I'm looking to replace my OEM headunit at the moment, and I have been searching on here for some possiblities. What I keep noticing is how everyone seems to go with Alpine units. Why is that? Is it sound quality/features/prices/brand loyalty/other?

I was looking at a Sony MEX BT2600 as it's less than

 

Alpine always used to be the top end for mainstream car stereo.

That was a long time ago, and they're now about the same as any other well known brand, IMO

 

Alpine have always been the top of the "usual suspects" for me.

Sony feel cheap and broke, Panasonic didn't have the spec, Kenwood were cheap and small spec .. Alpine tend to be built well, and have the functions I need.

I'm not enough of an audiophile to justify a Nakamichi.

 

I wanted time correction and ipod or hard drive support when I upgraded my Alpine head unit recently - only Alpine offered a credible, reasonably priced replacement.

 

I have a couple of Pioneer units with incorporated satnav. No complaints sofar

 

Alpine were the first to have a simple, plug in, interface that worked with the dash controls. Simple as that.

 

Yes I beleive it is more to do with retaining the OEM dash functions.

I'm now in a similar position, I'm just about to change from the standard unit to something else with Ipod connectivity, I've been looking at the Alpine IDA-X305 but I am unsure of what else I need, I definately don't want the Modifry DCI as it's far too expensive, but wondering what I need to retain dash functions and radio antenna as I read somewhere an ariel adaptor is required.

It really would make my day if someone could say, right JP, you need Autoleads PC.... such and such and this and this and this and you can begin tearing up your dash

 

JP :
http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/vehicle-in...47_720_763.html

and
http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/aeri...or-p-4054.html

 

I always used to use Kenwood head units until i got my XDA-100. Sounds much nicer IMO. If you can get a listen to the different HU's you are thinking of - admittedly they will not sound the same as in the car, but you should hear the differences between the differing units. What suits one person might well sound naff to another.

 

Bibbs thanks pal, I take it the incartec dash controls and Autoleads are much the same? Do I still just buy the Autoleads S2000 harness as well?