I was looking over on Crutchfield and found several headunits under $150 that I'm interested in. My primary reason for a new headunit is for iPhone connectivity (I have another thread on this topic). My question is which is better. It's been a very long time since I've purchased a new stereo and I've owned both Alpine (wasn't impressed) and Blaupunkt (pretty good) in the past. I understand that Alpine is made in China now...don't know about Blaupunkt. Just looking for recommendations under $150. Thanks.
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Which Alpine did you have that you weren't impressed with?
I'm on my 4th Alpine and I absolutely love them. Of course I always buy the high end ones, so maybe their economy line is different, but the new 9886/9887 line is good stuff.
Looking on their website, it seems they've recently added some affordable solutions. My suggestion is to go to a store like best buy or a local AV store and play around with them in person to see which one you like the best. I was almost set on one headunit that I had only read about online, and then when I went to the store I was highly disappointed and ended up falling in love with another Alpine instead. -
I put i a Pioneer 6900 DEH. It has an aux jack and USB. I just copy music to any USB/Jump drive and plug it in. It cost $100 on Ebay. iPhone and iPod connectors are not universal, so you end up wasting money to accommodate Apple's big ego.Comment
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my pioneer 5100ub has a usb in front and i can plug it in with the standard cable, i like it except for the fact i cant control the ipod through the ipod itself. I HATE using the headunit to select my songs, it just doesn't work as wellComment
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I think that Alpine has the absolute best interface for using the headunit for the i-Pod. I've got no issues at all using mine. It's got a percentage search and multi-line screen that makes it much easier to use compared to other brands. And if you really just need to find one song, you can always unplug it, find the song and then plug it back in. Either way, I have tons of playlists that I use with a very organized itunes that also makes it easier.
The great thing about the Alpine is the amount of options. I have an ipod cord that goes into the glove box for my ipod to be connected and charged 24-7 and to be controlled by the headunit. Then I also have an aux cord that comes out of the sunglasses holder for when my buddies come in my car with their ipods and want to control it themselves. Next to the ipod cord there's a USB cord that I use with my external hard drive or a flash drive. On top of that, I have bluetooth connectivity for my phone, and Sat/HD Radio. I know that most of you guys like the look of OEM headunits like the CD43, but for less money you can get so much more in an aftermarket HU.Comment
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The Alpine brand is tried and true. You cannot go wrong with it. Blaupunkt is decent, but has more issues. I've had both in my vehicles in the past. I would choose Alpine. By the way, these days, you cannot judge something solely based on where it is manufactured.Comment
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My vote is Alpine as well. But I would suggest spending a little more more like $250 or so. Because if you buy a $150 stereo you are going to have to buy the iPod interface which is more $$. I would suggest the iDA-X001. Which is the one I have and there are others here on M3F that have the same unit. Everything you are asking for is there iPod connectivity and it has Bluetooth capabilities too.
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The X001 and the 9886 are probably his two best options, if he doesn't mind spending around $240-250. It's really not that much money in the grand scheme of things, and headunits last a long time and can be used in newer cars too.Comment
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Picked up a 9886 from Crutchfield other day...can't wait for install tomorrowComment
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Sony is the only way for me. I even had the full DIN lightshow/EQ/spectrum analyzer (XE-700), but had to switch to an Alpine unit (ERA-G320) to fit under the OBC. It's bleh...I never liked Alpine's ergonomics (not very user-friendly...I still have to reference the user's guide to figure it out after a dozen years of ownership!), but that's just me.Comment
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I always thought that alpine made great products, I have the same head unit posted above and love it.Comment
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Come on guys! The OP is asking about Iphone connectivity, not I pod... I'm not even sure anybody makes a headunit that will let you use your Iphone as an Ipod. About your only options would be to get a headunit with bluetooth (for the phone), and use the headphone jack as an aux in.
Then again, I'm old and usually stupid about this stuff. But I did just get an Iphone...lolComment
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Semi-threadjack: does the 9886 colors match the amber like the X one does?
I have a CD43, but the ipod interface in the Alpine is quite good (friend has it in his camry).
iPhone connectivity is another story. I have no idea. I just wish I had an iPhone.Comment
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Nice dude! You're gonna love it!Originally posted by rowar64
Wrong info. I've plugged several iPhones into my car and was able to control them from the headunit. It also worked with bluetooth and with the aux cord. They use the same cord as the iPods and have the same interface. It's just an iPod Touch with a dialing featureOriginally posted by RichardsperryComment
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Unfortunately the colors do not match. I loved the feature of my old 9835 where I was able to match the headunit with the available 356 colors, but they discontinued that option. The lighting doesnt match too well, but function > form for me.Originally posted by RogulsComment
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