Looking for Opinions on Audio Options.

[Mike621]

I am in the process of choosing a replacement for my stock headunit in my Pearl. Although I am very happy with the OEM look of my WRX 6CD in my Claret, I have aftermarket Clarion and Alpine speakers in this particular car, and am looking for a unit with a bit more power.

That being said, I am on a budget, as someone is making the purchase of it for my 22nd birthday, which is this upcoming weekend. I am looking for something stylish, modern, and simple. I am not a fan of chrome buttons or dials, as I want to attempt to have the unit blend somewhat with the interior.

The unit must have MP3 capability and have either green or black/white illumination.

So far, I have done some shopping on Crutchfield to get an idea of what is available, as I am not an aftermarket stereo guru. (This system will not be amplified and I will not be adding anything additional; subs, etc)

The Kenwood KDC-MP538U @ $159
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/KDC-MP538U




So far I have not found anything else really appealing in the range under $225, but I am still looking. Again, I want something simple and clean looking that does not clash too much with the SVX interior.

Opinions and input are welcome and appreciated.

[kcbsvx]

Hi Mike-
Dibs if I can afford the 6disk with cage if it is for sale. I can send you my cage and /or stock radio-CD if that helps. Please PM me with price and availability.
Thank you, Christian

[redlightningsvx]

Did you look at the mp3 player that has over 700 colors? It has no knobs, it's sleak, and you could match the OEM colors inside the car. Can't remember what model or price though but it's on crutchfield.

[sabin]

check out pioneer they make some nice units in your price range

[Sov13t]

+1 pioneer

also JVC (even though I never liked them have some nice units... these days)

[Mike621]

I had considered Pioneer, but all of their units come with this large chrome dial and I find that largely unattractive.

[Mike621]

Has anyone here had experience with Blaupunkt?

Im looking into the "Key West" model.



http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...roductID=17247

[sabin]

i wouldn't call that chrome

[SVXdc]

Crutchfield's measurements (to determine what they think will fit the SVX) are sometimes a little too strict. See my SVX Audio Install guide for dimensions of the radio cage and more info.

Originally Posted by kcbsvx

Hi Mike-
Dibs if I can afford the 6disk with cage if it is for sale. I can send you my cage and /or stock radio-CD if that helps.

Christian, if your own cage is good, why are you offering to trade it?

Mike's 6-disc WRX radio is in a different SVX, and I don't think he's getting rid of that radio.

You should keep your own cage. There are a few different styles of cover doors that match the particular SVX's interior. You just remove your old radio and install a new one (either Subaru or aftermarket) in your own cage.

If your cage is bad, look for a spare one (or repair parts) — either new or from a parts car that matches yours.

[Mike621]

Originally Posted by SVXdc

Crutchfield's measurements (to determine what they think will fit the SVX) are sometimes a little too strict. See my SVX Audio Install guide for dimensions of the radio cage and more info.



Christian, if your own cage is good, why are you offering to trade it?

Mike's 6-disc WRX radio is in a different SVX, and I don't think he's getting rid of that radio.

You should keep your own cage. There are a few different styles of cover doors that match the particular SVX's interior. You just remove your old radio and install a new one (either Subaru or aftermarket) in your own cage.

If your cage is bad, look for a spare one (or repair parts) — either new or from a parts car that matches yours.

David,

Thank you for clarifying. I think what Christian was refering to has to do with the trimming that is required on teh rear of the radio cage when installing the WRX 6 CD in order to ensure full closure of the radio door.

Christian,

I do have a source for more of these particular type of head unit. However, you may be able to find one on ebay or NASIOC for a low price as well.

[kcbsvx]

Yes, Mike, I was refering to grinding the cage. It sounds like I could trim my own cage if you can tell me what to remove so the door closes; but first I will read David's Radio How To completely.

Thank you for the help, David. I will now read your extensive information for my bedtime unwind.

I also need to replace my front lower speakers so I guess it's research time for the sound system.

[Roo]

My option:


It fits with the door closing normally.

Alpine iDA-X200 iPod deck (no CD player)

iPod Touch attached and controlled by the head unit.

iPod Touch hiding in the compartment below the deck, still attached.

[Crazy_pilot]

Roo, that's a slick looking system!

Whenever I decide to work on my audio system I want to go with a Pioneer AVIC-D3 double DINN touchscreen. I don't like the unused space of a single DINN unit. I'll always look at it and wish I'd done something with it. I never use CD's anyway (I've bought one in my life, burned maybe 5 music ones).

[Lockleaf]

By MP3 do you mean an AUX hookup to connect Ipod's and such? If so, my recommendation would be this.

1. Get the factory Ipod hookup to go with your WRX 6cd.
2. Buy an amplifier
3. Purchase a high/low range converter which allows you to hook regular speakers up to an amp and connect an amp to a factory style deck.

Benefits - You keep the stock style deck, you get your mp3 compatability, you get more power, it can be done on a budget (e.g. pawn shops or craigslist for amp)

Just my .02

[Mike621]

Again,

I have a STOCK headunit in the white SVX. I hated my iPod, nothing but problems, and sold it after 2 batteries and 2 hard drives . I was referring to MP3-loaded CDs. I do not like using aux hookup with MP3 players, only use it with my laptop when I am out on the road on rare occasions.

Again, I do NOT want to deal with buying an amp, etc. The point has been missed entirely. The headunit is going to be a gift from someone and they asked me what brand/ model I wanted.

I posted this thread with the intent of collecting ideas of some specific successful setups (basic head units) that people are running in their SVX, so that I might have some ideas on other models to look into.