need recommendation for head unit and install.

(lent the S2000 car to my brother who didn't like the after market unit b/c the left radio controls doesn't work with after market. He traded my radio for an used OEM unit ).

I don't like the OEM unit.

1. recommended head unit. I found Pioneer DEH-X8600BH and Alpine CDE-153BT - probably will get one if no other recommendation. the main feature is bluetooth streaming which is nice for pandora. Any recommendation?
2. An installer. I don't need a top of the line installer. Just someone you can trust. I will use Bestbuy as plan B if no one is near. I am in Midpeninsula area.

Thanks in advance.


did a quick search but found
this https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/858...#entry20441729 (not helpful as the shop is closed)

this https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/index.php...&f=18&t=728091 (but too far - plan B for now)

and a bunch of other threads which had no stereo/head unit installer recommendation.

 

if no recommendation, I can order from Crutchfeild and maybe their installation kit will allow me to install it myself - I did this back in the days in my 91 Civic. I haven't install a head unit for 20 years now. Too lazy to do it nowadays.

 

Its very easy to get the aftermarket head unit to work with the dash controls. Modifry makes a product to connect them, as well as PAC. I have the PAC and it works perfect.

I'm an Alpine loyalist, so I say go for Alpine.

I also recommend having a wired USB connection. My personal belief (backed by nothing other than my gut feeling) is that a wired connection would provide better quality audio (especially if you are playing "lossless" audio files). The other benefit to a wired USB connection is that you can charge your phone while playing tunes (the antithesis to bluetooth, which would drain it). I recommend a head unit that you can run the wire out the back of and then use an extension to place it somewhere convenient like the center glove box or cup holder area. I find this set up better than charging from the OEM cigarette lighter outlet because my elbow hits that plug.

I wish I had a shop to recommend, but the one I used to go to (on the mid peninsula, Auto Sound & Security in Redwood City, has since shut down). My "go-to" for audio help recently has actually been local s2ki members who are talented and nice enough to do the work for a small cost (often a beverage and a meal).

 

All Pro Audio will price match with an Amazon authorized seller and they do great installations. I've only had alarms installed on my vans though but many people here have had head units installed by them. I personally like the way Alpines sound but audio is really a personal preference thing.

 

i use to work at Audiomobile over in Oakland and theyve always done good work

 

I just recently removed a Kenwood KDC-X792 from my S that's for sale and a brand new Modifry plug & play harness. I installed another HU with the PNP harness and it was pretty simple. Let me know if you're interested.

Best,
-a

 

the new gens of head units aren't what they used to be. that includes Alpines, which i have in a couple of my cars. i havent kept up w/car audio, but think kenwood and pioneer have some high end models that are supposed to be pretty good.

Sound Innovations in Union City is one of, if not the best shops in NorCal. talk to Ernie, the owner. my good friend, James aka Junior is the head installer and award-winning top 100 installer in the US.

 

thanks for advices. Will probably go with Alpine then.

Manystyle, do you want to sell just the Modifry and what's the going rate these days?

Mac, I probably will go to all pro audio. it's not THAT far.

if all else fails, I will have to spend a couple of hours installing the HU.

thanks to everyone again.

 

The Modifry is JUST the Plug & Play harness and not the DCI connection. Since you're going w/ an Alpine HU, the PNP harness will not work, it's specific for Kenwood only.

https://modifry.com/products/dci/pnp.htm

Best,
-a

 

thanks for the info. Will send a PM if I go with Kenwood.