Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Radio crapped out, Yes I did a search..need advice

My stock radio crapped out. I was interested in purchasing a Kenwood KDC-2025 on ebay to replace. I'm educating myself on the installation procedure and addressing the "to by-pass the factory amp or not" question. First, should I by-pass the amp or just plug into it with the unit I have in mind? Second, questions on harnesses.....what to do, what to chose, where to find etc etc. I did have somebody give me a made up harness to plug into the factory amp. It has 4 rca connectors....Can somebody confirm if this fabbed harness will work with this hu? I know jack [censored] about audio stuff. I got the harness from an audio place. He gave it to me for free...said he made it up for himself and couldn't use it...Merry Chrismas. I decided to buy off ebay...cheaper... Any, any help would be good.

Thanks,

definitely bypass the stock amp. and i dont recall any rcas involved with bypassing the amp when i did it with the crutchfield kit

I would by-pass the amp, but I would get the right harness for it. How much are you looking at spending on a HU? I have a Kenwood here that is still sitting in the box it is KDC-5023R it is not on the US web site it is a universal model I got on the RAF base in England. $140 shipped




MODEL: KDC-5023R


Plays disc formats and controls a compatible CD or MD changer
Removable faceplate flips down for CD loading
Radio Data System (RDS)
Multicolor wide LCD with white LED backlight
CD-R/CD-RW compatible
Multifunction key operation
Selectable key illumination (Green/Red)
System Q sound control
Built-in 50W x 4 amplifier
24 AM/FM station presets
CD-text ready
Random/repeat/scan play
2-way telephone mute

The factory amps suck, just my opinion, even though they push more than my Pioneer Premier P300. As for harnesses, their are several different ones that say that they work with the Contour and don't. I went through three of them trying to find the right one.

I'm now considering the Kenwood KDC-3025. Thoughts? I want to upgrade later to the satelite radio.

Also, after I buy such a system, there are wiring harness issues but what about just "sliding in"? Do I need some sort of face plate or install kit other than harnesses?

Thanks,

I have a whole system for sale including AVH 6500 dvd touch screen, 9200 eq, a 4 channel and a sub amp and sub and box if your interested.