So my RX8 had a bit of an accident and was at the body shop. While parked on their lot someone broke into the car and stole the head unit that was in place.

You can see the initial audio setup here.
Previously I just went with putting the iPod controls in and left it like that. However, the body shop has offered to do whatever it takes to get this back in working order for me. I don't want to try and rip them off, I just want a working setup with my iPod.

My question is simple. Should I revert back to stock and get the iPod setup going in there, or get a replacement alpine headunit that does the steering wheel controls, and keep running things like I have been. For some reason the thieves took the head unit and not the iPod connector. Thankfully I pulled the 'pod out of the car when I left it there.

Advice?

 

i would get a new alpine head unit, either the cda-9856, or even better, the cda-9857, with the ipod cable, you will be much happier with the connection to the ipod, as it will work at the full bus speed. much smoother experience

 

Is there a reason those two are so much cheaper than the cda-9835 is/was?

 

yeah, newer/cheaper technology. both awesome pieces, but if you are using ipod, get the 57, as it has a much better display for showing info from ipod

 

E you might as well put an lcd touchscreen there

just saying

You coming to the meet anyhow?

 

Get something that has bigger buttons.

 

I'd say go with a newer Alpine unit that has the steering wheel controls. Going back to stock would look nicer though. I think sticking with the current setup is cheaper though.

The factory iPod kit is going to be around $130.

 

Well, one of our local RX8 owners has a stock head unit he's willing to part with for a good price.

I think that the price will be about the same whether I return to stock or go with aftermarket. I will say that I was really impressed with how the alpine unit controlled the iPod, and the wire that connected the iPod to the head unit was a lot longer than the one that works with the stock unit.

I suppose I have a month to think about it though, as that's how long the car will be in the body shop, so there's no huge rush.

 

I propose an entirely different idea for you

there is a remote display for the ipod...have them install that into the dash.

And for control of the ipod mount an ipod remote in the center console...it is a better place for control anyhow since your hand is off the shifter most of the time...unlike the steering wheel.

This would allow you to put stock back in or use aftermarket whatever you like.

Here is a combo example...you would want one that seperates the display and you could mount it in the tape blank or other places. http://www.hammacher.com/publish/73001.asp

Just an idea

 

I agree with Lurch

 

So do you guys have any photos of your aftermarket setups? I'd be interested to see what they look like before I have to make a final decision.

 

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/flip-out-tv-ver-1-0-a-77884/

thats my setup, i did it myself, though we just did another rx-8 at the shop i work for that looks waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better

 

Nice!

My car is just about done so time to move onto the audio side of things. Anyone in MN know of a good audio shop that's worked on RX8's before? The last job was something out of the dreams of Dr. Frankenstein.