New Simple ICE Install

[jelfsy]

After much searching of the forums I have decided its time to upgrade my ICE. I have narrowed down my HU choices to one that will feature Ipod Control and Bluetooth, probably Sony DSX-S300BTX as it has the nicest display of similar brands in that range. Also considering Alpine X305s, Kenwood KIV 700 and the JVC KDAVX20 although these models require additional bluetooth accesories (extra 80-120 quid )

I'd also like to replace the front and rear door speakers to something with a bit more quality and oomph, without having to go down the road of installing a sub and amp again as in my old car. Mainly due to the fact my gf is expecting and don't want to lose any car space and secondly because I still have the old 12" Sub (sold the Amp) and would begrude buying a sub/amp under seat or similar when i have a perfectly good sub already!

I came across another post that listed http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/pioneer-ts-q131c-renault.html as ready made replacements for the front, but there has been mixed reviews and not over keen on taking off the dash. For the rears I guess I would be looking for ones that produce a good bit of bass just from Head Unit power.

Any suggestions/advice would be most welcome!

I have a 52 plate 172

 

[Dan1587]

I'm a massive fan of Alpine tbh mate, i've had various HU's, subs and amps and honestly I rate Alpine the best for the value, the amps in them are brilliant if you don't want to amp the speakers seperatly.
I had Alpine Type R speakers in the front and back of my Mk3 Golf with a Pioneer HU running it, that facia stopped working for I bought a Alpine HU for about £110 (I think it was, and the Pioneer was about the same value) but it made the speakers clearer, crisper and better all round sound in the car just by the better HU.

Maybe something like this?
http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-cda-117ri.html

It has the full speed ipod lead included and it about the same price, and I know you have to buy the cable but if is compatiable with steering wheel controls!

 

[Goodj]

For a really simple install, get an alpine unit, those Pioneer customer fits, these for the rear....

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/jbl-gto528.html

Then screw off all the messing around with fitting an amp and plug one of these into your head unit instead....

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-ktp445.html

Pricey for what you get, but they really are plug and play, no buggering about with feeding cables through bulkheads and trailing cables back into doors etc. Sure you could probably get more RMS for your dollar, but you pay for the convenience... much like those Pioneer components, you can get meatier ones for less, but the fact you dont have to mess about with taking the dash off and mounting x-overs anywhere soon makes up for it.

EDIT: Oh, Alpine do cables that will not only keep the stalks working but the dash-top display too. A bit pricier than stalk-only leads, but you keep a more OEM feel to the install.

 

[James28]

Tbh I think a lot of people feel those custom fit Pioneer speakers aren't really worth it.
Well not for £60 anyway.

 

[guysy]

I was tempted with the pioneer straight swap speakers but they are pricey...

instead i got some Hertz speakers and bought these

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_from...lt+speaker+adapters&_sacat=See-All-Categories

plugs straight into the standard spreaker plug, then the other end there are spade connectors that fit most aftermarket speakers

...

My simple upgrade route was aftermarket stereo with SD card because im a changed man after SD, 16gb card i can have so many albums on there with no faffing about, i wouldnt even consider ipod now personally, SD card is just simple and easy... Then uprated speakers front and back

In future i will be buying a small and and amping the front and rears with better speaker wire, i know the difference will be night and day but for now on the non sport i wont bother.

 

[jelfsy]

Thanks for all your input guys, reckon i am gonna plump for the Pioneer components as they seem the easiest option, dont want to replace existing wiring etc for tweeters. Still umming and aahing over a head unit, came accross this http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/11102.html looks very nice if not a little pricey. Just wondered what you guys thought, would only be about 50 quid more than the Alpine x305s bearing in mind id have to buy the bluetooth addon with the alpine unit, although alot of sites list it as Discontinued which i guess is slightly worrying! ANy positive or negative feedback appreciated as always, cheers guys!

 

[jimjim150]

I have one of these - Alpine CDE 113BT

I like it because you can change the illumination to orange

 

[jelfsy]

Jus back from up north. Have since discovered that all above head units can only handle a maximum of 15000 files Indeed the ALpines only a paltry 10 000 and the JVC and Sony a measly 5 000 when reading from an Ipod. Not sure what to do now as I have over 20 000 songs on my Ipod and would like the ability to access them all or it seems a bit pointless.

 

[benkay]

Errr....I have an Alpine X305s with well over 30,000 songs on my ipod classic and it works fine! :s