Muz

I was checking out some MP3 head units for my car at Autobarn over the w/e toying with the idea of buying one.

Basically anything at all with MP3 capability was around $1500-$1600.

I'm curious as to why an MP3 player should be 2-3 times as expensive as your ordinary head unit? Is it the novelty that justifies the price because it certainly isn't integrated circuit boards and mechanical components?

Does anyone know where to get an MP3 head unit at a sensible price? And what brand? If not I think I'll give it a miss and wait until the prices come down (way down), which they will.

AusS2000

I had no idea they were that much! Don't JVC do some for $300? I'm sure the quality isn't there but then if we're talking MP3 it's not a high quality format anyway.

I already had the Sony head unit in my car and wanted an MP3 solution. Fortunately Sony's MP3 changers work with older head units so that was my solution. 10 MP3 CD's in the boot (if I could be bothered writing that many).

Muz

So are you saying you bought just an MP3 changer that worked with a normal head unit? i.e. you didn't need an MP3 head unit?

AusS2000

That's right. The connection between the Changer and the head unit is a control/feedback bus and two channels of audio. So the changer does the MP3 decoding and sends the audio down the channels and track data back on the bus. WOrks perfectly.

MattG

I bought a JVC about 2 years ago for $800.
It played MP3s if they were burnt to a CDR (and also normal CDs).
It was only a single disc, with removable face.

wilch

i'm positive I saw some at JB (pioneer and sony) for the $300 - $400 mark. OK quality with atleast 45w rca outputs.

AusS2000

I sold a Sony unit I had a couple of years ago for $500. I bought it thinking to replace my non-MP3 head unit but it was much lower spec and didn't control a changer so I swapped back.

MattG

Yeah I bought my one from JB Hifi.

I don't want to change the head unit in my s2000 though because I like the controls next to the steering wheel.

M@

AusS2000

You mean you like the limited controls next to the steering wheel. I can track/folder up/down, disc/station up/down, volume up/down, change source and mode and mute. And volume is speed dependant.

Alister

It can be done Matt.

I replaced my OEM headunit with an Alpine aftermarket headunit shortly after buying my car (couldn't stand the inadequate OEM stereo). Alpine Europe manufacturer an adaptor (part # KCE-865B) which plugs directly into the OEM loom so that you can just plug the Alpine headunit straight in and continue using the controls next to the steering wheel. The only problem is getting one from Europe - I contacted an Alpine dealer in the UK that was happy to help out.

There is also some other aftermarket solutions available through this site - do a search on DCI.

Cheers,

Alister