I'd like to solicit some opinions on upgrading my system. Currently, I have the following set up:

Stock HU w/aux input (non-HK)
MB Quartz 6.5" component set in the front doors
Nothing in the rear spot
Kenwood 4 ch amp
MTX ReQ sound processor/line converter
JL Audio Microsub 8"

Future plans include midbass speakers in the rear and a dedicated sub amp.

I would like to upgrade the HU to get better iPod/iPhone control and SiriusXM. I'm looking at adding the Dice Mediabridge unit with Sirius add on or a new aftermarket unit with a Sirius add on. The aftermarket HU's I'm looking at are the Alpine x305 and the Kenwood X995.

I like the stock HU because it fits with the car, sounds decent, and works with my steering wheel controls perfectly, but I know it's limited sound quality wise and I'm sure I'm losing something through the line converter. I may end up adding another amp to power the rear speakers and that would complicate my wiring even further.

I like the aftermarket units because of the sound and function, but I'm not crazy about how any of them look, and they get expensive quick. Plus, I don't like losing my steering wheel controls or dealing with slow or unresponsive buttons.

Which way should I go here?

 

whoa. i'm in almost the same position as you except I haven't upgraded anything in my system, but do plan on using a LC6i line out conv. to power two compact amps - one for the fronts and one for the rears.

like you, steering wheel controls are a must and the reviews/complications for the aftermarket adapters aren't so hot.

I would go with a double amp setup.

 

Well, I decided to keep the stock HU, change out the 4 ch amp for a 5 channel Alpine V60, add 6.5 midbasses to the rear panels, and add the Dice Mediabridge unit. I just couldn't justify removing the stock HU. It just works. And I think it sounds fine. I wish it had real RCA outputs on the unit, but the ReQ is pretty transparent. The whole thing would probably sound better if I knew how to tune it correctly.

BTW - I wanted to keep the amp under the passenger seat, so 2 amps just wouldn't work. I want the system to be as invisible as possible.