Im considering replacing the stock HU with one of the recommended Alpine radios.
However in order to use the on-dash controls(volume, etc) which i have grown to love i need to buy a direct control interface. The one that is highly recommended here is around $100.
Are there any cheaper alternatives?

 

Modifry's DCI ~ $100 with a custom wiring harness for the HU - great buy. Check the sponsor's directory or the Electronics forum.

 

There are alternatives but from what I hear they are not as good and as user friendly. Stick with the modifry.

 

+1 for the Modifry unit. Just get the modifry with his harness and you're all set. It has more functions than your typical OEM setup.

 

You get what you pay for, and Modifry is the best hands down!

 

Im in the same situation as well. A nice headunit is already expensive itself then you have to tack on another $100 for your side controls to work. Though I realize the Modifry-DCI is superior to other modules, tt's a bit much for my wallet.

Bump for ALTERNATIVE suggestions.

 

doesnt alpine or some other manufacturers provide s2k direct interfaces for some of its head units?

 

Sacrifice elsewhere to budget the cost of the DCI? I bought my alpine HU used. It's in perfect condition and I got it for 1/2 the MSRP.

Take that + the DCI and I am still a tad under price on a new head unit.

Just a suggestion, but I have read some of the other DCI's not working as well.

My .02

 

Peripheral electronics makes a unit as well as a PAC available on crutchfield. I agree with the above poster though, I would go cheaper on the head unit ( I personally wouldn't by any used electronics though).

 

i tried going a a different route from the Modifry DCI to save a few bucks but after my research i determined that it wasnt worth saving a few bucks over. Just bite the bullet and get the DCI, you wont regret it.