[Shotimes] Stereo Questions

[Modemagic@aol.com]

Having done several SHO stereos at the shop I figure I'll toss my two cents 
worth into the mix.

  My most common way of upgrading a factory stereo in a SHO, or any Premium 
equipped ford is to use Bestkits wiring harness BHA5511R.  This has the 
standard 8-pin grey harness for your power, ground, switched, etc. but also 
has the premium sound plug with RCA's out to utilitize the preouts of the 
deck.  This is also a low level input into the factory amps which technically 
is what should be fed into the amps.  There is also a premium sound bypass 
also made by Best Kits that has a bypass plug which u can unplug the two 
plugs from the amp and simply patch across it.  This is also a great method, 
because u can use the deck for the power and not rely on the JBL amps.  Keep 
in mind, if u do this, you will loose the sub if u have it.  

I agree with most of Steves recommendations. :)  Always start at the HU for 
improving sound.  This is number one cause I see of poor sounding systems in 
cars today.  Don't necessarily stay away from wal-mart... just away from the 
50 dollar CD players they sell.  Go with a brand your familiar with, Sony, 
Pioneer, JVC, Alpine etc.  Don't buy the deck because it "looks nice".  There 
are a couple of manufacturers out there that are concentrating on making 
dolphins swim across the screen rather than the good stuff inside the HU.  
Honestly, right now Alpine is the best deck out there bang for the dollar 
sound wise.  U can get a Alpine deck complete with 50x4, Bass engine, Media 
expander, 3 RCA preouts including independant sub control for under 200 
bucks.  Be aware though that with ANY deck, your not actually throwing 50 
watts of power to each speaker... thats a VERY common misconception.  Yes I'm 
an Alpine fan... this model year anyway.    If your shopping around for any 
part of your stereo, whether a deck, speakers, subs, ANY component, stop by 
your local stereo shop but go to the install department.  Ask the installers 
on duty what they would recommend.  There opinion is going to be the most 
honest in the store, because they don't care what you buy, it all installs 
the same way, and they don't make any comission as to whether u buy the 20 or 
200 dollar speakers.

Hope this helps some of you and not confuses u more, :|
Dave