I've got an 03 MCS Dinan with the factory HK sound system. I've upgraded to an Alpine head unit and replaced the amp with a used one; wasn't much better. Now I'm just wanting to ditch the whole thing an replace it. I'd like to maintain the factory head unit look as much as possible, or at least the orange backlight and I am not a audiophile. I'd like a new head unit with an orange backlight with Bluetooth capability. I'm looking for recommendations on a complete package, head unit, speakers and amp.

 

Hi bsures, sorry that the amp didn't work out for you.

As far as an aftermarket amp is concerned, I like the JL xd700/5. It's plenty powerful and works well with the HK speakers. It also has an upgrade path to a sub if you want (think stealthbox here). Moreover, it fits in the same place as the stock HK amp

 

My system consists of Kicker front (130W) and rear speakers (300W), amp (250W), and sub (300W 10"). You can read more if you click on my username and go to my garage (includes a logical diagram). I ran this setup with the stock head unit for a long time (the Alpine head unit was just installed in July). For the amp, I tapped the rear speaker positive/negative wires for the RCA drops. I did not have the Rockfort Fosgate 1 Farad capacitor for awhile, but I'm glad it's there if I decide to really crank it up.

I did not have the HK setup, so I cannot make the same comparison you were able to experience. All I can say is my aftermarket Alpine head unit is way better than the factory/OEM Alpine one.