brunp

I have a '07 Saab 93-ss and am looking to install a dual-din Nav unit. I was told Kenwood DNX7100 would be nice since the nav info is held on their 2 GB internal memory. But then the Avic D3 is good too.

I went to a local audio car shop (AutoTrendz) in Ottawa and their distributors don't have the appropriate wiring harnesses to make it possible to install a Kenwood.

However, another fellow Saab guy was able to install the Avic D3.

Does anyone know of a good audio shop retailer in the Ottawa or possibly Montreal region? I would like to get a Nav/Audio upgrade for me car, but want it to be done professionally.

Please let me know.

Paul

Hardwrkr

iTrader: (5)

Been looking at these two nav units for the Mazda CX-7 I've got on order. Still haven't decided on what to go with but I would recommend you play with units from both manufacturer's and see which you prefer.

ljr

Most shops in Ottawa only deal with Metra brand parts for aftermarket HU installations. You can call the installers (NOT sales people) at FS or BB and ask them if a "Best Kits" part exists. They probably don't stock it but you can order through them if necessary. Try the BB in Kanata...they are actually good to deal with.

Of course, you can just tap into the factory wires or chop the connector off the harness altogether. But I'm sure that's what you're trying to avoid.

Nice thing about the D3 is it will match the interior nicely (I have a MKV VW). But I played with it at FS and didn't like it too much (nav is a pain to use).

I personally don't have much faith in Autotrendz anymore - at least three tries to get the tinting right, they tried to convince me that a Kenwood receiver could fully control an iPod using the mini stereo jack, and was witness to someone who had the wrong starter installed (to quote the guy behind the counter, "You mean it's not an automatic??? Oh.")

A few other options for you to try. Pearl Autocare on Edgewater (near Terry Fox and Hazeldean). They tried to push the D3 on me - I found their prices to be a bit higher than other places though.

All the well-known shops have closed (Joe's) or have stopped dealing car audio (Goldwing). In the east end, you can try Derand (only Clarion on display but they deal Alpine also), or Ottawa Auto Sound Plus on Michael St. (the owner is very nice and last time I was in, they were renovating and the potential for the showroom looked promising).

If you're looking for custom work, there's also an installer who works at FS in South Keys...he has a very positive reputation on this forum and might have some other options for you (us).

If you find another place, be sure to post back....I'd like to have more options, too. There doesn't seem to be much of an opportunity to see HUs in action out here - that's why I'm keeping an eye out on the exhibitor list for the Car show in Toronto in February.

brunp

Excellent info...I will look into Derand and Pearl Auto and your regular Futureshop places to see what local options are out and available. I don't know if I can trust the Futureshop/Bestbuy tech's, but then again....what harm can they do? :-)

Will look into it....

Paul

brunp

ANy other ideas? It seems like the Pioneer face plate and wiring harness is available only through Pioneer Europe (in Sweden) of all places for my 9-3ss. Any of you guys have connections through to these guys?

Paul

ljr

Not sure what you mean about Pioneer face plate and wiring harness...the harness is specific to the vehicle and the face plate would be a Saab dash conversion kit.

I just googled these sites:
THEBASSBIN
Single DIN Radio Installation Kit For Saab NG 900, 9-3

Other searches make me believe that the 9-3 head unit is less than double-din (1 1/2 is more like it). So the Avic D3 might just not fit.

Not familiar with the Saabs so all this info is just theoretical - just tryin' to help out a neighbour.

brunp

Turns out I was able to find the items I need for the Pioneer Avic D3 audio kit. The wiring adapter and fascia kit were ordered through a retailer out in Greece. I ebay'd the XM and Bluetooth kits two days ago and am purchasing the actual unit from Futureshop.

I am using the installer in Futureshop Kanata to do all the work as it appears he has quite a bit if experience installing units. Also, all work is insured, so it is not like a chop shop, or anything like that.

It should turn out great and am looking forward to having a clean uncluttered dash without having to hide my garmin and ipod all the time.

Paul

ljr

Good luck with FS Kanata - I personally haven't had good experiences with them. i.e. they were not knowledgeable about the MKV VWs and on two different occasions, two installers both insisted that dash kits and harnesses weren't available, and told me that the speakers had outboard amplifiers (not crossovers) that would have to be removed from the doors (both incorrect statements).

brunp

Since I am providing all the pieces and the Saab instructions for installation an aftermarket kit, I am thinking that not a lot can go wrong.

It is a chance that I am taking because I know I am personally less experienced at installing these things than these guys.

Paul

ShonBesharah

Hey! If you have any questions about the install you can call me @ future shop south keys.. Is Stan doin your install at Kanata? Maybe go to www.avic411 for the mod (just a hint) we cant do it for you.