CL9 Audio bang-for-buck audio upgrade options?

Any audiophiles out there?

As I see it, I have two options:

1. Getting something like the Grom IPD3 installed (http://www.cushieaudio.com.au/honda-ipd3.html). But I also want to potentially fix up the audio, and eventually run a 4-channel amp and speakers from the OEM unit, so was thinking of something like this OEM integration unit, to fix the awful stock frequencies (http://intl.jlaudio.com/cl441dsp-car...egration-98110).

2. Get a fascia kit and aftermarket head unit to run the amp off.

Plus speakers etc, of course.

I'm no expert on audio, although I am picky in regards to music clarity, certainly when it comes to bang-for-buck quality. So I'd love some advice on my best bang-for-buck options, and what'll stand me in better long-term stead?

Cheers.

P.S. I searched through a lot of the threads already, but nothing really covered the range of options available, certainly not any price/quality comparison.

Every pro seems to have massive cons attached to it with the CL9. It's really pissing me off.

I do option 1 and it costs quite a bit and severely limits customisation. Option 2 and I get great sound, but lose all night-time illumination on my factory buttons... great...

Anyone know if this fits the CL9? It says only the vanilla Accord's, but it looks like the same OEM unit.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1209978...-7862&skipvs=T

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rev

Every pro seems to have massive cons attached to it with the CL9. It's really pissing me off.

I do option 1 and it costs quite a bit and severely limits customisation. Option 2 and I get great sound, but lose all night-time illumination on my factory buttons... great...

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You do not lose all the night time illuminiation. you need a harness.

I'm going to tell you bang-for-buck has to be a aftermarket headunit. No way around it. The Stock HU amp capabilities are shocking.

Grom isn't great - got a friend that has one. aftermarket headunit quality in everyway kills grom quality.

Thanks mate, I think I'm going to go for the single din (cos I like having a little pocket to put stuff in), and make sure the factory illumination is kept, either by harness or splicing.

Factory illumination should be kept. It's usually used on the headunits anyway.

Single din presents much better value for money anyway, so that's the best path to go down