Aftermarket Head Unit Preference? Options?

[bossku69]

I have an OEM cassette/radio with CD in bottom din, but display on the head unit is all but shot and there is some problem with the right side of the audio. Ive tested it with other speakers and sound is just not there.

As much as I like OEM, audio is a big thing for me, so I'm thinking about replacing the head unit with a new one.

My question... if you replaced yours, any buyers remorse or something you wish you would of bought?

I was considering buying a LCD monitor type (either 2 DIN) or 2 1/2" standard head unit with a few options. iPod/iPhone hookup is a must with preamp outs for both subs and speakers. Bluetooth I am leaning pretty heavy towards (hard to talk and shift while driving) so that's putting me on the low end about $250 up to $400.

As much as I'd like to get a slide out monitor (DVD/Nav) I just cant see that working well in the car. Anyone else have one in a 5 speed 1G?

I'm thinking best option is 1 DIN (2 1/2" standard) and put the iPhone cords in the bottom empty bin. I'd love for it to stand up somewhere, but can't see an easy spot to put it and want to have a view of my phone, not put it in the glove compartment/arm rest

 

[Quicksilver1695]

Pioneer is best way to go. Bluetooth. And iPod. They have a lot of speaker adjustment settings too. Best bang for my buck.

 

[Joseph503]

Theres numerous head-units out there that have all of the features you would like. Mine currently is an Alpine and I believe it has all of the things you mentioned and was in the $100-$150 range.
As far as brand goes i've used Dual, Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony, Alpine, Clarion, and a few others and have never had any problems with any of them.

I would suggest to go into a local place that carries headunits and take a look at them (Best Buy, Fry's Electronics, Stereo King, Car Toys, etc), as well as talk to an employee about the options your looking for, they should be able to help you.

 

[CJorgensen]

Pioneer is best way to go. Bluetooth. And iPod. They have a lot of speaker adjustment settings too. Best bang for my buck.

Eh, the only Pioneers I like are the 5200 double dins. I bought a JVC a couple weeks ago and I love it.

It all depends what you wanna spend and if you plan on running subs an amp or just high end.

 

[Mschooley]

Im an Alpine guy always loved their stuff and they have never done me wrong. As for a flip out monitor. I dont know about 1g, but in my 2g, I have a Short Throw and when I shift I end up punching my radio, soooo wouldnt be an option with me.

 

[Sirius Spyder]

I'd say this depends on your end goal for your interior. I wanted mine to look as "factory" as possible except be way nicer than Mitsu factory if you catch my drift. I slapped a double DIN Kenwood head unit it that came complete with Garmin GPS and bluetooth option so I never have to worry about having my GPS on the dash and it has the added features of the newer cars that are coming out today. It also has DVD and iPod control. The one major down side is the radio's location in proximity to the stick shift. Someone mentioned earlier the punching of the radio. You can very easily do that here if you're not paying attention. Plus, if you don't cut down the shifter length it blocks part of the radio and makes song selection in 3rd gear a pain in the ass. If you go this route, definitely look into options resolving the shifter length and you will be 100% good to go. Best route for factory clean looks and ultimate performance mixed with present day functionality.

You're close by too so in the coming month if you're out by Philly or I'm out by H-burg I'll let you check it out and you can see first hand and make a decision. Just hit me up whenever.

 

[gusu]

I'd say this depends on your end goal for your interior. I wanted mine to look as "factory" as possible except be way nicer than Mitsu factory if you catch my drift. I slapped a double DIN Kenwood head unit it that came complete with Garmin GPS and bluetooth option so I never have to worry about having my GPS on the dash and it has the added features of the newer cars that are coming out today. It also has DVD and iPod control. The one major down side is the radio's location in proximity to the stick shift. Someone mentioned earlier the punching of the radio. You can very easily do that here if you're not paying attention. Plus, if you don't cut down the shifter length it blocks part of the radio and makes song selection in 3rd gear a pain in the ass. If you go this route, definitely look into options resolving the shifter length and you will be 100% good to go. Best route for factory clean looks and ultimate performance mixed with present day functionality.

You're close by too so in the coming month if you're out by Philly or I'm out by H-burg I'll let you check it out and you can see first hand and make a decision. Just hit me up whenever.

I don't know why you would be cruising in 3rd gear to begin with. But I agree, punching my nice expensive screen isn't something I'd enjoy doing.

 

[dsmcrzy]

Check out the kenwood kiv-bt900 or the kiv-700. The 900 will do everything you are looking for and is very nice looking IMO. I have always been a Kenwood fan and feel like you need deep pockets to play with alpine... Their high end stuff is excellent besides that I wouldn't waste my money on it they can't make budget decks or speakers. Good luck!

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

I have always had good luck with Pioneer and Alpine. Both are great units for good prices.

 

[Bud92gsx]

My buddy got me hooked on Alpine head units..I usede to be a whatever guy, but after fooling around with the Alpines, I really like them..

 

[SPYDERGSTTUNER]

Some nice units you might wanna look into are Eclipse, i got a double din touchscreen(i forget what model it is) that sits flush like your oem unit and has all those capabilities you are looking for plus more, it looks sorta oem but with an awesome display and hell an eclipse in a talon just sounds cool

 

[slow8033]

Last weekend I just took out my kenwood single din and put in a Kenwood DDX516 double din unit. I absolutely LOVE IT!!!! Its amazing and totally worth it. 350 shipped. I also upgraded the Satillite radio equipment too, took out the old receiver and put in a newer one.

So I guess I will be selling my kenwood single din and that sat radio equipment very soon. Come to think of it I have a single din alpine that came in the car when I bought it, It was brand new but I tore it out for my system. They were both great units, but I think the double Din is worth it.

 

[Bud92gsx]

Some nice units you might wanna look into are Eclipse, i got a double din touchscreen(i forget what model it is) that sits flush like your oem unit and has all those capabilities you are looking for plus more, it looks sorta oem but with an awesome display and hell an eclipse in a talon just sounds cool

Do you have a link to the touchscreen eclipse headunit..