Stereo install - stage one

Another milestone has been reached today - installing the head unit bought just after Christmas with the kind, seasonal donations from family and friends.

The unit is a Kenwood DDX-5024, a standard, double-din sized stereo that has radio, CD, DVD and MP3 capabilities straight out of the box. I've also added a Kenwood Multimedia iPod lead through to the glovebox - the iPod is then controlled on-screen and has the ability to view a video-source direct from the iPod.

First off was to remove the VDO single-din unit:

Why Volkswagen ever fitted this as standard is beyond me... it would never hold a radio station, essential up here in the Yorkshire Dales, it left us constantly retuning to the strongest signal - reluctant to find it of it's own accord. It is now for sale, make me an offer and it's yours. The single-din storage slot, shown above the stereo, is also for sale if any requires one.

Next up is to make sense of the wiring, have a brew, nothing too daunting:

The wiring loom supplied with the Kenwood unit was well marked up and came with easy-to-follow instructions. The one thing we missed during install was the feed from battery to the unit's memory, but as it will be coming out again to re-wire to the leisure battery, this is only a minor inconvenience.

A few other bits of wiring whilst everything is apart:

In the glovebox is the iPod adapter and an extra 12v outlet. The outlet is to run the TomTom - the cable goes back through the dash and out through the tray on top of the dash - no more unsightly cable running from the ashtray to the windscreen. Note also the 'extras' on the Kenwood loom about to be stuffed back into place.

I kept everything attached to back of the Kenwood unit - later provisions for the adding of a reversing camera, TV tuner etc. Also at this stage I've added RCA interconnects to go to a rear-mounted amp and its associated switch-wire. These have been run under the rubber floor and are currently residing under the driver's seat until the rear cupboards are fitted.

Finally, slide the head unit in:

I've got to say I'm really happy with the results - radio reception is much better for starters, the built-in amplifier seems to 'drive' the front speakers much better than the old VDO unit, there's now a much better stereo 'image'.

The user-interface and iPod control is a doddle to use on the touch-screen. Picture quality on DVD playback is nothing short of perfect.

All-in-all, a great way to end a bank-holiday weekend. Stay-tuned (pardon the pun) the next stages of install.

Thanks must once again go to the endless talents of JC at JC Motors for help with fitting. His services come highly recommended.