Alpine Headunits

mysticsniper · 30 Apr 2007 at 16:04

I am not upto date with ICE, and I am wondering what is a decent make and model for under £200. I am after sound quality, and user friendly.

I have seen this Alpine model, which looks good, but does it do the job?

Any suggestions

TIA

Bobbler · 30 Apr 2007 at 16:23

Good unit IIRC.
I was looking at this one a couple of years ago but the silver didn't go with my interior at all. Its very bright silver in the flesh so I went for the 9855 which blended in a little better.

I hear good things about this Pioneer too - http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/pioneer-dehp55bt-p-4821.html

BennyC · 30 Apr 2007 at 16:29

I have the CDA-9811R which looks just like that but black.

There are a few from the newer range which are quite good and most have I-pod connectivity if thats what your after. Pop down to halfords and have a look and a play with some so you get an idea of what you like.

Also is it mainley for CD's and radio? Mp3 CD's? I-pod or a different Mp3 Player?

LSPIII · 30 Apr 2007 at 16:30

I have this head unit myself, mind you I paid a lot less for it, got a stonking deal in an auction

As for the head unit itself, I was only using stock tape player before switching to this unit. My god what a difference. Fantastic head unit, relatively easy to operate too. I use the Alpine iPod adaptor with it which works a treat.

A couple of notes though... It's bright... Too bright at night sometimes, that was until I found the cable at the back which hooks up to the dashboard lights. The unit automatically dims when you switch the lights on. Makes a BIG difference. It will take a while to get it setup the way you like it, purely because of the amount of options you have to change the sound (example: relocating the focus of the bass in 2 dimensions, overkill methinks!).

Would highly recommend it though. Great unit.

mysticsniper · 30 Apr 2007 at 17:05

Bobbler said:
Good unit IIRC.
I was looking at this one a couple of years ago but the silver didn't go with my interior at all. Its very bright silver in the flesh so I went for the 9855 which blended in a little better.

I hear good things about this Pioneer too - http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/pioneer-dehp55bt-p-4821.html

My car is black inside with Crome finishes on the gear stick and handbrake, and other bits and bobs in the car. I will check out the Pioneer as well thx.

Benny06 said:
I have the CDA-9811R which looks just like that but black.

There are a few from the newer range which are quite good and most have I-pod connectivity if thats what your after. Pop down to halfords and have a look and a play with some so you get an idea of what you like.

Also is it mainley for CD's and radio? Mp3 CD's? I-pod or a different Mp3 Player?

I am going for the MP3, then the radio. I like the fact that it is DAB ready, so I can upgrade if I want to as well. I will proberbly be going for some other stuff as well, like new speakers, tweeters, an amps as well. But that will be down the road. So I was thinking of the Alpine model, as it must be good and upgradable when I install other new parts as well.

LSPIII said:
I have this head unit myself, mind you I paid a lot less for it, got a stonking deal in an auction

A couple of notes though... It's bright... Too bright at night sometimes, that was until I found the cable at the back which hooks up to the dashboard lights. The unit automatically dims when you switch the lights on. Makes a BIG difference. It will take a while to get it setup the way you like it, purely because of the amount of options you have to change the sound (example: relocating the focus of the bass in 2 dimensions, overkill methinks!).

Would highly recommend it though. Great unit.

Cheers, will remeber that then. But will take a look at it first to see just how bright it really is