Who has upgraded their radio's?...
12-01-2002, 02:36 PM
#31
Rennlist Member
Rolo,
I have an Alpine 7892 with 21 watts in my 4Runner and it's great! The removeable faceplate is subdued with a mostly black background surround and small, green lit buttons. This model has the rotary control for volume which is easier to use and grab than a push button controller. Also, I didn't want a whole lot of flash from some of the crazy displays that are the current rage. Too video-gamish to me. This model has a very tiny "power output" display that moves with bass/volume. It's not too noticeable.
The best thing abut this head unit, however, is the small equalizer that allows you to change the curves of the bass and treble so you can fine tune your speakers and/or subwoofer. It makes a HUGE difference and lets you tailor your tastes and your car's interior acoustics.
I may never go back to a stereo that doesn't have this feature.
Good luck! <img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />
I have an Alpine 7892 with 21 watts in my 4Runner and it's great! The removeable faceplate is subdued with a mostly black background surround and small, green lit buttons. This model has the rotary control for volume which is easier to use and grab than a push button controller. Also, I didn't want a whole lot of flash from some of the crazy displays that are the current rage. Too video-gamish to me. This model has a very tiny "power output" display that moves with bass/volume. It's not too noticeable.
The best thing abut this head unit, however, is the small equalizer that allows you to change the curves of the bass and treble so you can fine tune your speakers and/or subwoofer. It makes a HUGE difference and lets you tailor your tastes and your car's interior acoustics.
I may never go back to a stereo that doesn't have this feature.
Good luck! <img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />
12-01-2002, 03:26 PM
#32
Skip,
Wow, your system is very tastefully done. As a matter of fact, I don't think it's overboard at all, especially in a world where 2, often 3 subs is the norm with a "built system".
later,
amir
Wow, your system is very tastefully done. As a matter of fact, I don't think it's overboard at all, especially in a world where 2, often 3 subs is the norm with a "built system".
later,
amir
12-01-2002, 04:01 PM
#33
Banned
If you are not interested in the iPod route, but still interested in MP3, there is always the Blaupunkt Microdrive unit which someone has already made the subject of a post. Integrates nicely into a Porsche, and holds something like 15-20 hours music, depending on MP3 encoding quality.
Thread is here, with photos of installation:
<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=005966" target="_blank">http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=005966</a>
HAS to be more convenient than fiddling with CDs and CD changers... (imho <img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" /> )
Graham
Thread is here, with photos of installation:
<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=005966" target="_blank">http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=005966</a>
HAS to be more convenient than fiddling with CDs and CD changers... (imho <img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" /> )
Graham
12-01-2002, 04:41 PM
#34
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McIntosh MX406 is aruably one of the best HU available. Retails for $900. Clarion model 9255 since discontinued was same unit though not as attractive. Used units of the latter can be found for less than $300. Only problem is that once you start with such a hi-end component it is difficult to live with the system's "weaker links" downstream. Can get very expensive and due to the the car's inherent acoustic limitations will never sound as good as say a similiarly rigged sedan or SUV. That said if you don't buy the Mc from your friend, I am definitely interested.
12-02-2002, 12:47 PM
#35
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Rolo -
Be careful of the Nakamichi build-quality on that in-dash changer unit. It is a wonderful design but apparently it is pretty hard on it fitting all those trays and motors into such a small space and the loading mechanism has been known to jam and give trouble fairly quickly. But otherwise it would be my first choice for non-MP3 sources.
I said I would put up photos of my install and never did... sorry.
Best wishes.
Be careful of the Nakamichi build-quality on that in-dash changer unit. It is a wonderful design but apparently it is pretty hard on it fitting all those trays and motors into such a small space and the loading mechanism has been known to jam and give trouble fairly quickly. But otherwise it would be my first choice for non-MP3 sources.
I said I would put up photos of my install and never did... sorry.
Best wishes.
12-02-2002, 04:00 PM
#36
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I read somewhere recently that Nakamichi USA had suspended its customer support in the US due to financial issues. I cannot recall where I read it, but I would suggest that anyone considering Nakamichi might look into it.
12-03-2002, 06:19 PM
#37
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I have studied these threads for two & a half years on stereo upgrades....
