Hello, I've just discovered that my standard Phillips head unit is defunct. I need to replace it and have just been to Halfords to look for a replacement. I don't want to go mad, I just want a CD/MP3 head unit. Anybody got any opinions on the entry Alpine head unit, does it skip much.
Also need to replace the rear speakers, what size are they and whats the best direct replacement, without too much cutting and shutting.
The cars a UK MY00.
Thanks Jamie

 

I've just bought a Panasonic single CD/mp3 unit, locally, for £95. I think it's the 1311? It's available on the net for £85.
It does WMA too, and is dead easy to use, display is red, but not OTT.

My eldest swears by Alpine, but is impressed with the Panasonic, (which is in Wife's car), and also says to watch out for the newer Alpine stuff. He reckons it looks shoddy, and the slider bar control is hard to use on the move.

In my classic, I've got Sony 9x6's 3-way speakers.
They were FAIRLY easy to fit. I removed the oval to circular adaptor plate, made some spacers from MDF covered in carpet from a car audio specialist, and fitting was about an hour.

Sound is much better than before.........but then, I chose them blind on sound alone

Alcazar

 

Jamie

I whacked this in the Scoob a couple of months ago...



For an Alpine unit that cost £139.99 (from www.audio66.com) is iPod ready, does WMA, and can match 4 different dash colours (well just about).... it's bl**dy good value.

The sound is head and shoulders above the standard unit, but does show up the naff speakers installed.

I've had 1 track skip and stop since using the Alpine. I then tried the CD on my PC... and got exactly the same thing

Alpine is very good in my book, but if you've got a budget to stick to... I'm sure there's some good players in £80-£100 bracket.

J.

 

That looks spot on Sqn Ldr. I'll check it out. As for speakers I'll get the head unit first then see how it goes. It looks like the back seats have to come out to get to the back speakers, doesn't look too bad but I'll wait till I've got some time to do it all properly.
Cheers Jamie

 

alpine is good,but DONT buy it from halfrouds.you will pay way over the top.i only go there to see what they look like in the flesh.then i go home and buy of the net.

 

Just back from Halfrauds, and compared prices. Your right though, only go in for a look. If it was only a tenner difference I wouldn't bother about it too much but its about £50. How long did audio66 take to deliver? I'll speak to a mate of mine for a final opinion and I'll probably go for the same as Sqn Ldr.

 

The one Sq L shows doesn't have the slider bar control, so should be OK.

Alcazar

 

See Chiarks guide in the FAQ for how to get the rear speakers out. My 6x9s were screwed in from underneath which seems to be the easiest option.

The Alpine head looks good (and a good price too - though slightly cheaper here http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/pro...s_id/3224.html )

Do you have decent speakers in the front doors? Ideally, all the quality & soundstage should come from the front with the rears just providing bass fill.