I'm currently looking for a new headunit to improve the sound quality in the S2000, but also to get ipod integration. Got the chance to buy this off a friend for £130, cost him £280 6 months ago. What do you think?

http://www.alpine.uk.com/p/Products/...ver21/ida-x305



I have a few questions. Firstly, do I need an additional wiring harness to make it work? Or will it be a simple plug and play?

What do I need to make it work with the dash controls? Is it compatible?

In the future I want to improve the sound quality by upgrading the door speakers and door tweeters, put in a subwoofer and amp, will this headunit let me do all of this?

Do you think I'll see an improvement by just fitting head unit?


Thanks in advance.

Graeme

 

check crutchfield and compare all head units. they have a lot of information

 

You will need to buy the harness to get it to attach, usual procedure for all aftermarket HUs. It will not work with the dash control but you can buy the Modifry DCI and Alpine PnP harness (I think the PnP harness has the DCI functionatility built in but check his site) to get it to work.

I have the Alpine ida-x303 and have had no issues...I do not have the dash controls but other than that, no problems. I will warn that the radio door cover is a bit tight with the HU as the knob hits the driver side plastic on the inside of the door cover. A little push and it locks fine...you could always clip off a notch of the plastic on the door cover too.

The HU will work with just about anything you want to upgrade it with. You will have to consider wiring and power though when going with the amp and sub (i.e., current wire gauge and battery power).

Seems like you are on the right path!

 

Good point, not sure how I can tell if it will fit or not. I like the look of the cover, keeps the interior looking simplistic.

 

It will fit...the x305 is the same as the x303 (which I have) except you have the better picture display (mine doesn't, just words showing song and artist, etc.). I have no problems getting my radio door to close with a little extra push. It will stay closed but you will feel a little bit of resistance.

I love my ida. Great HU and the system works well with the upgraded speakers I put in as well (my setup is in my sig).

Good luck!

 

Just a question for the ppl who own this head unit. Have any of you try using a USB flash drive to llisten music. Is it the same navigating experience as a iPod?

And also does it allow Bluetooth audio streaming out the box?

 

Based on their site data:

"With a dedicated USB input and USB cable, you can even connect USB memory devices like thumbdrives. Song lists on USB devices are displayed in alphabetical order, and allows eight levels of file / folder search capabilities. This unit will find music files while ignoring other file types on the USB device"

"This unit is ready for Bluetooth Wireless Technology with a convenient phone button available on the receiver. Just add a KCE-250BT adapter to pair up your cell phone with your head unit by pressing the phone button. You can access your phone book to make calls to your contacts right from your cellphone. Now make and receive phone calls conveniently with both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road."

http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/ida-x305s/

I don't think it supports audio streaming via bluetooth. You might be able to get it to work with the adapter and your phone, but not sure.