jordn613

So, I may inherit my dad's 2003 ES300 for college graduation in a few weeks. He has the 6cd changer w/ regular audio and a Sirius radio installed by Best Buy. I'm going to be looking at upgrading the system, by adding a head unit that has an aux in and a usb slot. In addition, I'd like to put in better speakers and if necessary sub and amp. I'm not looking to blow the windows out, but rather to have good clean, accurate sound at somewhat higher volumes. If anyone can make some recommendations as to what head unit would fit this car, as well as other sound components that will be a nice upgrade but not break the bank, thatd be great. Also, the Sirius has never sounded that great to me...worse than regular radio. Is that just how it is, or is there some way to enhance the sound from that somehow?
Thanks!

MoreMGD32

iTrader: (1)

HMMMMM.....i would just stick with the stock radio. When i upgraded my system(03 ES) they had to custom fabricate a dashkit out of fiberglass to fit my radio/dvd player. That ran me about $500 not even including the equiptment. Im pretty sure there is no manufactured dashkit for the 03 Es but you may want to call Metra and inquire. plus if you replace the OEM radio with a single din radio it would probably leave a huge ugly gap of space around it(get a aftermarket dvd player if you really want to upgrade)

If you want to get better sound quality just upgrade the speakers but be careful the factory amplifier for the stock speakers is not very powerful. so dont go ***** to the wall and get a really expensive pair of speakers expecting to boost your sound quality. I would look for some quality sounding speakers that dont go much over 50watts RMS or they will sound tinny with the lack of power they get from the factory amp.

As far as the input for the ipod/mp3 player im pretty sure there is a hard wire integration wire or wiring kit you can get to allow you to play it through your radio. I havent a clue what it its called but if you do a search online you can probably find it. They are very common for the acuras and nissans. Ill let the other knowledgable audio guys chime in on that one and if i find anything ill let ya know.........

Check out my gally for some insightful pics

jordn613

So you're saying I really can't go to Best Buy/Circuit City, find a compatible head unit with aux and usb, and have it installed easily? Ugh, thats somewhat disappointing.

dainfamusg

I have an 02 es300 and yea there is no dashkit out, my car had just the 6 cd changer and i looked for a long time to find a dashkit and opted instead to go to the lexus dealership and get the trim for the es with nav and bought myself an eclipse AVN unit (AVM 6600 nav/dual dvd). Maybe this can be an option for you. I also will be looking to upgrade my sound system.

jordn613

So, for example, if I went to Circuit City and picked out this unit
http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/produ...c=1&oid=175103

that indicates it fits a 2003 Lexus ES300 with the manufacturer installed cd player, with free installation on any head unit over $100...they still wouldn't be able to install it? If their website is claiming it fits an 03 ES300, why wouldn't it?

dainfamusg

theres no way that fits there isnt any sort of dash kit available (im assuming the 03 is the same as the 02)