The main reasons i want to keep the stock head unit is because the climate controls are built into the radio screen and i'd like for the steering wheel controls to be functional.

I dont think the dash would look good at all without the factory unit installed. Some people have been adding aftermarket units underneath the climate controls, in the empty space the factory mp3 player would be installed. I dont want to go this route because i want to keep my factory look and keep all the controls functional.

Also, i'm pretty sure the factory headunit does not have rca preamps on it. I was going to get an amp that has speaker level inputs. Has anyone used an amp like this before? How is the sound quality?