenna adapter for?, is that so you can reuse one of the antenas or what. I am going to do the same install so am kinda researching the procedure right now. I got some help from buzz a while ago, he also installed the z1.

Please take alot of pics of the intall and post:D , Thanks!:)

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Wondering do you have an early build H3? Reason I'm asking is I'm trying to correlate some information on why some have the VSS wire to the connector and some don't. In addition, you say three purple wires, per the schematics, one of those three purple wires going to the radio is only for the GPS head unit. So, I'm only guessing here, but from what I seem to have found out, early builds have the plugs setup for the NAV system, even if they had no NAV system. Somewhere along the line, GM revised the wiring and the NAV wires were left out unless NAV was installed in the plant.

Now, back to those three purple wires. You say you have to splice them together? Doesn't the new system adjust volume for speed? The purple wires are the serial data bus wire, that the BCM uses for multiple reason. One, to signal the volume to go down or up depending on speed, to identify the radio that is part of the internal LAN system, and to chime and I believe the RAP circuit. So, the twisting of these wires together confuses me, since the information on the website regarding these adapters state the RAP circuit works, the volume is controlled.
Are there wires that need to be spliced into other circuits other than the radio circuits?
There is a small shelf just above the radio, where the factory NAV system antenna is mounted, and that should be okay for the Pioneer, at least that is where I'll mount the antenna.
Where did you install the XM box? Did you mount behind the radio, or over the glove box?
Sorry for all the questions, but those purple wires confuse me, but then again, I do not have the wiring schematics for the adapters.

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Not sure if I will or not, but I know GM has used a mini plug for many years, and I guess I'm assuming Pioneer is using the larger antenna hole. Guess I should ask too.:D

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Yes, to use the factory radio antenna you will need the adaptor. Also, I mounted my XM tuner directly behind the head unit.

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Did anyone lose the ability to fade front/rear with the adapter? Per one of their techs, I will lose the ability to fade the sound. Looking at their so-called online instructions, it appears that on some GM vehicles with rear controls you lose this ability; however, without rear controls you retain this ability.
Their answer, and their so-called online instruction (which are some of the worse instructions I have ever read), does not give me a warm and fuzzy feeling about this adapter.
Granted, their online instructions could be just that, and a better set comes with the kit, but they have some inaccuracies that are noticeable such as Onstar leads coming in on the 24-pin connector.
Are there any other companies that make this type adapter?