ICE - Headunits, and what to do in the front...

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Hxc

Hxc

Hxc

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Hi all.

Mini is really getting into shape currently, got all the floor panel welding done, just need to do a full service and sort out what we think to be a timing issue (not a huge problem to sort) and it'll be running like a beut, and should fly through the MOT, so I can start driving it when I turn 17 :)

I'm interested in changing the ICE setup however, as currently it has 2x alpine 6x9s on the parcel shelf at the back, and Sony Tweeters in place of the airvents in the dash (the vents are useless anyway).

The main thing I'm interested in changing is the head unit to something which can EITHER, use an old, cheap, secondhand ipod, or a laptop hard drive, and is fairly easy to navigate and change songs on. I'm not very up on head units, so can anyone reccomend something suitable? I'm sortof tempted to just get one with a 3.5mm input and use an old ipod/any mp3 player to just change songs but I can imagen it being a bit of problem to skip songs when I'm moving.

I'm also confused as to what to do with the front as there isn't really space for normal sized speakers anywhere but the tweeters sound a bit poor...

Any ideas?

Thanks
 
mmm. £160. Expensive. I 'spose that's what you pay for quality.

Got a laptop hdd and caddy already but the caddy seems to need 2x usb to power the drive which would be a problem :/
 
Mine has a stupid 2x USB A to A cable as well, fortunately the head unit powers it with just one, so I've neatened up the cable with electrical tape. Got a link to the caddy? I bet it's the same as the one I bought off ebay, Lol
 
naaah, it's the Akasa blue one they sell here on ocuk. Bought it a looong while ago now though.
 
Vote #2 for the Pioneer P7000UB - I decided on it over an Alpine (on Howard's recommendation!!) to replace my standard unit mainly because I wanted the iPod control, but it has 3.5 jack as well as USB connection, and the sound is SO much better than before. I chose it over the Alpine mainly because of aesthetics, but I'm glad I did, as it is v. easy to use, with folder/playlist recognition, and it also charges your iPod as well. If my understanding is correct, you can use any iPod with a dock connector with the full control (and also hard drive), or any other mp3 type device with the 3.5 jack.

If you don't want to spend that much, there are (I think) a couple of models under the 7000 (i.e. 5000 & 6000) that provide the same sort of features for a bit less cash - I think they both give the external control, but don't quote me on it!!

As far as speakers go, I'm sure that a couple of mates that had Minis had speakers in the front doors... Just needs a bit more up front to beef up the tweeters.

Good luck in whatever you decide!
 
acevuk, I didn't know you'd gone with my recommendation! Glad you like it :)

The 5000 is cheaper and does the same yes, but you get a vastly inferior display ;)
 
Hxc said:
Got a laptop hdd and caddy already but the caddy seems to need 2x usb to power the drive which would be a problem :/
Click to expand...

Its possible to pick up USB chargers (for an ipod or whatever) which plug into a cars cigar lighter socket. Basically a USB socket with just the power pins connected. They carry the necessary circuit to adjust 12v dc to whatever power a USB gives out. Butchering one of these into your cars electrics should do the trick, make sure its fused though.

Available from both Tesco and your local electronics retailer.
 
Last edited:
howardcanning said:
acevuk, I didn't know you'd gone with my recommendation! Glad you like it :)

The 5000 is cheaper and does the same yes, but you get a vastly inferior display ;)
Click to expand...

Howard,

Yeah, I got the 7000 in the end! I was set on the Alpine, as I'd had one in a previous car and loved it, but then when you recommended the Pioneer and I had a look/play with it, I was sold! I was going to get it fitted, as it's been a long time since I've done any work on ICE fitting, but the stupendous price at Halfrauds put me off. Found a unit online for £160 from Amazon and fitted it myself in the end, was easier than first thought!

Got the fitting cables from Halfrauds in the end though (thanks for the offer of yours) as I wanted it in ASAP and I think you were still away when I did it. I only had to pull off half the dash to fit it... (lol)

Thanks again for the recommendation, I've been singing it's praises ever since! At the moment I'm trying to convince Phate to get one for his chavved-up Rover...

Cheers,

Ace
 
Oh I remember now you have the Megane, that was before my holiday.. Wow time flies!


It might be a bit upmarket for Phate's Rover :D ;)
 
howardcanning said:
Oh I remember now you have the Megane, that was before my holiday.. Wow time flies!


It might be a bit upmarket for Phate's Rover :D ;)
Click to expand...

It's a Scenic actually... ;)

Phate wants a stereo with blue lights to match the car! :rolleyes: I showed him pics and he seemed to be quite interested (I sit next to him every day, you see...) so we'll see what he ends up with - hopefully another member of the 7000 club!

Cheers
 
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