I bought my '07 GT back in December, and after having it a couple months, I'm not satisfied with the sound quality of the unit.

So, I'm looking to swap out the head unit to something a little bit nicer, but haven't a clue what to go with (preferably just the head unit that I can connect to the stock speakers, and that will fit into the same size hole as the stock radio, so that I don't have a lot of modification done).

I'd like something that I can use to connect to an iPod (and preferably be able to use the same Line In jack that's in the console) and possibly connect up with XM Radio (I would prefer one that's got it built in, or connects up to the XM Tuner). I'd also like something that will play MP3s, so that I can burn an MP3 disc and just stick it in to the radio, in case I don't feel like listening to the XM...Final requirement be that it's not over $400.I just want something that sounds good every once in a while when I turn on the radio, and has a little more "oomph" than the stock head unit.

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

I'm actually in the market for something similar. The only difference is I'm looking for a replacement for an 05 Shaker 1000.

I used the 'outfit my car' option at Crutchfield.com but it isn't that great because I can't compare the HU in person. I already replaced the stock door and deck speakers with Infinity Kappas and that made a large improvement. I was happy with it until yesterday when I got an ipod and found the fm transmitters out there to be hugely lacking in sound quality. I need something that uses the line level output and preferably could be controlled from the HU too.

 

It's a little more expensive but check out the Kenwood DNX 7100. I bought it for my Stang a few weeks ago and love it!! It's got built in navigation, it'll allow you to hook your ipod and control it straight from the head unit, and it'll even play dvd's. It definitely powers all of the stock speakers sooo much better, you would never even know they are stock.

 

The Metra installation kit is easy to use, requires no modification, and looks good. It allows you to install a single DIN radio and have a storage slot below, or a double DIN radio. Don't limit yourself. Once you replace the factory radio, you lose the line in jack in the console. All radios in your price range will have some aux/line in capability. You could run a new line from the new radio and install a jack in the same location. From my experience, if you want to hook up to XM, stay away from the Kenwood HUs. They have interface issues like an inability to store XM presets. I went with a Sony unit and it works very well. Alpine is another option. I believe Alpine has a new unit that has a robust Ipod interface. Remember that you will be trading off features so decide whether having the HU control your Ipod is critical. If you are into satellite radio, make sure that the unit you choose will display the information that is important to you. Go to the Crutchfield site. You can compare prices and features all in one place.
Merv

 

Thanks for the help Merv. That's exactly the advice I was looking for. My main (pretty much only concern) is ipod funcionality so I can toss it in the center console or glove box and control it from the HU.

Is the Metra kit the one that Crutchfield includes when you purchase single DIN HU's from them or is it something that I will have to purchase separately?

I was looking at this HU

 

If XM is a big concern then I don't think you can do any better than the Pioneer AVIC-D3. It will allow for XM and Sirius both at the same time. It also includes NAV and full-speed Ipod.