17 replies to this topic

[Shivers]

Hello guys, I'm after a new headunit, it will just be running 2 door speakers (FLI Integrator 6's that I've just ordered). I'm fed up of using CD's in the car as I change CD's a lot so it's frustrating. I want the unit to do SD or USB (are either superior?), and also play back AAC. If it's USB then it has to be able to be hidden easily, rear USB port? Also I heard some of the units can take ages to load from cards/sticks, I want that doesn't take forever to load my music (Will probably have around 10-20GB's of music). Has to have a nice interface, not into the ones with a zillion colours flashing anywhere, has to be clean with just a couple of colours. Also has to be of as good sound quality as possible for my budget (£100). Hopefully there's something out there that caters to what I need, any advice is appreciated ...the unit will be going into a Mk1 MX-5, thanks!

[designforlife]

I bought this and can't complain for the price,plays usb, and ipod through an aux cable (you have to browse songs through the ipod)

http://www.caraudiod...a-receiver.html

the next model up has built in bluetooth, and you can browse your ipod from the head unit

http://www.caraudiod...a-receiver.html

[gairo]

Halfords have some great deals on at the moment with head units

[Shivers]

Thanks for the input guys, do those JVC units play AAC?

Edit - I never really trust Halfords, their 'deals' never seem to be a deal, usually they go off RRP which nobody ever pays, and the so called '50%' off items can be found cheaper online :/

[gairo]

I know what you mean but i recently bought a head unit from Halfords (Kenwood KDC-6051u) for £139.99, they were about the cheapest with free delivery and i've noticed this on quite a few of their stereo's

[Shivers]

I know what you mean but i recently bought a head unit from Halfords (Kenwood KDC-6051u) for £139.99, they were about the cheapest with free delivery and i've noticed this on quite a few of their stereo's

Maybe they've changed the pricing but just seen your one for £5 less online after a quick search, anyway, nice looking unit! I went for the JVC one mentioned earlier (higher end model), hopefully comes tomorrow as I'm fitting my new speakers tomorrow

[Peeves]

I bought this and can't complain for the price,plays usb, and ipod through an aux cable (you have to browse songs through the ipod)

http://www.caraudiod...a-receiver.html

the next model up has built in bluetooth, and you can browse your ipod from the head unit

http://www.caraudiod...a-receiver.html

I second this. Fitted mine today from the same site, amazing head unit for £50.

[Shivers]

I bought this and can't complain for the price,plays usb, and ipod through an aux cable (you have to browse songs through the ipod)

http://www.caraudiod...a-receiver.html

the next model up has built in bluetooth, and you can browse your ipod from the head unit

http://www.caraudiod...a-receiver.html

I second this. Fitted mine today from the same site, amazing head unit for £50.

Glad to hear it, hopefully mines will arrive tomorrow!

[JoeyTalent]

After getting fed up with my Argos special, I've ordered one of these:

http://www.mutant.uk...01-dvd-headunit

I think the bigger screen will help when looking for music and stuff on the USB drive - that was the single most annoying thing about my old stereo. Will hopefully arrive today, so I'll update this when it does. You can get it for £70 on Amazon.

As for the USB drive - if you have a front facing one, you could just get a micro drive like this:

http://www.ebay.co.u...6#ht_937wt_1297

EDIT - I now realise you've already ordered one. The USB drive might be useful though!

[krispe]

Just been reading up on the JVC KD-X50 from designforlife's link which seems to do everything I want, (primarily connect to my iphone for music but using a rear connection on the headunit). My only concern is the fact that the face plate is not removable. Are you guys worried about it always being on display when your cars parked?

[designforlife]

I was briefly, but then I figured it's only a £50 head unit, so i'll take the risk...I've had mates who have had face off HUs stolen and the faceplate just pinched from the glove compartment.

I don't think head units get pinched as much as the late 90s/early 00s.

If you do get it and use USB it's worth picking up a thumb type drive, as the normal long usbs were catching on my hand when changing gear.

[krispe]

Thanks for the reply Designforlife, I think I'm more worried about them slashing my roof/damaging the car to get to it, but as you say I'm probably thinking more back to the late 90s/00's when head units were worth a lot more money then. The reality is though even with a removable face plate I 'll probably always just put it in the glovebox anyway.....

[designforlife]

Yeah fair point, a risk we take with soft top cars i guess!

[MickAP]

If they can remove Bose unit from my Mk2 import they are welcome to it, it's useless. Mind the hood though

No seriously I'm interested in that JVC bluetooth one in the link, good to hear how it goes when you have it fitted.

For now though it's back to listening to just radio 2.


Mick

[gairo]

I've just ditched my new Kenwood unit for a Pioneer one instead, I much prefer the new one and it was 35 quid cheaper

[taxieunos]

Pioneer DEH-P77MP.
Get a second hand one for around £100. (No longer made.)
Excellent head units.

[gairo]

That DEH-P77MP an epic head unit, I always liked that one, dunno why the hell I bought a Kenwood to be honest, it was shite

[Shivers]

After getting fed up with my Argos special, I've ordered one of these:

http://www.mutant.uk...01-dvd-headunit

I think the bigger screen will help when looking for music and stuff on the USB drive - that was the single most annoying thing about my old stereo. Will hopefully arrive today, so I'll update this when it does. You can get it for £70 on Amazon.

As for the USB drive - if you have a front facing one, you could just get a micro drive like this:

http://www.ebay.co.u...6#ht_937wt_1297

EDIT - I now realise you've already ordered one. The USB drive might be useful though!

Great idea about the USB, going to order one and just sit it in the front facing as it's still neat Thanks! Got the headunit and speakers fitted yesterday with the friend of a much more car savvy friend, I also put some 'Fatmat' stuff in both the doors, it's sounding a lot better already! Still got the old ugly speakers grills on as the screws were too long but I'll get that sorted soon