Albuquerque Jim

I plan to upgrade to an aftermarket head unit in my 2000. I want a single din so I can use the lower slot for a set of aux. switches.

I need:

CD, Green Illumination (to match OEM), Electric Antenna, Something reliable...

I would like:

Satellite Capability, Perhaps a DVD (usable with external screens)

I realize the sky is the limit, there are so many options now. My price point is $200 - $300. I should probably upgrade speakers at the same time.

Please give me some suggestions.

Tron

Alpine... Can't go wrong with an Alpine

Elton

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f96/my-system-install-103429/.....also i have a older pioneer cd player that lights up green and works great

TRDatVT

Alpine is the ÅÅÅÅ... i would recommend the Alpine CDA-9857 if you want the green buttons with the very cool "biolite" display (around 350 retail). Or if your ballin on a budget, you cannot go wrong with the Alpine CDA-9856 for a very affordable 200 bucks! Both are ipod and bluetooth ready and play MP3 CD's as well. The 9856 does not come with a remote but the main difference is the screen is much nicer on the 9857! Good luck, and shop around, i have seen the biolite model for as low as 290 shipped before!

Elton

alpine 9857 $269.95
alpine 9856 $175.95

wjwerdna

I would recommend pioneer, highest unit you can afford....

recently there was a pic (i think in the "led footwell project finished" or something thread) of how well they match oem dash lights
(mid priced ones I think are still graphic display and green illum, least expensive I believe are blue LCD display or something, higher end are just crazy and I don't know off-hand)

mine matches well also, but I don't have a pic

mine is also 4-5 years old (DEH-7400MP), and while showing its age, still works great

Albuquerque Jim

Any other opinions?

I am also looking at the Kenwood KSC-SW1 mini sub for under the drivers seat.

mastacox

Well, looking for one that lights up green limits you a lot, but I do like the "older" Sony CDX-F7700 and F7705 HU's. They are "satellite ready," excellent signal-noise ratio, excellent RMS power, etc. etc. I know many people like to bash Sonys but man, hard to find the same stats in the same price range!

Are you looking for a HU that does satellite all by itself, or is just satellite ready? My recommendation just so you know, would be satellite ready for your price range. And maybe loosen the requirement of the green backlight. That, and don't bother with DVD. IMO it's over rated, and if you want that kind of capability I would go with the in-car computer like Midiwall installed in his rig.

EDIT: Also, I wouldn't bother with a sub unless you're getting a 10" or bigger, with 500watts RMS or more. Anything less, and you might as well just get nice speakers in your doors.

Albuquerque Jim

I think I found one...seems a little inexpensive, but it has good reviews.

Pioneer DEH-4800MP

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn...048449,00.html

Elton

cant go wrong with pioneer mines 7 years old and works great for what i need

Bob_98SR5

jim,

i love my alpine. its about 2 years old now and it was one of the mid-range ones. it has a feature where you can change the color of the buttons (red, amber, green and blue). i blieeve all of the alpines have this feature.

ive owned a low-to-mid range clarion and an alpine. alpine hands down!

also, look on my webpage for writeups on the headunit install or the complete system with amp and subwoofer

bob

BeachRNR

Do any of the alpines or the pioneers have the aux input on the front of the reciever for toys like the ipod?

Albuquerque Jim

I have no interest in an ipod, so that isn't a concern to me.

BeachRNR

It was a hijack attempt. I wasn't directing the question towards you.

But thanks for the info.

99LimitedKS

Alpine CDA-9856 all the way. yeah... the buttons are blue but you get used to them.

etan

Alpine 9856. Can't go wrong for the price.

Albuquerque Jim

I was in an audio shop today and they suggested the CDA-9857. It was very nice...I may have to look past the blue buttons.

I am considering a set of Focal Components for the front doors and Focal 5 1/4" 2-ways for the rear doors.

This would sort of blow my budget, but the sound quality was amazing.

What do you think?

Elton

i guess the 9857 has a nicer display and you cant go wrong with jbl speakers

etan

the 9857 is nice and is a little easier to navigate than the 9856. but notice the price difference between the two. a tip for picking out components is to listen to classical music. It goes through the whole range of sounds. also there are options if you want to run active or full active. Some set ups are so clear it sounds like the music is coming from the middle of the car. of course you need no budget for those. good luck with what you decide.

Albuquerque Jim

Personally, I am not sure the $100 difference is justified, I could be convinced other wise.

When I was listening to the 9857 and the Focal's today in the Audio shop booth I was amazed by the sound quality, I actually remarked that I couldn't tell where the sound was coming from.