I know there are a lot of threads around replacing the factory radio, but a lot of them are quite old and I wonder if anything has changed with all the new aftermarket tuners.
I have a 2002 RHD GS300 with non nav factory stereo (I suspect it is a Pioneer unit) and I want well integrated Bluetooth for my phone, as well as USB and Aux inputs. I have an ipod but use Android phone.
Most of the old threads say you can't keep the factory amp and that the rear sub won't work with a new head unit.
From what I see most of the halfway decent new head units have 3 pre-amp outputs (front, rear and sub) so it would seem reasonably straightforward to make a harness to connect those outputs to the Factory amp and have all the speakers working as intended ?
I am very happy with the sound I currently get which seems to give a really well shaped, nice sound (to the driver anyway) so would rather not get into anything too major in terms of replacing everything. I'm a bit of a dinosaur and I'm only just starting to get used to the idea of losing my CD changer but the extra glovebox space will be good.
Am I missing something ? Are there reasons why I wouldn't want to take the pre-amp outputs into the factory amp ? Some incompatabilities I don't know about ?
I have seen some reference to the fader and balance in the factory unit being handled by the amp through a separate databus but I don't know if that is relevant.
Any advice welcomed (because I would rather change my audio set up than have to go out and find a new car ).
John