Head unit ~

[Mattla 0]

Looking for opinions on a new cd/mp3 head unit around the £200 mark. I'm considering the following units-:

 

1. Alpine CDA-9812RB. £193 at empire direct.co.uk

2. Kenwood KDC-W707. £170 at caraudiosecurity.com

3. Kenwood KDC W8531. £199 at caraudiosecurity.com

4. JVC KD-LH811. £150 at Halfords

 

I've just upgraded the speakers (standard size front and rear) but Im thinking of amp and sub at a later date so need a unit with scope for upgrading. Also getting an ipod so must be able to run this. There's currently a Sony with 10 disc changer in my car, will there be lots of expensive adaptors and wiring needed? Will the Sony changer be compatible with the above?

 

I don't really like ordering off the net but the prices are much cheaper than my local store (£150 less on the Kenwood!). Maybe you guys know of a cheap outlet near Windsor/Staines?

 

A friend says don't buy a unit from Kenwood as they specialise in food processors! I've ruled out Sony because I'm not keen on the styling.

 

Does anyone own the above units? if so any comments would be good. Any other suggestions much appreciated.

 

 

Edited title to correct symbol, since none of those headunits are actually greater than £200 ;) --Andi

[JMC 0]

IMHO Alpine are always a good bet (I have the 9815 which is similar to the 9812)..

 

Where abouts are you based ??? I'm between Egham and V.Water, and not seen many Corrado's around here and you're more than welcome to have a look at my Alpine.

[Furkz 0]

ive got the 9812rb and wouldnt change it for nothing now

[VR6 South 0]

A friend says don't buy a unit from Kenwood as they specialise in food processors! I've ruled out Sony because I'm not keen on the styling.

Sorry to spoil things, The food processor company is a completely different Company :wink: Otherwise I would be able to get discount :) You won't go far wrong with an Alpine.

[double-6s 0]

i forget what mine is, a 200 quid alpine. i got it from halfrauds with a free alpine ipod adaptor. very good - you control everything from the headunit so the ipod stays in the glovebox all the time.

the head unit is excellent. 9847r i think

[double-6s 0]

jesus, i just looked and you can get the head unit for 133 quid now!

or 189 with the ipod adaptor.

that is seriously cheap for a very good unit.

see link below

 

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/produc ... turer_id=3

[double-6s 0]

for the record, from the 9847 up to about 350 quids worth, all the alpine ones use pretty much the same internals. its mainly features and design that are different. they all sound excellent. i went for the 9847 as it has a 'real' turning volume knob, which i find so much easier to use when driving. i may sound mad, but never mind ;)

[Mattla 0]

Thanks for the replys guys. Sorry I took so long to reply but my net connection went down just as i'd posted this topic! Most people seem to be keen on Alpine stuff.

 

Double 6 - I was looking at your model in Halfords it's a pretty good deal but as I don't have an ipod yet I'm just goona buy the head unit frirst and then ad the adaptor when I get an ipod.

 

JMC - If your between Egham and Virginia Water then you must be bloody close to me. I'll PM you and I'll come and have a look at your system.

[Neil VR6 0]

I'll second the Alpine too. Always been very impressed. Bought a cheap and cheerful one for my gf's car not long ago for £130 and it sounds great.

[selbekk 0]

as almost everyone has said so far, alpine is a good bet. Be sure you get one with ai-net availability on it, so you can buy the ipod interface later. Dunno if you get that on cheap players though.

 

What about buying a used player? You'll get last years top models for the same amount of dough if you check out the sellers-forums, ebay and such.

[NickVR6 0]

spend a bit more and buy my jvc avx1!