Thanks for the posts, everyone. Please bear in mind that i am quite pleased with the sound quality of the stock setup: THAT is not the problem at all. I just want to have a newer head unit that has Sirius satellite (I am a subscriber) built-in: I do not want to have an external Sirius receiver suction-cupped to the windshield. Also, I want Ipod or USB capablilities, esp. via USB port or ipod in hard-wired so I could put the ipod in the glove compartment, etc. Also, I HATE the 5-disc changer setup as it stands: I want to be able to put in a CD at my leisure via a single CD port. To change CDs now, I have to pull over and get out, go under the seat, etc. I listen to WAY too much good music on drives to be doing that.
I went to Best Buy, told them what i wanted (plenty of units on sale that fit my desires) but as soon as I mentioned Land Rover and Install, they all freaked out, saying that there would need to be adapters, and to bypass the amp would cause ditortion because the 03 Discovery speaker setup is unique. Is it?
Want to get Sirius for my wife for Christmas, but I'd like it done right and reasonable.
Any ideas?
Thanks all, KL

 

I would go with an amp-integration harness, this will give you a new head unit while still maintaining the original amp and speakers (same sound, different controller). the reason Best Buy "freaked out" is because they do not do very much work with higher end European vehicles (Mercedes, BMW, Rover). They are pretty comfy with VW and Audi (even some of the Audi Bose systems are a bit much for them) but I know when I worked for best buy only a couple of us would work on these types of vehicles, most of the guys would make excuses like "our insurance doesn't cover us to work on these vehicles do to the unique wiring" or "we do not stock the correct harness for your truck and a rewire is very expensive" which that one is true. but the Metra harness part number is 70-1786 if they cant or wont order it ask the manager if you bring your own harness (because they cant or wont get it) if they can install it for free, if he says no either try somewhere else or ask him if they will do it if you pay for it. If he still says no you can either go somewhere else or make an issue with corporate (there is no policy saying they cant work on our trucks)

 

isnt the install freakin easy if you have the metra harness?

 

I think so, but I also think remote starts and alarms are easy in these trucks. I always have to remember that not everyone can do this kind of stuff. But yes that harness makes this install the easiest you can do (no speaker wire connections) just power (constant and switched), ground, amp turn on, and illumination if you want it.

 

Thanks everyone for the posts. After talking to a bunch of installers and reading these posts, I'm just going to keep the radio as is. I will have Sirius via a suction cup docking station and an FM modulator.
I went to the Land Rover Dealer and went to Parts Dept. and he showed me in their computer 11 radios with CD players that Rover deals with. There is no way of knowing which ones work, he said without pulling the existing radio and looking at the harness. He also said and showed me on the computer how the audio outputs range from hi-to-low.
It's all a ightmare, so I'm selling out to the man and taking the easy way out. I'll just ,ake CD mixes and drive around with those, and get FM mod for Sirius and maybe an IPOD splitter setup.
Thanks all

 

I don't know if this as been posted yet but it might help anyone looking to swap decks.

1999-2001 Land Rover Discovery with Harmon Kardon Wiring Information

 

for sirius try this: https://landroverforums.com/forum/au...-sirius-40250/

 

Bull****. Your dealer doesn't know anything the stock wiring and aftermarket head units. There are 2 Metra adapters for an '03 D2. One to connect to preamp outputs from the head unit and one for line level outputs. If you have an amp under the seat, you use the 70-1786. I've installed one and although I'm pretty experienced with audio systems and wiring, it was a breeze and pretty much anyone could do it.

 

What about a discovery 2?2002 is there a harness for it?

 

I upgraded my radio a few years back when I got my 03 so there may be newer technology but I am happy with how my system works and I did it all myself except removing the old stock radio which seemed to be stuck and I got the Best Buy tech to help me out.

I went with a Alpine unit that had optional modules for Sirius, an iPod or iPhone and HD radio. I did not opt for a CD changer that would hold several CDs, my LR did not come with the one under the passenger seat and I have no problem with swapping out a CD after it plays. I had to get a plug interface to connect the new radio to the LR radio harness and I routed the wire for the satellite antenna behind the instrument cluster and up the windshield trim on the drivers side out to the roof top just above the rubber gasket for the windscreen.

I also added a small power amp under the drivers seat to power the 12 inch Punch sub woofer I installed in the back where one of the cargo boxes was; I constructed a box to fit in the space and covered it with black leather like vinyl, it looks pretty good and ads that nice base sound. I found an adjustable little holder for my iPhone that I mounted just to the right of the shifter console and just routed the cable to it.

Here are some images: