Arguably off-topic, but still h-fi related...

[6th.replicant]

Forgive me for straying from the path, but I'm sure that most hi-fi aficionados also own cars &, in turn, enjoy listening to music while driving.

Here's my problem: I'd like to upgrade my car's head unit to a iPod-compatible CD/FM radio. I don't want window-rattling bass, flashing lights, cheesy graphics, ill-proportioned fake-chrome dials & Airfix-grade plastics. But I would like decent sound & discreet appearance, which looks as if it could be OEM spec. Budget is £270. I've looked at the Becker Grand Prix (the red version fits the bill aesthetically), but once the iPod connector & instal are included it's too pricey.

Can you folks make any suggestions, please? And is there such a thing as an in-car hi-fi mag or website that doesn't only cater for lovers of all-things-bling?! Ta. 🙂

 

[nads]

having had a good look into this myself the answer is Alipne. best sound from the iPhone/Pod

http://www.soundcar.co.uk/page/65430202

the only issue could be the looks

 

[bretty]

Alpine. Still the best sounding in car equipment you can get and have a subtle look to their head units, resisting the epilepsy inducing displays some manufacturers are going for. Back when I was in the I.C.E trade, many moons ago, Alpine was prohibitively expensive for a lot of people. However, now the prices are much lower and offer simply amazing value for money.

If you are willing to forgoe the cd player, they do a beautiful media controller, which has a radio and controls your ipod and starts at around £130.

Try caraudiodirest.co.uk. Good site with good prices.

 

[6th.replicant]

Thanks. Yes, I've been looking at Alpine, I'm tempted by the Alpine IDA-X305 (includes a 24-bit Burr-Brown DAC - I say!). And I can pick one up via Amazon.com for $242 (£151). However, it looks hideous!
http://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product_m-alpine-ida-x305_p-23698.htm

Whereas the Becker GP looks like this:
http://www.caraudioplus.co.uk/Becker_Grandprix_7992_R_Stereo

 

[a91gti]

Have a look at Blaupunkt and Becker.

 

[6th.replicant]

Looks like I'll go for the Alpine iDA-X305, even though it's a tad too bling for my taste & not exactly in-keeping with my car's more discreet (sombre?) cabin design, but it actually sounds great.

Indeed, when Aston Martin's official audio supplier was Linn (recently replaced by B&O), I understand that the so-called Linn head-units were actually Alpines 'in drag'?

But hell, in terms of aesthetics, the aftermarket car audio sector seems to be in a world of its own, it's as if they're stuck in the early '90s - garish design rules! Don't these people note that iMacs/PCs, iPods & home AV are mostly discreet- & elegant-looking (even the cheapest mini systems now look pretty cool)?

BTW, my plan to buy a iDA-X305 from the US (cheaper due to $/£) for UK use is dumb - the radio wouldn't work in the UK. D'oh!

 

[Anonymous]

Alpine had been hidden away in high end cars under the guise of the manufacturer's own radios for years, as with Bose.

 

[pwiles1968]

6th.replicant: I understand that the so-called Linn head-units were actually Alpines 'in drag'?

The bit that was badged Linn was the Amp and speakers (From what I can remember the amp took up a lot of boot space), In hi end cars the bit you think of as a Head unit is merely a CD transport, and tuner.

 

[6th.replicant]

Just discovered an additional irritating quirk of the Alpine/car audio world: the Alpine iDA-X305 receiver is not compatible with my car's, or any other manufacturer's, OEM CD stacker. Seems that this scenario is not exclusive to Alpine. What the ...!!!

Want to keep my car re-sale options open to those who don't use iPods, so now looking at the Alpine CDE-103BT (which also looks less garish, but only a tad).

 

[gbhsi1]

The alpine looks good! the becker looks awful...think it's the other way round. Have you tried Rockford Fosgate?

 

[gbhsi1]

actually...skip Rockford! they make great amps and speakers...but having a look at their current head units, noooooooooooooo! Alpine are great.

 

[6th.replicant]

gbhsi1:The alpine looks good! the becker looks awful...think it's the other way round. Have you tried Rockford Fosgate?

Holy ***! What's Rockford Fosgate? Yet more research - Google!