Stereo Advice

adann

Member
 Hertfordshire
Car is booked in to replace the head unit next week, I just need to provide the head unit. I have narrowed down to 4 but struggling to decide - what would you choose from the below?

https://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product_m-alpine-cde-196dab_p-32981.htm

https://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product_m-pioneer-deh-x7800dab_p-33240.htm


https://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product_m-kenwood-kdc-bt49dab_p-32593.htm

https://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product_m-kenwood-kdcx7000dab_p-33194.htm
 
Adann, I can't comment on the individual models you've selected but a few years ago on another car I replaced a Blaupunkt player with an Alpine Head unit, one of which you have listed.

Difference in sound quality was considerable and reliability 100%. It was also simple to do - "plug 'n play" using a bespoke cable adaptor.
 
Is this for the e89 didn't know you could change the head unit would be interested in some pics when done
 
Bob4333 - always hear good things about Alpine sound quality. My only issue with them is there always seems to be a lot going on. Are they easy to use?

Scooba_steve - HU is still available, do you know if steering wheel compatible?

Adey - this is for the E89, a few people have done it but not many. I will post photos up once completed.
 
adann said:
Bob4333 - always hear good things about Alpine sound quality. My only issue with them is there always seems to be a lot going on. Are they easy to use.

All I really needed was the USB and iPod inputs and these were easy enough. The unit was installed in a Morgan Plus 8 and had to be way under the bulkhead so not easy to reach, and even harder to see.

Had to install a remote control on the transmission tunnel to work the head unit functions, which was fine. Great shame really because the controls and display looked well laid out when I did have chance to fiddle and would have been good had it been more accessible. But this was an idiosyncrasy of the car and installation constraints rather than any design fault from Alpine. Any electronics that can survive 6 years rattle and shake in a Morgan gets my seal of approval for longevity.
 
Finally got a new HU installed today - the addition of DAB and Bluetooth is great.

Massive improvement on sound quality. Delighted with it so far.IMG_0140.JPGIMG_0139.JPG
 
That looks like a very tidy job. Not seen to many e89's with aftermarket head units fitted. It's something I could be tempted to do if it will look good as the stock unit is not the best.

Do you have anymore pictures and know what fascia adaptor was used?
 
philip27 said:
That looks like a very tidy job. Not seen to many e89's with aftermarket head units fitted. It's something I could be tempted to do if it will look good as the stock unit is not the best.

Do you have anymore pictures and know what fascia adaptor was used?

This was the fascia I bought: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190337893108

Will get some more photos for you tomorrow as haven't got any others apart from those posted.
 
philip27 said:
That looks like a very tidy job. Not seen to many e89's with aftermarket head units fitted. It's something I could be tempted to do if it will look good as the stock unit is not the best.

Do you have anymore pictures and know what fascia adaptor was used?

Here you go IMG_0194.JPGIMG_0195.JPGIMG_0196.JPGIMG_0197.JPG
 
adann said:
Here you go

Thanks alot for that. It looks alot neater and less out off place then I was expecting. Need to give this some thought now I would really like DaB and a proper Bluetooth solution for streaming music in my car.
 
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