Just picked up a used '00 that has a Kenwood Z828 head unit in it. Sadly, whoever installed it didn't use an adapter that allows the left hand side dash controls to work. I really, really, really want those controls and actually am not that fond of the Kenwood head unit I have (small buttons, etc...).

So I'm curious what options I'm looking at for under $200 for a decent head unit that plays nice with my iPod AND will hook up to the cars built in auxiliary controls. I've read about some devices that are one-off (ie., not sold by Best Buy, Crutchfield, etc..) that I need? Or would the big electronics retailers sell adapaters?

Also, anyone have a head unit that uses the new USB connections? The holy grail for me would be the ability to forward / reverse my iPod from the aux controls via a USB connection in the head unit.

Bluetooth a plus, but not a requirement.

Thanks,

Da

 

Have you looked in the S2000 Electronics forum?

 

You're looking at $90 for the Modifry DCI: Here

And as far as head units go, I bought the JVC Arsenal KD-AHD59 from Crutchfield (doesn't look like they carry it right now) for $170 and it came with all kinds of free accessories for installation: factory -> JVC adapter harness, beauty ring, mounting hardware, etc.

Even with the factory speakers it sounds good, although the factory speakers have about as much bass response as a flute. Just picked up a low-end sub to fix that particular issue...

I know you're looking for under $200, but finding a head unit with wired remote/steering wheel controls really limits your options. For the money, I'd say push just a little higher and get a head unit with built-in HD tuner (like the one I linked). You can always use the stereo for a couple months while saving up for the Modifry DCI.

Anyway, shop around. The biggest challenge is going to be finding a head unit with wired remote input that can work with the DCI, but also has all the options you're looking for. I wanted built-in HD radio, so the list was *very* short (for less than $300 at least). Single DIN, steering wheel/wired remote input, and a shallow face are absolute requirements if you intend to keep the radio door. Everything else is optional.

Good luck!

 

If you went with a low end Pioneer, you could probably do it for about $250 (head unit, separate iPod adaptor, Modifry DCI). I got my Pioneer for about $150 and installed it, the iPod adaptor and the DCI. I wired my iPod to the door of the console (under the elastic strap) and control it from the Pioneer. Works great...

 

You can get a Pioneer 6100 (Ipod/iphone, bluetooth) for 189 (retails for 300 I believe) shipped off Amazon. Crutchfield has great customer service but their prices aren't that great. Check Amazon.

And yes, you'll need Modifry's DCI (90bucks) for the dash controls to work.

I personally went with Alpine ida-x305+ modifry DCI+ PnP Harness. Got everything for 350 shipped total.

 

Modifry Alpine DCI = awesome

 

awesome posts i had the exact same question!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

you should get a stock HU and purchase the USA-SPEC Ipod interface its a plug and play unit that u plug into the CD changer port behind the HU and U can control your IPOD with your dash control sound quality is awesome

 

You are going to have get an adapter (be it the Modifry DCI or the other one out there) to use the dash controls. So budget $90 for that (another $25 if you get an Alpine HU because Modifry sells the PnP adapter for Alpine units so you won't have to splice anything).

I upgraded to the Alpine iDA x303 - tuner, sat ready, hd ready and ipod ready. It comes with the ipod cable via usb connection in the back. Once the ipod is plugged in, it is controlled directly by the HU controls. I routed my ipod to the glove box. I didn't buy the DCI adapter as the controls are so close to my hand that I really thought it wasn't that important right now.

Speakers will sound better, but you will still want to upgrade those at some later time. That setup will differ based on what your ultimate goal is.

 

A budget of $200 is too low, If you can move your budget to $300-$400 you can achieve your goal.