Comments on: Pimp My Kia Rondo

By: Michael Livingston

Michael Livingston — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:28:30 +0000

I’m not really sure what your situation is, Matias. A stock stereo typically contains an amp that is enough to run the stock speakers. In replacing that stereo, you’ll replace the amp. It would be highly unlikely that the replacement would not have enough of an amp to run the stock speaker arrangement. Mine certainly did. All speakers work and all sound great.

Now, if you were trying to add bazooka woofers and get window-rattling boom from the stereo — which I personally despise — then you might indeed need ~~your ears checked~~ another amplifier. You’d also need new speakers, though. The stock Kia speakers are suitable for common use, but they’re not audiophile quality at 120 decibels.

By: Matias

Matias — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:31:41 +0000

I’d like to know if all the speakers work with your stereo. Because I asked several stereo stores and they told me that I might need to change the amplifier.

By: Michael Livingston

Michael Livingston — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 22:30:48 +0000

Huh. Don’t know what to tell you, Sue, except to wish you good luck!

By: Sue

Sue — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 22:25:38 +0000

I have an iPod Touch, and my 2009 Rondo won’t play it. I either have the wrong Touch version, or it just doesn’t like the iPod Touch. I’m still searching for an answer.

By: Michael Livingston

Michael Livingston — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:29:47 +0000

First off, congrats on the Rondo buy, Bryce. It’s a terrific vehicle. We still love ours.

We also still love the JVC radio I installed. It does just what we need it to do, without a lot of fuss. Just know what you want in a headunit when you’re buying something aftermarket. (In our case, I wanted great sound, great iPod connectivity, good aesthetic match with the interior, and a good price — the JVC-KW-XG500 has all that.)

As for install, the number one piece of advice I could give is for you to take your time. Whether it’s prying off the panels or hooking up the new wiring harness, go slow. For the panels, for instance, be sure you’re not going to scratch another panel to get one off (masking parts off with tape can be useful here, as can the proper tools). For the wires, just double- or triple-check everything. If you order/buy from a good dealer (Crutchfield is certainly one), they’ll have very detailed directions about what goes where. Just take your time!

All in all, the whole thing is far less scary than it seems like from the outside. Good luck!