Upgrading Dash Stereo

Although we love our 9 year old coach, we were not in love with the technology of 2004 versus today.  Our in-dash receiver (connected to our 10-disk CD changer) is just too old-school for us and we couldn't take it any longer.  We both wanted to be able to stream music (via Bluetooth) through our phones, and I was specifically looking for bluetooth so I could talk hands free as well.  Unfortunately, neither one of us possesses what I would call intuitive electronic abilities.  Yes, we can hook up a receiver and deal with a wireless router, but as soon a there are more than 6 colors of wires our heads start to spin, our faces get more and more clinched, and our language starts approaching what you would find in a truck stop brawl.  Needless to say, we had reached the point where we were willing to even take that risk to move ourselves to new technology in the coach.

Out with the Old Kenwood

We took the information on our old Kenwood received model to a local stereo store and explained our situation.  As soon as the conversation moved towards the words "wiring harness" and involved the requisite 'more than 6 colors' we knew we were screwed.  A task analogous to making toast for this shop installer was enough to raise our level of anxiety to one that was painfully obvious.  Thankfully, this shop installer saw the grimaces on our faces and pointed us to another Kenwood product that he said "may just fit" into the same bracket and wiring harness as the last one....if we were lucky.  If we were not lucky, it would mean a trip to the installation bay and 2-3 hours labor at a minimum....something we were hoping to avoid.

Our new in-dash receiver

Our new found friend connected us with the Kenwood KDC-X597 receiver which includes a USB input, bluetooth audio as well as bluetooth phone connectivity.  He said to "give it a try" with a friendly grin....one we didn't know how to interpret as "I just saved your ass" or "good luck...I will see you in the morning suckers".  It was 5 p.m. and we thought....let's give it a try!  We knew this was either one of the worst decisions of our lives, or one that would build our self-esteem to unprecedented levels.  We got to the rig, scanned the manual and then proceeded to remove the old receiver with the removal tongs that the old owner faithfully left for us.  Upon removal we found 3 inputs (wiring harness, antenna, and disk changer connector).  We unplugged all three and proceeded to see if the new receiver would fit in the bracket.  Surprise!  Not only did it fit in the bracket, but the wiring harness snapped in and brought the unit to life immediately!  It appears the friendly grin from our salesperson was one of....OK....I am going to save you guys from some serious misery.  Clearly he knew this install would be a piece of cake and was taking pity on us by steering us to the same brand.

Installed and fully operational!

The final step was to attach the bluetooth microphone, which fit perfectly under the dash and clipped right below our backup camera screen.  The bluetooth works like a charm, both with audio streaming AND via the phone.  We discovered an added bonus....as long as we are in cell coverage....no need to use radios when parking the coach as I can be on the bluetooth with hands free while Paul can direct and be on his cell phone as needed.  Awesome!

Microphone placement

LESSON:  If you are looking to replace your old dash receiver with a new one, use an expert, and stick with same brand, as you may end up, like us, with a wiring harness that simply plugs in and boom...done.  If you have a Monaco with the same old Kenwood CD-changer receiver, I would highly recommend the brand we chose....works like a charm and a piece of cake to install!