Help me choose an Ipod headunit thread...

Hate · 26 Jun 2007 at 23:53

I er "accidentally" bought an ipod recently so since I dislike my current headunit its time to splash more money out and get a nice unit that I can plug the pod into.

My budget is *around* £150.

Things that are important to me are of course iPod control, a decent display (I know its lame, but i REALLY hate the old LCD style ones) and of course reasonable sound quality.

I've narrowed it down to these 3

(current first choice) Kenwood W7537U ~£160 delivered

Advantages: 4x50W, nice display, can get optional bluetooth handsfree and DAB control
Disadvantages: None of my local halfrauds have one, so i've not been able to play with a 'live' one.

Then we get the Sony GT50Ui

Advantages: Feels very "solid" when playing in halfords, cheap option, 4x 52W
Disadvantages: Not keen on the display

Then finally, the Pioneer DEH-P6900IB

Advantages: Pioneer usually make good quality stuff, probably sounds great.
Disadvantages: it feels *really* cheap and plasticky to use, the big wheel feels like its made of thin, cheap plastic as do the buttons. this really did put me off

I'm edging tward the Kenwood so far, mainly cause I've had them in the past and my generic car audio setup (its by no means a show stopper, all speakers are HU powered) and my deafness (in right side to high frequencies) means that I probably won't pick up on some of the better quality audio units.

Does anyone own any of the above or have any suggestions? thanks

Townlea · 27 Jun 2007 at 02:12

I own the Pioneer 6900 and its an awesome head unit - Can't really compare to any others really as I haven't owned any others!

The performance is great and I really like the looks

Heres a pic of mine for looks

Took on my phone so isn't a great quality image

panthro · 27 Jun 2007 at 09:06

I own the Kenwood. Its a great HU. The jogwheel on the right is great for ipod navigation and it displays your full ipod menu with playlists etc. £160 delivered is pretty good as I paid £200 (including the ipod cable which you need for the connectivity).

TripleT · 27 Jun 2007 at 09:08

How much better are these new ipod units? I have one of the first gen ipod HU and it's really poor for navigating around. I've resorted to unplugging the ipod, find an album and then plugging back in

I'd just use AUX in personally, think you can get one's which charge too can't you? That's one good thing about my HU.

Hate · 27 Jun 2007 at 09:14

I've got an 8GB nano

aMb · 27 Jun 2007 at 09:20

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-cde9850ri-ipod-full-speed-p-4679.html

Got the Alpine 9850Ri and pleased with it - does what it says on the tin basically. The screen isnt as good as the above though.

Will Gill · 27 Jun 2007 at 09:20

I've got an Alpine DVA-9965R its awesome, not sure if the lower alpine HU's are up to much, but if mine is anything to go by they should be pretty cool

utajoker · 27 Jun 2007 at 09:34

aMb said:
http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-cde9850ri-ipod-full-speed-p-4679.html

Got the Alpine 9850Ri and pleased with it - does what it says on the tin basically. The screen isnt as good as the above though.

i vote for this, have one and its great.
you can browse ** songs the speed u can on your ipod and it charges it when its pluged in too!

the 4x50w thing really aint accurate there more about 4x25w.

it also got a cool button u pop in and out to browse.

Hate · 27 Jun 2007 at 10:14

as bad as it sounds, i really don't like that display - its like the one i've got on the JVC at the moment.

The kenwood is 30Wx4 RMS

digitalwolf · 27 Jun 2007 at 16:19

Townlea said:
I own the Pioneer 6900 and its an awesome head unit - Can't really compare to any others really as I haven't owned any others!

The performance is great and I really like the looks

Heres a pic of mine for looks

Took on my phone so isn't a great quality image

I'd say the Pioneer DEH 55bt with ipod adapter. Works a treat with my Ipod Video & has bluetooth handsfree for phone.

You got a VTS mate?

Hate · 27 Jun 2007 at 17:32

I dont want an inbuilt bluetooth, reason being is that I use my phone for TomTOm, and i gave it a go in the shop and it cuts the music out each time tomtom wants to "turn left".. so i've got a Parrot one that you splice into the loom with an override switch for the tel mute line

Townlea · 27 Jun 2007 at 23:16

digitalwolf said:
You got a VTS mate?

Just a Mk2 Saxo VTR.

Got it on Sunday, The car looks like its just come out of a showroom.

Its in need of a new gearbox this week (booked for thursday)

Bought for £1800 - taxed till July 2008, MOT March 2008, 61k on the clock, new cambelt 500 miles ago, 4 brand new Michelin Pilots and no curbing on any of the alloys. new gearbox clutch etc fitted £550

Anyway back onto subject.. Pioneer 6900 can be had for around £180-£190 - well worth the buy. I think any of the above you have shortlisted would be a great purchase for your needs.