I'm getting ready to convert the radio over to a DD unit. I've focused on the Sony XAVAX5500. It has all that I want except I'm confused as to where the USB stick would be inserted.
According to the specs it has two REAR USB ports. Those of you that have done this conversion have somehow resolved this I'm sure but how are they accessed? Also, states that an external microphone is used for phone, etc. Where does that get mounted? I'm planning to use the Metra console in my '98....

I'm a total novice at this so your help is greatly appreciated...

 

I have a Pioneer head unit in my car with a rear mount USB. I bought a USB cable with a flush mount adapter that allowed me to mount it in the center console. It allows me to put my phone in the center console and keeps it from flying around. You can do something similar in the lower center console lighter. You will have to remove the 12v adapter plug to do that but it's pretty easy. The cable I used is listed below.

 

I did the same as mcropper03 but went with a dual usb as my had 2 usb cords on the back of the receiver.

 

Extension cable for the USB port(s) as mentioned. Route it to the cig lighter/ashtray area, cupholder, console. I've seen people here do all of these. As to the mic, again whatever you feel will be least obtrusive and most effective. Some people have put it in or at the top of the A pillar molding, along the headliner in front of the driver's seat, and on top of the steering column. Good luck.

 

I have the Sony XAV-AX5000. My USB ports took the place of the plug in the console. The mic is mounted right by the rear view mirror. The mic is pretty useless and the car is just to loud in the interior for comfortable listening for the person on the other end of the call. The car interior is not so loud that I would say that is all the fault. It is the quality of the mic. Overall the headunit is good, offers easy access to the screen options and control buttons. The clock is visible on the source screens but is too small to really see. On the home screen it is much bigger but info from the source screens (what song is playing, ect.) is not available on the home screen.

I have Pioneer DD AVH-P3300BT (older model) in my other vehicle and have had if for a long time and would rate it similar to the Sony. I give a leg up to the Pioneer. More sound control and display options, the mute is easier on the Pioneer and call quality for the other person is slightly better. Both connect to my phone fairly easily through bluetooth. I have not added a Sirius tuner to the Sony yet but I do have one on my Pioneer so I can't compare the two for that interface.

I would really like a DD that the phone quality is better for both people but I think that unless it is a OEM system they may not exist.

 

Me too. I just ran my extension cable to the passenger side carpet area.

 

For the microphone I ran it under the dash and up the A pillar, it should come with 2 sided tape to attach it. When everything else was hooked up I connected the phone and mic and called someone and tried putting the mic in various spots to see where it sounded best. According to them that ended up being near the top of the A pillar around the height of the visor. Haven’t had any complaints from people yet.