Best headunit for under £200

[Daipac]

I fancy getting a new headunit for the car now. Has to be able to read MP3s. Would be good if it could be connected to my standard Alpine CD changer but I dont think this is possible ?

It is a MKII 172 so it would be good if it matched the dash colours too and didnt look too out of place.

Cheers..........

 

[Tom]

No its not possible.

Go mp3.

Alpine 9830 or 9831

Or an old 9813 would be good.

My choice would be the 9831, ok so it brakes the 200 barrier a bit. but its IPOD ready and stalk and display ready.

 

[Daipac]

Shame they are not compatible but there is no real need if you have MP3s I suppose.

I have never liked the Alpine designs of the past but these look the business.

9830 :

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/images/b_cda9830r.jpg

9831 :

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/images/b_cda9831r.jpg

How much would I be looking at spending on these ? Just had a quick look on http://www.caraudiodirect.co.ukwww.caraudiodirect.co.uk and they are £250 and £300 respectively.

Any cheaper places to get them ?

 

[Tom]

Celdirect has the 9831 for £279.99

http://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product.asp?product=19772http://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product.asp?product=19772

I have the 9833

it lights up 512 diffrent colours to match the dash

http://erc.qmuc.ac.uk/cliosport/gallery/full/1086184915__cliodash.jpg

 

[Daipac]

Good price here :

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39755&item=5724072851&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVWhttp://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39755&item=5724072851&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

£223

 

[Tom]

The pics of the one in that link are the US model.

anything with XM on it AVOID! look for the Dab/rds versions

 

[Daipac]

b******s ! Thought the price was too good to be true !

£271 isnt too bad. A little more than I wanted to spend but not too much more.

Are the MP3 folders easy to navigate on these ?

It looks good in the photos Tom, matches the dash nicely. Do you plug it in and it works with the standard display and stalk ?

 

[Tom]

No sadly not, it needs a (not yet released) adaptor.

Mp3 folders are a joy!

Also supports ipod link.

 

[Daipac]

Oh right, I thought you said above in your first post that it was stalk and display ready.

Yeah I saw the iPod link option, very handy as I will be getting one in the new year.

 

[Pete]

Dai be very careful with ebay, most new hus are from the states and things like RDS, DAB and Stearing controls wont work on them.

As Tom says stick to Alpine, they are a lot better, may be a few pounds more but theyre worth it.

 

[Daipac]

Cheers mate, I am going to stay away from there and get it from a reputable audio dealer.

I am swaying towards the 9831 at the moment.

Is there a big difference between the 9830 and 9831 then ?

 

[geordiepaul]

I can recommend this...

http://erc.qmuc.ac.uk/cliosport/gallery/full/1096890906__1079703755226dehp80mp_detailpage.jpg

I would go for something that plays WMA as they are IMO better than MP3 and muich easier to create with Windows Media Player. Works with the stalk too (with an adaptor)

 

[Tom]

Tis a good unit. the alpines play wmas

 

[geordiepaul]

I dont like the look of Alpines but thats me, not doubting their ability though!

 

[Daipac]

I think the Alpines blend in better with the 172/182 dashboard ? The Pioneer is a bit too silver IMHO.

 

[McBunny]

i need a hu for the fabia but aint got a clue what fits in with it

 

[geordiepaul]

Quote: Originally posted by Daipac on 04 October 2004

I think the Alpines blend in better with the 172/182 dashboard ? The Pioneer is a bit too silver IMHO.

Yeah true! Im sure Ive seen a graphite coloured HU which would look better than the black of the Apline or the Silver of Most Pioneers. Cant remember what it was though!

 

[geordiepaul]

Quote: Originally posted by dogmaul on 04 October 2004

i need a hu for the fabia but aint got a clue what fits in with it

Whats the dash look like?

 

[McBunny]

best i can do at the mo lol and i know its no use at all

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/picture_library/dir_20/car_portal_pic_10328.jpg

 

[Daipac]

I can do better !

http://erc.qmuc.ac.uk/cliosport/gallery/full/1096892959__Dsc00079.jpg

 

[geordiepaul]

Is that like a cash register or something? Kerching!

 

[Daipac]

I think so, you put all the money you are saving by owning a diesel in there I think !

 

[McBunny]

ok forgot to look at ivans pics lol

 

[Daipac]

Schoolboy error Mike and well you know it !