Hey guys I've always used pioneer but I'm going to try alpine on my s2k. I do not know to much bout alpine units, can an alpine fan chime in and help me decide? Also I want to do the install my self. If I buy the headunit online, what else do I new I buy to get this in my s2k?

 

To the install yourself, you will just need to get the wiring harness for our cars. Most websites that sell radios will also sell the harness and you can just enter in your car and it will show you which harness you need. There are brackets on the factory radio that you will use to mount the radio in the car.

I have the Alpine 9886 in my car and I love it. The 117 is the newest model and it is awesome as well. The iPod control is the best thing about it...other then that, it's just another Alpine radio. If bluetooth is a big thing for you, it is kind of expensive to add to an Alpine radio, about $150 retail and doesn't come with. Also, if you ever decide to amplify you system, the 117 has all the RCA preouts on the back of the radio for the amps(Front, Rear, AND Sub).

The 103bt is just a basic Alpine radio, it just has built in bluetooth. If you want to do any iPod control you have to buy the iPod cable separately, around $25 retail. The front usb jack if just for thumb drives, it won't actually interface with an iPod.

 

thanks megalomaniac for the reply... i guess i will get the 117 unless another person suggests a different hu. i want capability on my iphone 3g to charge and play music, bluetooth capability will be nice but not needed, and just give me better quality to sound with stock speakers...in the future i will upgrade speakers..also because the economy...i dont want to throw down alot of money for this. thanks yall

 

Here is Crutchfield's feature comparison.
Other than the previously mentioned iPod issues, the 103 apparently doesn't support
steering wheel controls, which means you won't be able to use a wired DCI if you want
to retain your dash controls (though it looks like an IR one would work).
To keep your dash controls you'll need a DCI (dash control interface) for any
aftermarket headunit. Most people recommend the Modifry DCI, though PAC also makes
one. If you buy it, you can (and should) get your harness from Modifry, as it has all
the right wires unlike some aftermarket harnesses. Modifry also makes a plug&play
harness for Alpine which simplifies installation if you like.