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At long last, I have completed my stereo integration project and the results have been what I expected. My '04 Spyder has the NIT with the Auditorium upgrade and Blaupunkt CD changer. My goal was to add satellite radio and an iPod input with as little cosmetic modification as possible and without spending a whole lot. Based on the number of threads about expanding the stock stereo system, I hope this information will be useful to others.
I initially looked into a Kenwood hardwired FM modulator unit that has an external control panel and screen. I'm a fan of Kenwood gear and we use one of those modulators for Sirius in the Range Rover, with the controller tucked away in the sunglasses holder, so everything looks tip-top. Unfortunately, in the Maserati, there just wasn't a good place to stick the controller.
That's when I really got to researching Kenwood's other offerings. As some have already mentioned on here, they make two models of external "brains" designed to integrate with a stock stereo, but both require an external monitor. What you'd have to do is replace the NIT screen with a Kenwood touchscreen and make the Maserati video feed an additional input on the Kenwood. That way you can switch over to that input to use HVAC controls, navigation, etc.
Since that involved too much money, effort, and customization for my tastes, I ended up getting a Kenwood KOS-A200. It is a hideaway box that accepts a 5L bus connection from other Kenwood accessories like Sirius, iPod, HD radio, bluetooth, etc., and has a USB input and two sets of RCAs. It connects to the factory stereo through a hardwired FM modulator. That means it's spliced into the FM antenna wire. When you turn the unit on, it kills all other radio reception and you get no static like you would with a regular FM modulator. Turn it off and your radio is back to normal.
There is no question that the audio quality is not as good as a digital connection would be--it sounds like really clear and strong FM radio. However, the beauty of this setup is that the A200 sends text to the head unit over RDS, just like an FM station. As a result, you can see track information, menus, etc., right on the NIT screen.
The only external component of the entire setup is a little IR receiver, which also houses the on/off switch for the A200. After playing around with it, I decided to stick it just to the right of the steering wheel column, as you can see in the picture. It's not very noticeable there, plus the wire goes right into the opening, rather than use a seam or drill a hole somewhere. The unit comes with a standard Kenwood handheld remote control, which is how the entire shebang is operated. The remote is great because it's easy to find the right button and the system has different-sounding beeps for various commands, so you don't need to take your eyes off the road.
So far, I'm very happy with the outcome. Between the A200, the Sirius tuner, and the iPod interface, the parts cost less than $250 (using a combination of Crutchfield, Amazon, and eBay). I used a reputable stereo shop that charged me for four hours' worth of labor to install everything, including the satellite antenna on the trunk lid and the iPod cable, which is routed into the center console (you don't need access to the iPod because everything is controlled through the remote/screen). In the future, I might even try adding Kenwood's bluetooth unit, which will require an external mic.
I initially looked into a Kenwood hardwired FM modulator unit that has an external control panel and screen. I'm a fan of Kenwood gear and we use one of those modulators for Sirius in the Range Rover, with the controller tucked away in the sunglasses holder, so everything looks tip-top. Unfortunately, in the Maserati, there just wasn't a good place to stick the controller.
That's when I really got to researching Kenwood's other offerings. As some have already mentioned on here, they make two models of external "brains" designed to integrate with a stock stereo, but both require an external monitor. What you'd have to do is replace the NIT screen with a Kenwood touchscreen and make the Maserati video feed an additional input on the Kenwood. That way you can switch over to that input to use HVAC controls, navigation, etc.
Since that involved too much money, effort, and customization for my tastes, I ended up getting a Kenwood KOS-A200. It is a hideaway box that accepts a 5L bus connection from other Kenwood accessories like Sirius, iPod, HD radio, bluetooth, etc., and has a USB input and two sets of RCAs. It connects to the factory stereo through a hardwired FM modulator. That means it's spliced into the FM antenna wire. When you turn the unit on, it kills all other radio reception and you get no static like you would with a regular FM modulator. Turn it off and your radio is back to normal.
There is no question that the audio quality is not as good as a digital connection would be--it sounds like really clear and strong FM radio. However, the beauty of this setup is that the A200 sends text to the head unit over RDS, just like an FM station. As a result, you can see track information, menus, etc., right on the NIT screen.
The only external component of the entire setup is a little IR receiver, which also houses the on/off switch for the A200. After playing around with it, I decided to stick it just to the right of the steering wheel column, as you can see in the picture. It's not very noticeable there, plus the wire goes right into the opening, rather than use a seam or drill a hole somewhere. The unit comes with a standard Kenwood handheld remote control, which is how the entire shebang is operated. The remote is great because it's easy to find the right button and the system has different-sounding beeps for various commands, so you don't need to take your eyes off the road.
So far, I'm very happy with the outcome. Between the A200, the Sirius tuner, and the iPod interface, the parts cost less than $250 (using a combination of Crutchfield, Amazon, and eBay). I used a reputable stereo shop that charged me for four hours' worth of labor to install everything, including the satellite antenna on the trunk lid and the iPod cable, which is routed into the center console (you don't need access to the iPod because everything is controlled through the remote/screen). In the future, I might even try adding Kenwood's bluetooth unit, which will require an external mic.
