It's like having a massive CD changer in the car with out text.
In my case, I have mostly full CD's on my iPod so this is not too bad. It will work like a non text CD changer, but if you use just an ipod, and no Sirius box, you can have iPod text. The only flaw with this model head unit that I have, and the iPod controller is with a Sirius controller attached, you cannot display ipod text on the head unit. It even puts the Eclipse logo on the iPod screen. It is way cool to just plugin in the iPod, throw it in the glove box and have full controll of it from the head unit. As per the instructions for the OEM Honda iPod controller from H And A, I cut a 1/2 inch hole in the upper right side interior of the glove compartment for the iPod cable. It fits perfectly there with velcrow tape securing it as well as adhesive padding surrounding it to prevent any rattling. I decided to hide the Eclipse ipc-106 iPod controller behind the right carpeted screw on flap of the JL Stealthbox. Last night, I installed the head unit and started to prepare the Sirius, and iPod controller cabled for the installation of those items which took place today. Sounds like it can work well, but if you veer off the predetermined path, oh well, you can get lost lol. You can download a set route from Eclipse and the unit will tell you to make the upcomming turns and such. Also this unit has basic navigation capabilities with an optional GPS unit. Basically for amatures, this unit sounds great with minimal tweeking right out of the box. Right now, my sub is powered by the rear bridged channels of an Eclipse PA5422 amp, which a class D can do the job more efficiently.
The bass from my JL Stealthbox really comes to life and really makes the mids sound much more pronounced than before, which is the reason I am planning to install a dedicated class D amp for the sub. Let me tell you, I did'nt really get to play with it in pro mode yet (need time and a clear head for this), I just tweeked up the mid frequencies and turned on the True Bass Circle Surround and, I am amazed how good Van Halen Dancing in the streets, Dave Mathews Band, Dire Straits, Metallica all sound. To tell you the truth, I did not expect much of a difference as far as fidelity goes beetween the two models, I just expected iPod and built in Sirius control. I upgraded to a an Eclipse CD8455 which is an 05 top line model from a CD8454 from 04. Just yesterday, I traveled all over Jersey City and West Caldwell to get this new equipment, and let me tell you, it was well worth it.