There is a lot of talk here about aftermarket head units that don't look like shit, and while there are a few companies making proper looking units that somewhat match the interior of your car, they tend to be a lot more expensive. Below I have a solution for many of you who would prefer a completely stock look.
Buy a line driver such as the JL Audio CL-RLC.
What you need is a good set of speakers, a 4 channel amp, a sub (optional) and the line driver. This will allow you to wire the amp directly to your speakers bypassing the radio. You can use either use a 3.5 aux in, or digital in from your phone/mp3 player. The line driver comes with its own volume knob that you can be placed anywhere. This setup completely bypasses your radio. It will remain in place, but will not work. You can supply power to your radio so it still powers on, and lights up.
The downside is that you will loose FM/AM function, or a CD player.
Many new cars, and head unit don't even come with a CD player anymore anyway.
Most of us already have a phone charger in the car, many of you already have a phone mount in the car, and now all you do is run an aux cord to your phone, and bam! You have a great working sound system
All other functions, and controls are delegated to the amp: gain, treble, bass, xfade, etc.
Your audio device can run presets.
You can use a dedicated MP3 player for your car, or use your phone. You can stream internet radio, or use a multitude of streaming software that lets you play music from your home PC.
And should you ever decide to remove the radio to make room for more gauges, you'll still be able to play that Eurobeat down on the touge!
