Factory sound systems keep getting better, but even top-of-the line options don't always deliver the best sound possible. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to replace your factory stereo, especially if it's tied into climate controls or other critical features. Rockford Fosgate's innovative 3Sixty.1 lets you install premium amplifiers, speakers, and subwoofers without forcing you to replace your factory in-dash stereo or undertake a massive rewiring project.

The 3Sixty.1 offers six high-level and low-level inputs, plus six preamp outputs, so you can use it with anything from a simple, four-speaker setup to a high-end factory 5.1 surround-sound system. You retain use of the in-dash stereo, along with steering-wheel controls or any other special factory equipment in your car. The 3Sixty.1 also features an auxiliary input, so you can add extra sources like your iPod® to the mix.

Upgrading the sound of your factory stereo
You hook up the 3Sixty.1 by connecting your car's speaker wires to its high-level inputs, and your amps to the 5-volt preamp outputs. You'll also need to make power and ground connections.

To make sound adjustments, you'll need a Palm® device (5.0 or higher) with Bluetooth® capability (sold separately). The package includes the software you upload onto your Palm device, which lets you adjust the sound wirelessly from anywhere in the car. This lets you mount the 3Sixty.1 in any convenient, out-of-the-way spot.

The 3Sixty.1 initially sets a flat equalization curve, which eliminates preset tone curves that can sound terrible through external amps. You can then tweak the adjustable 15-band equalizer to compensate for deficiencies in your factory stereo's sound processing and the acoustics in your vehicle. When you're done, you'll be able to see a before-and-after comparison of your system's sound quality on your Palm device. A handy dash-mountable source selector and volume knob round out this impressive package.

Brand-name stereos, too.
Of course, it's not just factory stereos that can benefit from the 3Sixty.1 — you can also use it with a brand-name aftermarket stereo. It allows you to add an auxiliary input and more amps than your stereo would normally be able to handle.