Should I replace my OEM HU for an Aftermarket one that is compatible to connect to an ipod? Or should I buy an IPOD Integration and wire it to my factor HU? Which one would you guys do? Which way would be the most affordable route?

 

I first bought an add on ipod adaptor for $150 then realized that it was a waste of money because you can get a nice new Alpine for $200 or less (which I did). Overall better because of power and clarity. If that's still too expensive for you, I see kits out there for less than $50 to only play ipods if you are not that seriously into louder/clearer music. Only thing with the aftermarket units is that you have to buy a kit for the dash controls. There's a couple out there from $60-$100. Gl with your choices.

 

What's a good aftermarket HU that has good power and clarity and still does the job that I want. For example, ipod compatible with the connection, dash compatible, decent price, and fit in our s2000 slots.

 

I'm sold on Alpine. Last I checked BestBuy has the 9883 for $169 without the ipod cord (about $20). Crutchfield has it for $199 with cord, adapter, tax, plus shipping included. You really don't need to use the ipod since the deck plays MP3's which holds anywhere from 100-200 songs per disc if you want to save some money. Gl

 

@tudernos: I'm in the same boat as you are. Crutchfield is including the ipod cable right now (while supplies last) and a FREE siriusconnect tuner offer (not sure what that is right now but I'm not looking for satellite radio). I'm considering the same HU myself. I stopped by Best Buy last night and tinkered with it.

When you guys "test" a head unit at the store, what do you guys do to test the head unit so you that you know what you are heading is because of the HU and not just because they connected $250 speakers to it? Would you recommend listening to the cheaper speakers, mid-priced speakers, or the higher end (assuming the speakers are the same size as what is in the S).

I just browsed Crutchfield's web site and the 9883 is out of stock and was priced at $169.99. The CDA-9884 is $179.99 so not totally out of luck here.

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Gro...FBrand%7cAlpine

 

you cant test head units at the store... theyre not set up optimally...

what i do is test for compatibilty with disks (if you use disks) or mainly just user interface

 

Wow I think you may have swayed my opinion on what to get.

That looks like a great deal on a good deck, comes with the IPod connector, can be used with the wired Modifry DCI (though his site jumps from 9883 to 9885, so I'll check), and will let me add Sirius radio later on when I want to, though it says the satellite tuner is included for free if bought before the 31st of December. I think I'm sold, pending Modifry confirming the DCI functionality.

 

Yeah so that's nice, can't order it because I'm in Canada. Crutchfield Canada has the 9883 and 9885 but not the 9884 which I like better, and there are NO accessories (no Ipod adapter, no Sirius tuner, no installation stuff like harnesses, no guides) priced at $220. The freakin dollar is basically at par!!

I'm pissed and calling Crutchfield tomorrow.

 

Just making a note here, but just about all the add-ons (such as HD tuner, BT modules, etc all run about $200 bones (good lord, did I just type that?). The HD Tuner interests me but I think I'll wait until they come down in price.

 

If you get an afermarket HU, doesn't it disable the feature of using your dash controls? If so, is there anything that you can do or buy to enable it for you to make the dash control usable after installing the aftermarket HU? Or is it just better to buy the IPOD interface connection and install that and still have your dash functions?