Possible to have sound from both stock HU and aftermarket HU?
 

I've been looking around for some information on this topic and I can't find any answers...maybe someone here can enlighten me!

Since most new cars have their stereos integrated into the climate controls and what not, is it possible to install an aftermarket HU and have BOTH the stock unit and aftermarket functional, for audio?

I'd like to use the factory stereo for music + steering wheel controls, and the aftermarket for in-dash GPS and video.

Is this possible? Car in question is 07 accord.

Thanks!

It's been done before using dual throw, multi-pole relay system.

Not knowing what that means, I must say it sounds expensive and not worth it...

Confirm my suspicions? lol

If your aftermarket HU has an aux input. (like i-pod, changer input, etc) , you could feed the stock head-unit through it. using a LOC if it doesn't have line out. Basically your aftermarket HU will be controlling the main volume, and the voulume on the stock deck will be still functional on the steering wheel (setting the level going in the after market deck). Or, it could be vice-versa if your stock deck has a line input. the aftermarket deck could be fed through it. (i-pod input , changer input , etc) :)

They make a single din kit for that car which replaces the cubby. Not sure how you would want to do GPS/screen in there. The flip out style screen hits the bottom of your factory volume knob which is kind of lame. There is no real great way to give you a practical and inexpensive use of video in that car unless you replace the factory deck with a new kit replacement and a flip out up top (the kit isn't all that cheap either). Only real problem with that is that it look hideously ugly and the buttons that replace the factory ones are cheap and icky.

As for the steering wheel controls, you can put any deck in the bottom kit that has steering wheel functionality and add in a module no problem.

The absolute best solution is to have a custom double din kit made for the cubby below the factory deck, put a nice double din navigation unit in there (Pioneer, JVC, Clarion or whatever), hook up your steering wheel controls and there ya go. It can all be done through any skilled local car audio shop. Price? It really depends on which deck and how awesome you want it to look in the cubby area.

If you need a quote, I would be happy to give you one. :)

PM'ed

I 2nd what orgasmdonor says.

Not really worth the hassle of keeping both decks running. You won't be able to have sound coming from both at the same time. It's one or the other.

If you get an aftermarket deck it'll do everything your factory decks does + more.

You just keep the oem deck in it's place to retain the climate controls and install the aftermarket elsewhere.