i want to get an aftermarket head unit and was wondering what to stay away from and what has good reviews.. also if there are any concerns with doing this what would they be other than having to get a metra kit..

what ive been kinda looking into is the clarion nx500 or kenwood.. something double din touchscreen plays ipod.. doesnt have to play videos but that would be a plus.. oh and i haev an 04 rx8 if that makes a difference..

so what do you guys recommend?

 

You would be better off runninng a search on Google if your looking for a highly rated aftermarket head unit. Look through consumer reports. Also Crutchfield usually has customer reviews related to their products.

 

I always liked one that didn't dribble. Oh, nevermind, wrong headunit.

 

I love this guy.


As for the Clarion you mentioned, Clarion is a solid brand. But for it's price you could probably get a Pioneer Z110BT. 4V RCAs, a larger screen, customizability of icons/menu screens, and likely better support between the map updates and the avic411 forum. Easy menu system too. If that's too much money, you can get most of that stuff with the X910BT too.

 

i did do searches but i also want to get other peoples opinions with the same car not some random people with different cars ya know?

 

The head unit is not going to change from car to car. It will have the same features and specs. regardless of the car you install it in whether it be an RX8, a Porche 911, or a Hummer H2. That is unless you are concerned with fitment in which case you should focus your attention on the installation kits.

 

^ thats exactly what i was talking about and yes i do know i need to get a metra kit is it pretty much a straightforward install?

 

I have the Bose factory stereo in my 8 so I have no experience with the metra kit. However I have installed literally dozens of aftermarket audio systems in my cars throughout the years. I have no horror stories to speak of. I have used cheap eBay kits as well as more expensive kits offered at you local hifi shop. My experience tells me this, they all are pretty much the same. I have personally never had a fitment issue. I even installed a kit in an older Taurus that belonged to a buddy of mine. It had the factory cirvcular style radio. We found a kit for him on eBay and the fitment was A+++ to my suprise. I have noticed that most people who have swapped out the factory head unit have used the metra kit so fitment must be good.

 

I have installed professionally for just over 3 years using Metra parts exclusively. Although the shop went under before Metra released the kit for the RX8. ALTHOUGH, lol, I have done the RX8 install using the Corksport kit. (More expensive kit released before metra. Don't think its even available anymore.) Pretty much identical in terms of install though.

Make no bones about it, this kit is no walk in the park. I would go as far as to say this is the most difficult kit Metra offers. With that said, I think most people can tackle it given the patience and time. Expect 4-5 hours for the inexperienced. Took me about 2 1/2-3 including the out-board bluetooth, sirius, and SWC adapter. Soldering included.

 

yea i dont need the sirius and bluetooth so hopefully this will cut time down haha

 

Most units include bluetooth now. No real extra install. Maybe a microphone on certain units.

 

my decision is between the pioneer Z110BT that you suggested firebirddude and the clarion nx500

 

clarion is good alpine all the way get the alpine 900 then get the bluetooth module its better than the 900bt bluetooth here is my install. I chose it for the interface/nav and the modules you can plug in. check out crutchfield if you want to compare and research

 

How so? Quite certain it's the exact same unit..

And how come only half your amber-colored display is lit up over the A/C vents?

 

"custom" mod...LOL
i dotn know....but i too am interested in getting a unit like yourself...
I currently have the xcarlink with bluetooth, but with that you need to transfer your "mode" to the xcarlink to use the phone...do not like that...

i want to be able to listen to radio while the phone is paired up in the backround.. and when someone calls, radio dims and you can hear phone ringing. My gay *** rental prius had this when i was getting some work done..


and
what is the full model for this "alpine 900" google isnt doing much
??(http://www.crutchfield.com/s_500INAW...ine+in+dash)??
-B

 

I'd rather have the Metra Kit with a Win7 PC in that slot....

 

yeah I custom cut a vinyl decal to cover up the not needed part got a roll of black vinyl from amazon then spent an fing hour cutting it hahaha

not exactly sure why but the 900 with the bluetooth module performed better with sound quality , pairing and such. my theory is the built in chipset on the 900bt is smaller than the module. but basicly they are the same unit one just has bluetooth


@littlejob ina-w900

 

f that apple all day

 

i plan on getting the ina-w900bt as well just trying to save up lol

 

tony do you have any close up picks of your unit? and another question, when you use your bluetooth, does it cut the radio off and show whos calling?

 

yeah it turns down the volume and shows who is calling touch screen to answer the voice dial works well also once you get used to wating for the beep

I can take some of the install close up tmr but for now if your interested in looking at the interface here is direct to the unit in alpine

http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/ina-w900

 

sweet thanks

and another question..i never had gps installed on a "non gps" car if you will? Do i need to buy another antenna or anything to get this to work?

 

It's included. And despite instructions and common practice, you can install it INSIDE the vehicle with no degraded signal loss. Mine sits under the dash right next to the center speaker. Been working perfectly for years.

 

sweet, and i know i need to get the metra kit i believe its called to make this work. If you dont mind me asking, where did you get yours from?

second question, Did you have to get the harness separate which enables you to use your steering wheel controls with the radio?

 

There are a couple of people on the forums that are using http://www.crutchfield.com/p_127SWIP...S.html?tp=3405 to get their steering controls working. It doesn't come with any of the headunits AFAIK