"Stock" Head Unit

[Starboard M]

I am looking into replacing my HU for one that will have the ability to drive an amp and then a sub.

My problem arises that my Jeep is sometimes parked in less then stellar areas, and I do not want my Jeeps stereo to be stolen.
I am also not a huge fan of the current "Lets put a whole bunch of flashing lights and stupid crap" on aftermarket HU.


Is there such a thing as an aftermarket HU that looks relatively stock, has the ability to hook up a amp, and will fit into a 97+ XJ?

Or, is there a stock HU that comes out of another vehicle that will fit, be "plug and play", and actually work?

 

[hubs97xj]

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/cat_i331_line-out-converters.html

 

[CarbonXJ]

I picked up a Dual Model XHD7714 a while back, and when the faceplate is removed it has a single red, flashing LED. Looks like an alarm. Plenty of power and features. Feeds a 250w amp into a 8" JBL sub in the cubby.

Problem is if you want "stock" looks (aka fitting flush and perfect edges), finding a radio that fits our odd DIN size is difficult.

Edit: Or, use the route hubs went. didn't think of that.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

I know that Pioneer used to make a GM/Chryco 1.5din that looked/fit stock. May check crutchfield to see if they still have it.

What is wrong with having something with a removable face?

 

[hubs97xj]

It's been a long time, but when I had one, the Pioneer 1.5DIN GM/DCPJ headunits were high on cost and low on features. My $100 box-store Pioneer is better in every way. The faceplate never leaves the Jeep, though, so being able to remove it is a moot point. Anyone breaking into the Jeep, is probably going to rifle through the console and glove box, too.

If you really want stock, converting the speaker outputs is cheap and easy. Even cheap aftermarket head units look like aftermarket head units, and factory head units cost more. If your local crackheads are that desperate, it doesn't matter what you have;shit is getting stolen.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

If you have an iFail or other media device, you can always bypass the stereo and run the device to the amp for speakers/sub

 

[Dewidge]

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/cat_i331_line-out-converters.html

I've got one of these you can have if you are close and want to pick it up.

 

[knever3]

One of these might work for you. Pioneer 1.5 Din. I used to have the DEH-P85DHR in my grand prix eons ago. Not a bad unit but today's stuff is really that much better. Pioneer only had a 500mv rca output compared to today's 4V output for amps. More voltage = lower noise and better sound.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PIONEER-DEH...r_Audio_In_Dash_Receivers&hash=item35bc91f38f

If you are handy you can install a normal aftermarket din radio and make a fake faceplate out of a junk yard Cherokee radio. You can remove the face and glue the knobs and buttons on the face and attach it with velcro or other means to the dash OVER the radio when the face is removed. A lot of work but it is stealth.

Alpine made some excellent 1.5 din radios to fit into Chrysler and GM cars and it looks close to OE. They are the Alpine CDA-D853, 855, and 857. I can't find any on ebay right this moment but they will be some I'm sure. That would be my choice for a easy replacement for your needs check them out in google images.