What is the weakest link? In the HI Fi setup
Is it the CDR-210 or the AMP under the passenger seat?
Is the AMP worth keeping with a ALPINE variety unit?
Just trying to determine if the factory amp is worth keeping or should I just replace the whole system?
TIA
Bob <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
What is the weakest link? In the HI Fi setup
Is it the CDR-210 or the AMP under the passenger seat?
Is the AMP worth keeping with a ALPINE variety unit?
Just trying to determine if the factory amp is worth keeping or should I just replace the whole system?
TIA
Bob <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
12-03-2002, 06:49 PM
#38
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Not being the audiophile the rest of you are, I think I have found my solution. Somewhere in this thread I yearned for a SD slot or CF slot on the front of a head unit so I could use the same memory card as my Ipaq to listen directly to MP3s. Well, the next best thing would be free RCA jacks to plug into the headphone output of the Ipaq, but of course those aren't on the front of the unit either and I'm too lazy to try and find any on the back of my Nak head unit. So I found the <a href="http://www.myirock.com/players/300W%20-%20FM%20Transmitter.htm" target="_blank">Irock</a>. It won't offer true audiophole sound for you perfectionists, but it will easily do what I want. Broadcast the output from my Ipaq on an FM band that I tune my radio to. Voila, Ipaq and MP3s to go in the car for less than 30 bucks. I am going to try it. If anyone's interested, I will review it later.
E. J.
E. J.
12-03-2002, 07:03 PM
#39
Has anybody used this cd head unit before??? The description sounds pretty interesting...
<a href="http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL026380&archive=true&page=3" target="_blank">JVC KD-LX300</a>
[quote]
EL KAMELEON- the smart anti-theft design. What they can't see, they can't steat. EL KAMELEON, JVC's smart anti-theft system, turns the headunit totally invisible, making it blend evenly into your car's dash. EL KAMELEON lets you make your mobile entertainment system an extension of your lifestyle.
<hr></blockquote>
Jeff
<a href="http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL026380&archive=true&page=3" target="_blank">JVC KD-LX300</a>
[quote]
EL KAMELEON- the smart anti-theft design. What they can't see, they can't steat. EL KAMELEON, JVC's smart anti-theft system, turns the headunit totally invisible, making it blend evenly into your car's dash. EL KAMELEON lets you make your mobile entertainment system an extension of your lifestyle.
<hr></blockquote>
Jeff
12-03-2002, 11:55 PM
#40
I had my eye on Nakamichi systems for a while now and finally decided on the new CD-400 unit. Very clean design and supposedly great sound. Installation should happen sometime mid December. I'll keep you posted about the results.
12-04-2002, 12:41 PM
#43
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Todd, they are the active 8's (i.e. with internal amps). EL Series.
<a href="http://www.sasbazooka.com/productAutoAmplifiedBTsEL.asp?id=8" target="_blank">http://www.sasbazooka.com/productAutoAmplifiedBTsEL.asp?id=8</a>
A couple of them is, as Rolls Royce used to describe their engine's power output in a gentlemanly way, 'adequate'.
Highly recommended. Cheers, W
<a href="http://www.sasbazooka.com/productAutoAmplifiedBTsEL.asp?id=8" target="_blank">http://www.sasbazooka.com/productAutoAmplifiedBTsEL.asp?id=8</a>
A couple of them is, as Rolls Royce used to describe their engine's power output in a gentlemanly way, 'adequate'.
Highly recommended. Cheers, W
12-04-2002, 03:18 PM
#44
Drifting
I have an excellent upgraded radio but crappy reception. What are you doing for antennas? Stock? Also, does anyone have problem with engine/electronic interference?
12-04-2002, 04:00 PM
#45
THanks Will, looking into it although I already have an nice Alpine amp I could run to them..
I am also looking for a FM antenna method. Seems like there would be some kind of small FM unit that would plug into the radio socket and hide in the car like a GPS antenna. I checked with Terk and they said no.. must be someone else though.
I am also looking for a FM antenna method. Seems like there would be some kind of small FM unit that would plug into the radio socket and hide in the car like a GPS antenna. I checked with Terk and they said no.. must be someone else though.