So, my factory HK head unit had a short, and was causing my battery to run dead overnight. So, I needed to replace it. I love the sound from the HK system, honestly, it's great loud, and I've not had any issues with it until now. But, it didn't come with an auxiliary input, so I had to buy the US Spec unit that connected to the disc changer that allowed me to use my iPod. Well, that went bad a month ago, so bottom line, I needed to upgrade my head unit anyway, to connect to my iPod, to use Bluetooth, Pandora, etc. I identified a head unit I bought for my wife (JVC digital music receiver), and ordered one from Crutchfield with the needed harness and wires.

Took it today to get it installed, and was told that it would be $75 to install the head unit, $75 to install the MFSW module, and to bypass the HK amp, it would be $150, and even then, they weren't sure the speakers would work that well with the new head unit. I was told I needed to find the HK adaptor that would work to allow the new head unit to work. So, to Google I went, and found the newministuff HK Enabler. OUT OF STOCK. And I looked more, no other sources, no other options. None.

So, you're telling me my only option is to rewire the whole system, adding new speakers, or replacing the head unit with the factory one? What about replacing the HK amp with a regular brand amp? Do I really need to replace the speakers if I bypass the HK amp? Why is this SO freaking hard to work with and around? Do you guys have other options I'm missing? I'd really like to use this JVC head unit, and I do have the MFSW module from PAC. (Also, I've emailed and messaged both Ian and newministuff with no response.)

 

Your easiest option is to replace the head unit with another factory one. The HK system is not compatible with standard aftermarket components. It's difficult to properly replace any component without replacing the entire system, even the speakers. The HK speakers are 2 ohm with no crossovers (the HK amp has built-in active crossovers).

BTW, there's no "HK head unit". The head unit is the same whether the system is HK or standard.

 

Thanks for the head unit clarification, and for the reply. Obviously not what I wanted to hear, but it is what it is, I guess. Gonna have to think this one through...

 

The HK enabler will be back in stock in about three weeks or so, then you could replace your head unit with an aftermarket no problem. You've already said you have an iPod, right? So just use your earbuds for a few weeks.

 

Yeah, except I already had it done. I didn't hear back from him until today that they were coming in, and I found someone to do it for half what I thought. I'm taking it to Sound Sensations to put in the MFSW controls, as he couldn't do that, but replaced the HK amp with an aftermarket, and installed the JVC Digital Media unit with no problems. Sounds great. Again, I had no idea if there would even be any more HK enablers made until today.

 

What aftermarket amp did he install for you? Is it using the original HK speakers? I would really like to be able to do this, but have not come up with the correct amp yet.

 

The amp I installed didn't fit in the original spot, as it was a tad bigger. I installed the Autotek ATX1200 4 channel amp. Two channels in the back for each sub, and the two up front for mids and highs. It sounds great, too.